2005 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

So far so good

Written by: djfllmn on 05/29/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

My dad purchased this car in Feb. of 2009 on the same day that I got my 2003 Ranger. I've never been much for German cars, but I'm slowly starting to like them. I read all of the reviews that mention the sludge problem. They don't change their oil frequent enough. It should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles and you will be good to go.

Favorite Features

Sound system, power when turbo kicks in, shifter is awesome

Suggested Improvements

make it easier to change oil, solve the horrible torque steer when you jump on the gas in 1st or 2nd gear

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Really Durable with V6 and manual.

Written by: VWall the time on 04/13/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is my 2nd Passat; 1999 V6 5-speed Sedan was amazing for 10 years and 140k miles. Despite hard use, reliability was excellent(6,000+ revs common; 50/50 highway/backroads; fast cornering; some rough roads; stored for long periods). The timing belt was expensive, replaced radiator at the same time since front of the car has to be dismantled. Also had to replace control arms/bushings and CV joints. Valve cover gasket prone to leaking. Cracked oil pan 2x on steep driveways/bumps (likely somewhat my fault due to 1/2-inch lower European suspension springs). AC conked out in year 9. Still has original clutch. My other cars are BMW M3s which I race - but can't sell VW, I like it too much!

Favorite Features

Handling, comfort, roomy trunk. Excellent reliability given usage. I have stock car except for European Sport Springs.

Suggested Improvements

Better access for repairs to reduce high repair labor hours. Make European suspension a USA option.

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love mpg, hate electronic issues

Written by: CAgirl on 03/11/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I have had this car for 4 years and I have had some issues with the dash mpg display, when the car is hot it's half faded, the light doesn't come on when I open the door - I have to wack it to get it on and the lights for the temp controls don't come on anymore. I have taken it in to complain about it but each time the techs tell me it was working fine for them,fog lights and headlights burnout fast. I do love the fuel efficiency, I average 37 mpg on the freeway which is great on the wallet. Leather seats little uncomfortable during a long drive. My daughter kicked off the ashtray and elec plug cover with her legs due to center carseat position. I think this will be my last passat.

Favorite Features

Love the mpg!!

Suggested Improvements

work on electrical issues, too many electrical things going wrong on this car. Get rid of ashtray and plug on center console. Oh, hate the dial you have to turn to move the seat back - talk about dangerous while driving!

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Maybe I should have let it burn.

Written by: New Milford on 03/04/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Bought the car as a leftover. Within 2000 miles coil pack burned out. Fire self-extinguished. 3 out of 4 Continental tires had tread separation. Transmission failed at 64,000. (VW ate approx $4,000.00 of cost, we paid about $1,000.00) The car is extremely expensive to maintain. New timing belt, waterpump, belt tensioner, thermostat. Cost: over $1100.00.

Favorite Features

Very comfortable car to drive, heated seats are tremendous. AWD is terrific in snow and rain.

Suggested Improvements

VW has some very poor design issues. For instance, timing belt should be replaced with a chain. Otherwise, make it easier to replace the belt without having to remove most of the front to the car!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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TDI Passat is fantastic

Written by: Scott M on 02/01/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GL TDI Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

Review

I have owned many VWs. GTIs, Rabbits, Busses and Cabrios. I bought the TDI Passat as a knee jerk reaction to the fuel crisis of 08. Let me just say this is my favorite VW of all. We dumped a Ford Expedition to get this and I only lost maybe 25% usable space. I get 28-35 MPG in the city and 38 on long highway trips. The first thing I did when I bought it was have the software reflashed with an Upsolute package for $450. I now have 50 more ft/lbs of torque and 30 more HP. Undetectable by the dealer, doesn't affect reliability, huge difference on the road. Best $450 you will ever spend. If you want a solid family sized car that is fun to drive that looks good and gets good mileage...Passat TDI!

Favorite Features

Solid road feel. Solid build quality. Nobody does interiors better than VW/Audi even on the low cost trim levels. Fuel economy is great. The upgraded power (300 lb/ft of torque!) is great fun. Good looking exterior. Do tint the windows.

