2005 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In anticipation of a redesign in 2006, Volkswagen made few changes to the Passat sedans and wagons for 2005, other than dropping the...
In anticipation of a redesign in 2006, Volkswagen made few changes to the Passat sedans and wagons for 2005, other than dropping the top-of-the-line 8-cylinder W8 and moving a few standard features around a little.
The entry-level Passat GL trim package was vailable with either a standard 1.8-liter, 170-hp 4-cylinder gas engine or the 2.0-liter, 134-hp 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel (TDI) engine, which was introduced in 2004. Stepping up a notch, the GLS was also available with either the 4-cylinder gas or the 4-cylinder diesel engine. The top-of-the-line Passat for 2005 was the GLX, which came with a 2.8-liter, 190-hp V6 engine.
As far as transmissions were concerned, a five-speed manual was standard in the GL and GLS gas engine Passats as well as in the GLX, while a five-speed automatic was matched with the GL and GLS diesels. The automatic was available as an option on the models that came standard with a manual transmission.
Standard features for the Passat GL included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, traction control, front and side airbags, and an audio system with cassette and CD players. The GLS added a sunroof and alloy wheels, while the GLX added leather seats, which were heated in the front, among other features. VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system was available on certain GLS and GLX models.
Overall, drivers' impressions of the 2005 Volkswagen were favorable, with the car's handling, power/performance, safety features and fuel economy being cited as positive points. However, quality issues crept in again, with some drivers noting that their cars required frequent and expensive repairs.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat generally express a positive sentiment about the car, praising its performance, comfort, and fuel economy. Many appreciate its spacious interior and stylish design. However, some owners have reported high repair costs for minor issues, which can be a downside. Despite this, the reliability and exhilarating driving experience stand out as key highlights."
Love, love, love this car. The only downside is that after 115K+ miles the small repairs are ridiculously priced. A simple sensor for my door lock costs well over $500 to repair. Yikes! Up until this point, very minimal repairs and maintenance were needed. Would highly recommend and purchase again.
February 7, 2014Loved how much space I had! Parking is very easy also! The heated seats warm up fast (good for the arctic Minnesota winters!). I am always the one driving because everyone loves how much space and how comfortable the Passat is! I had no blind spots and it handles extremely well. Love zipping around in this car!
September 25, 2014This car is great on gas, it's a mid-size sedan that offers a lot of space! The acceleration is pretty impressive and it handles very well. A very good looking car, fun to drive with good visibility. Repair costs are on the higher hand but these cars require really few repairs, they're really well built and the gas mileage is really good. Overall, this car can pack up the miles better than most other cars of its category!
January 5, 2015What owners say
Love, love, love this car. The only downside is that after 115K+ miles the small repairs are ridiculously priced. A simple sensor for my door lock costs well over $500 to repair. Yikes! Up until this point, very minimal repairs and maintenance were needed. Would highly recommend and purchase again.
February 7, 2014Loved how much space I had! Parking is very easy also! The heated seats warm up fast (good for the arctic Minnesota winters!). I am always the one driving because everyone loves how much space and how comfortable the Passat is! I had no blind spots and it handles extremely well. Love zipping around in this car!
September 25, 2014This car is great on gas, it's a mid-size sedan that offers a lot of space! The acceleration is pretty impressive and it handles very well. A very good looking car, fun to drive with good visibility. Repair costs are on the higher hand but these cars require really few repairs, they're really well built and the gas mileage is really good. Overall, this car can pack up the miles better than most other cars of its category!
January 5, 2015It's a Diesel!! What more can I say about 40 mpg every week! With the Turbo Lag I can pass people easily without losing too much fuel efficiency. Cost of ownership is great - minimal repairs, just regular maintenance. Very fun to drive especially with the Triptronic shifter I can pretend I have a Manual transmission and shift back to Automatic whenever I want!
October 24, 2008Its fast and drives and handles nicely. it corners with precision on winding roads. The styling of this car is very nice. Although the inside is more classy the outside is sporty and sophisticated. This is a really fun car.
August 25, 2009On this car VW had done some nice improvements. The car was 99% flawless for the 50.000 km I drove it. The only issue was the GPS system. Both the antenna and the navigation unit had to be changed. (antenna twice). The interior was nice, the engine performance superb, and the 4x4 system was Audi quality! Good seats, fresh performance and plenty of space.
January 15, 2008Good looking sedan, excellent on gas, or diesel. Considering that it's a TDI, it's got more power than I expected when I bought it. Braking could be a little better but it can pass, where as handling is pretty good. Gotta love how ESP does it's job when u lose control on snow, or wet surface. So far haven't had any problems with it. Had to change light bulbs a couple of times. Love how it keeps its value. Overall a very good car. Recommend it to anyone!
January 15, 2008I enjoy driving this car and really like the fuel economy. I was used to an SUV so it was odd to be closer to the ground at first. But there is just as much space to carry my stuff around in.
May 13, 2015Me and my son drive it.Great car, driving it without any issues .
July 23, 2024first VW to own. Decent car, good mileage, avg 7.0 to 7.5 liter per 100kms.
June 24, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $23,975 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $31,405 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,745 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $23,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,275 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $30,405 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,275 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,975 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,230 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $34,230 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
