Used 2005 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Consumer Reviews
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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)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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.
2005 Passat GLX Wagon Experience
ZoomZoom718, 05/06/2006
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
After looking at a variety of upscale wagons (Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar X-Type, Volvo, Audi, and VW Passat), we chose the VW. The Passat handles well, accelerates smoothly and the interior appointments are on par with the finest luxury wagons. The heated leather seats are incredibly comfortable. Its cargo space is more than adequate for shopping trips or travel. The rear passenger seating and leg room are great and you can actually fit three adults in the backseat. The GLX trim comes with a Monsoon stereo system that puts the Bose system we had in our former car to shame.
2005 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,450339 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,950910 mi away
- GLS TDI Diesel SedanMSRP: $5,9951,128 mi away
See all 4 listings
Fine, Fine Automobile.
Goodman, 02/17/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I am startled by reports about the Audi A6 wagon being the superior machine to the Passat Wagon. In fact, the entire VW Passat wagon, except for the cast iron engine block and lovely design is not similar to, but actually identical in every respect to the Audi. The Audi service manager told me that. So take a tip and think of the Passat to save yourself thousands of dollars.
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS
skip, 09/07/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 2005 Volkswagen Passat has a great ride. We have the 4Motion GLS model and we are pleased with the whole car, but wish the gas milage was better than 27 to 28 miles to gallon highway, but for an all wheel drive it's fair on gas.
Junk
Bud, 12/15/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Do not buy the Volkswagen Passat. I've owned mine for ten months now and it's been in and out of the dealership for a total of about two months. My problems started three months after I bought this car. I'm plagued with electrical problems and powertrain problems. The dealership and Volkswagen say there is nothing wrong with my car, yet I have to take it back at least once a month because it doesn't run. When I ask about them taking this lemon off my hands both the dealer and VW tell me to take a hike. I am fed up and wouldn't wish this auto on my worst enemy. Whatever you do, do not buy a VW. Save your money and sanity and buy something else!
Get out of your SUV!
LP, 06/02/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I recently downscaled from an Infiniti QX56, a luxurious, massive, gas guzzling beauty to a wagon? That's right! Gas is now outrageously expensive and this wagon fit the bill. Almost as much cargo capacity as many SUV's! The Passat Wagon has awesome curb appeal and style, great gas mileage, and all of this for low 20K's!! The 4cyl turbo engine is surprisingly peppy, fun to drive and one of the quietest cars I've ever owned. I love the "leatherette" seats...I have two small children and these things clean up great. Both the heat and a/c are VERY strong! Great job VW! This is an Audi A4 wagon w/o the sticker shock! Awesome choice over a minivan - you know what I'm talking about guys!
Great in the snow
Nancy Gause, 03/23/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Passat wagon, the all wheel drive is fantastic! This was a tough winter on Maine and the Passat was like a tractor when the going got bad.
Maybe I should have let it burn.
New Milford, 03/04/2009
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Really Durable with V6 and manual.
VWall the time, 04/13/2009
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
I just love VW Passat Wagons!
Kathleen, 01/08/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very pleased with long distance driving and riding in our Volkswagen Passat Wagon! The seats are very comfortable on the lower back. It has plenty of room for back seat passengers and lots of trunk space. It has a very quiet cabin and at 75 mph you feel as though you're going 45 mph. It also has a great stereo system. I love the heated front seats! City driving is equally pleasing. We had a 2002 Passat Wagon before getting a 2005. We love the product and will be getting a 2008 in the future! Go and get it....you won't be disappointed. It has a nice solid design and well made construction! I love those German cars, they have great craftmanship!
Why doesn't everybody buy one?
Jerry Rosen, 04/11/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2004 Passat 1.8 turbo wagon with manual transmission. This is the perfect car. It has pleasing European design, as oppossed to those cookie cutter Japanese and US cars. The interior is of very high quality - on par with cars that are $10,000 more and it is very fun to drive. The low end torque, that is a trademark of VWs, makes the car exciting to drive around town and downshifting really causes the car to "blast." It holds the road superbly. I recently drove from Los Angeles to Pheonix in a blinding rain storm the entire way. Nonetheless I drove my usual speed and made the trip in 6 hours. It has a huge trunk and gets 30 mpg on the freeway. This is a great car. Buy one now.