Suggested Improvements

Some interior plastic trim can discolor. Reliability is not VW's strong suit. This car has been great so far. Time will tell. I have a feeling they got it right with the 05 TDI. The motors supposedly last for a very long time.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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no longer a vw lifer

Written by: nyc owner on 01/08/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Had VWs since I was 16 and loved them all. Grew up, made some money, and went upscale. I loved this car a lot when I bought it. It's no tin can, its a solid car (reminded me of a Mercedes) with a smooth ride. So why did they cheap out on the interior with all the plastic? Then there was the overall durability. Seems that the car can't handle it's own weight, and the NYC streets killed the tires and axles. Also, the engine strained to get the behemoth moving, and I learned fast that it did not stop on a dime like a Jetta. Then, the problems. Annoying rattle in dash that VW refused to fix after 3rd attempt, Then the car's 4 faulty ignition coils, ea caused separate trips to dealer

Favorite Features

Solid feel, smooth ride, looks

Suggested Improvements

VW has an obvious adversarial relationship w/ the dealers. The place I purchased my car from dropped the vw line. Service agents beg you to give them 5's on a survey administered by vw. VW policy is usually unfavorable to owners, and when you react by giving low review, dealers get upset. DUMB!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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German quality is gone for good

Written by: sayNOtoVW on 01/08/2009

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Was fun in the beginning. Now that the sludge problem (well known by VW, but denied - google the internet) has manifested itself the car is only driven when i know someone can come pick me up when it breaks down. After $7000 in engine repairs (all routine maintenance done on schedule by VW dealers) the car is running again but it took three trips back to the dealer to get everything fixed. "Sorry", "out of warranty", "haven't seen this problem in the 2005's are just a few of the things said by VW America and dealer. I'll never buy VW and would not recommend to anyone.

Favorite Features

styling

Suggested Improvements

Admit your well documented,engineering problems and provide repairs and corrective actions for your customers (even if the warranty is expired) before you loose all of them.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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No Problems-Love it

Written by: caz on 09/15/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my 2nd Passat; I had an 03 as well and both were purchased new. I've never had any issues with either of them. The 1st had 97K on it when I sold it, my current has 80K. I'm considering waiting for the new Passat CC to come out. I prefer German cars over Japanese.

Favorite Features

Fit and finish; fun to drive; AWD is great in Wisconsin snow!

Suggested Improvements

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Loved it & now hate it

Written by: thomasz on 08/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

We bought it after our 01 passat starting having problems (bottom pan fell off while on the hwy). The car is great when you do not have any issues. Our passat has been in service for repairs 12 times or more in 3 years. 4 of them I needed to be towed. Had fuel system problems, a/c went out twice (we live in Texas), check engine light blinked several times totally disabling the car (once over x-mas holiday), replaced rear axle beam due to old one bending, & now the oil pressure light came on and showing signs of sludging (found out that sludging is a big problem with the 1.8T engines) and might have to replace engine. We have drove across USA with it and it is unreliable on any type of trip.

Favorite Features

Good handling, sporty, fast, and feels great @ high speeds. Just do not trust it after the mfg warranty expires. Definitely but extended warranty if you buy one, it will save you thousands of dollars. Gas mileage very good, I get 28-33 mpg/hwy. City 20-24 mpg. VW does care about you after you sign!

Suggested Improvements

VW needs to be responsible for all the ongoing problems with the 1.8t engine an no play stupid when the issues occur. They are well aware of all the problems these engines have.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I don't like it.

Written by: Dissatisfied on 07/15/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

We bought our Passat new in 2005. Within 3 months plastic pieces began to break. We have stopped having them repaired because the new parts also break. We have had the front tires blow out twice because the car won't hold an alignment. The trunk lid has become so stiff that my wife is not able to open the trunk. Now the car is in the shop with excessive sludge buildup after we used VW for most if not all oil change service. This car has been worse quality than any other car I have ever owned.

Favorite Features

None now. My wife used to like the styling.

Suggested Improvements

Build the car to last. Where is the famous German engineering.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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