2005 Volkswagen Passat Review
2005 Volkswagen Passat Review
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Used Passat for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen Passat model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$241/mo for Passat GL 1.8T
Passat GL 1.8T
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
5 star(69%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(1%)
169 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2005 Passat
drcar1, 04/23/2012
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
To be honest I haven't had any problems with my 2005 VW.
It has worked great, it is fun to drive maybe too fun....I get a lot of speeding tickets in it and I've been pulled over several times going like 5-10 over so maybe it looks fast too!? As for everything else I get regular inspections on the car and it works great.
Just have to take car of it.
Take it to the dealership at least once … a year to run diagnostics and you're good to go.
5 out of 5 stars
Very Fine Automobile
Dennis J, 11/29/2015
2005 Volkswagen Passat GL TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
I bought my 2005 GLS TDI new after test driving a base gas model. At the time, the gas and diesel models were the same price, the diesel mileage was far superior, and the cost of diesel was quite a bit less than gasoline so this was a no-brainer. Now, diesel is often more expensive than gasoline, and sometimes even 15-20% more, so the diesel advantage is not what it once was. Still, I … like being able to go almost 600 miles on a fillup, and I love the power, reliability and longevity of this engine. I have 175,000 miles on my Passat and have not had a single repair bill outside of scheduled maintenance. The most expensive maintenance is the timing belt replacement every 80-100K miles. The car has excellent pickup, not as peppy as the gasoline Passat, but much better than most cars that I've driven, including V8s. The 10,000 mile interval for the synthetic oil change offsets the higher costs associated with changing the oil. This service, like most, is best performed by the owner, the dealer, or a shop specializing in German autos. Maintenance costs are slightly more expensive and servicing establishments more limited than Japanese, American, Korean or other cars, but the Passat spends very little time in the shop. I think that this has been an extremely economical car, but it drives as well or better than cars costing quite a bit more to purchase or maintain.
3.25 out of 5 stars
There is a reason for the short warranty
Bill, 10/21/2009
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
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.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Great Car But.....
jtmma, 06/22/2013
2005 Volkswagen Passat GL TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Purchased this car in 2010 with 67,000KM from VW as a pre-owned certified vehicle with a 40,000KM or 2 year bumper to bumper warranty. It has been exceptional for me during this time. I am now at 200,000KM and have serviced it regularly as required. I still enjoy the drive as I commute up to 2-3 hours daily doing sales.
However, just had a major recent issue. My transmission quit … completely out of nowhere. It is a self sealed unit and very difficult to service, nor does it say it requires any routine maintenance. This is a $4500 issue to get a factory repaired/replaced transmission from VW. Luckily I had a friend who rebuilt and swapped it for considerably less.
2005 Passat Highlights
Sedan
GL 1.8T
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,070 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $241/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Passat include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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