Problems WIth The Passat 1.8T
p. augusta, 11/05/2004
2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The vehicle has been in and out of the shop 4 times for electrical problems, and now has to have the engine replaced because of a sludge issue. The engine runs very hot so oil sludge in the engine is a common problem for the 1.8T model (Audi or VW). Steer clear of this car! !
Best Car that has ever been built
.Larry Golin, 03/19/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car drives like a Mercedes. I holds the road like glue and it is very smooth. The four cylinder turbo acts like its a 6 with remarkable pick up on the highway and plenty of room for packing things. It has very comfortable heated seats with several adjustments for lumbar support. Both front windows roll up and down with a touch of a button once and all the windows go up or down using the outside key. The workmanship is solid.
My VW
Betty, 04/24/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had problems with the skid plate on this car. Problems may have been related to excessive snow this winter. Board is flimsy and expensive to replace. Takes high test fuel which is very expensive. If something drops on floor and rolls under seat, very difficult to reach under the seat. Front bumper low to ground, can easily hit curb or snow bank and easily become damaged. Ride is very smooth. No major problems, just expensive to maintain. Had problem with headlights. During one year I replaced 3 headlights.
Passat
Lise Waugh, 12/15/2004
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
handles crowds really well. Switches to standard gearing on the fly allowing you to cut through traffic without any concern. Access to rear storage area is easy for kids in back seat by just opening a "tunnel" to get their stuff out. Love this car. VW for life.
Excellent Value
peony, 11/15/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
So far so good! My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion has very nice handling for a non-sport wagon and is much quieter than my old Subaru Outback. It also has a smoother ride and a way higher level of interior comfort.
Solid Performer
FrankB, 12/23/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T is an excellent all around alternative to a minivan. It performs like a sports sedan. It has good leg and head room and great rear cargo space. The 5-speed manual transmission is fun to drive.
Excited about driving again
Big man happy, 11/05/2004
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last June 04, not too sure what to think about having a grocery getter. I had Honda Civic which was too small (64 frame, plus new baby), so I had nothing to lose. The room inside is much bigger than I thought; it can hold five adults comfortably with no lag on the turbo/engine. The back end is ideal for when my wife goes shopping, now she can buy more. I wish I ordered it with the bigger wheels and engine. Overall it's a car that I can trust in going up to Michigan(coming from VA) in the winter or load it up for the beach.
36 miles per gallon in the city
Sam, 03/22/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've never driven a diesel powered automobile before, but after a few months of driving my Passat TDI I have to say "I love it." Most if not all of the reviews I read before I purchased the car have been very accurate. Although I'm paying a premium for diesel fuel ($2.20 per gal.) it's nice to know I'm averaging a little over 36 miles to the gallon (36.4 in the city). I can't think of anything bad to say about the car...the engine is a little bit louder in idle and not every gas station carries diesel fuel. Other than that...the car is wonderful!
Take a look at the Passat wagon
rcassizzi, 07/30/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After considering and test driving the Volvo V50, I ended up with the Passat GLX with 4 motion. Not only was the ride more fun, with faster pick up, the interior has more cargo space, and to me, has more quality materials. The Passat feels solid on the road, and has clean, classic style.
Awesome wagon
Michael, 11/01/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This wagon is a blast to drive - it gets 4-cylinder gas mileage when you want it and has turbo power when you need it. It has lots of cargo space and comfortable seating for 5 passengers.
Great little car and fun to drive
Otto, 12/05/2005
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very happy with my Passat wagon. It is nimble and a blast to drive thanks to great handling. The turbo motor lacks low end torque, but once you put your foot into it, the car has enough power to get you in and out of trouble. Its highway mileage is also a real plus, but the 91 octane requirement means you need premium fuel. It has good cargo room for its class and the high roof helps out here. The fit and finish are also very good. The interior is austere but very well done, but the glovebox is the only real storage space.
Can VW succeed with the Pheaton ?
VW Out to Lunch, 10/25/2004
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is pleasant to drive. The big problem is that VW and their dealers do not seem to be on the same page when it comes to important things like what kind of oil to use for oil changes. The owners manual and VW say to ONLY use 5w40 oil which meets VW's 502.00 standard. That means a synthetic oil. Dealers appearently are tying to not give customers sticker shock on oil changes because they all use conventional motor oil on the order of 5w30 or 10w40. VW has recently issued an 8 year extended warranty for many VW's with the 1.8 turbo gas engine yet they don't seem to be able to convince their dealers to use the very oil that they, VW, says to owners is so very important. Go figure.