2005 Volkswagen Passat Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 27 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its fun-to-drive character, upscale interior and wide range of features, the Passat is one of our favorite midsize sedans and wagons. Don't buy your next family car without driving one of these first.
Pros
Better handling dynamics than most sedans in its class, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive, unique diesel engine option.
Cons
Upper-level models are expensive compared to Japanese rivals, less rear-seat room and storage than competitors, V6 is down on power.
What's New for 2005
The top-of-the-line W8 model has been discontinued. The GLX loses its standard telematics system. New 16-inch "Rockstar" alloy wheels are standard on the GLS (in place of the former 15s), and new 17-inch "Bistar" alloys are optional on the GLS and GLX.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Test Drove them ALL - VW Wins
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
This is the first new car my wife and I ever bought. As it is 'her' car, I had her test drive every possible car on the market, from GM's to BMW's. Family to sports cars. She said she wanted the VW Passat TDI. I went with her and took it for a drive. Roomy and handles like a sports car. Excellent brakes, excellent everything. Now have 100k on the car and not even a hint of anything wrong. We will keep this one until we can't drive any longer.....in about 20 years!!
Favorite Features
Lots of power on the highway, great fuel economy +45 miles/gallon and that's at 85 miles/hour on the 4-lane highway! (yes, the rest of traffic was doing the same). Excellent handling, gorgeous interior lights at night.
Suggested Improvements
Move the arm rest forward about 3 inches and have it adjustable for different height of drivers. Power seats would have been a nice option in the TDI version.
There is a reason for the short warranty
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
I purchased 2 used VW prior. No issues with them. Finally got my brand new wagon. Love the performance and style. Hate all the issues. I am selling it and not sure what the replacement will be. I have spent more money out of pocket in 4 years on this car than my 10 year old Ford Taurus... by a lot. If VW extended its warranty greater than 36 months, the company would go under with the extra cost. I have contacted VW of America several times and my complaints fell on deaf ears. If you are reviewing for potentially buying a VW, don't buy one.
Favorite Features
Love the room of the wagon. I can not count how many times I have filled it. Love the performance and mileage of the 1.8T. The car enjoys corners. With the black and 17 inch spoke wheels, the car is shape sitting still. I have done several 12 hour road trips and could have drove longer.
Suggested Improvements
Too many problems. Oil sludge that was not covered under warranty. 2 coil packs failed during a cold October night driving home with the kids... under warranty but still a headache. A couple electrical issues. Window pin fell out $200 fix. Noise in the front end the Tech can not find.
Disappointed in my Passat
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I cannot wait to squirrel away enough money to replace my car, with a non-VW model. I used to be that person that would defend VW and my car selection, but no more. After three recalls, multiple ignition coils going out, faulty electronics and the bottom panel of my car falling out on the freeway, I am done with this car. Not to mention it is a boring sedan. There is nothing outstanding about this car, aside from my repair bills.
Favorite Features
Decent gas mileage, features of the car were fun four years ago when I purchased the car. Ample cargo space.
Suggested Improvements
How about build a car that doesn't cause me constant angst and headache? Volkswagens are affordable automobiles to purchase, but it is evident why. The cost to repair (of which the repairs are frequent) more than makes up for the difference.
So far, so good
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
This little guy keeps on going. I love the styling, comfort(with a "c" not a "k"), gas mileage, interior room. I looked at a BMW before I purchased this and it definitely had more bells and whistles. I LOVE the heated seats. The ride is comfortable. It has it's issues, but they have been covered under the warranty. Fun to drive!
Favorite Features
All the perks like heated seats, moonroof, windows that all go up with the twist of the key, the knob to adjust the seat recline(which you should not do while you are driving!), garage door opener and all the interior space.
Suggested Improvements
Work on the quality. I would buy VW's again and again if they would just be reliable. I hate to say it, but I am trading in at 50k, and I'll miss it!
Solid Car so Far.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
So far this diesel has been an unbelievable purchase. I wanted to give it a month or so before I reported on anything. I bought the car used with 122 000 KMS on it. I had the timing belt replaced as well as the transmission oil changed and a new fuel filter so there would be know surprizes. I gotta tell anybody who is reading these reviews.....everything I have read about this Passat TDI is bang on correct. This is the smoothest car I have ever driven, very similar to the Audi A4, excellent on fuel, just PURE enjoyable. I am averaging 45 miles to the gallon or 6.4L/100KMS and better on long trips. I have now owned 5 diesels this is the best so far.
Favorite Features
Fuel Mileage, interior lighting, Tiptronic Transmission and POWER OH the POWER. For a diesel this thing can Haul. 134 H/P 247 foot pounds of torque...WOW. This will give the 09's a run for their money.
Suggested Improvements
Power Seats and controls for radio on the steering column is all that is missing on this car. Make the arm rest move about 4 more inches forward.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2005 Volkswagen Passat
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
