2005 Volkswagen Passat Review
Price Estimate:Â $852 - $1,324





+37
Volkswagen Passat model years
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.
For sale near Lake Orion, MI
12 listings
- 72,657 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Panorama Motors (25 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Livonia, MI
Panorama Motors Sales 35085 Plymouth Rd Livonia, MI 48150 7**-7**-4*** This is a California, Virginia, 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS, with clean title an...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWCD63B45E136353
Stock: 2823
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-13-2025- 51,335 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Premier Auto Works (241 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
Close
Located in Alsip, IL
Power Door Locks, Air Conditioning, CD/MP3 (Single Disc), Dual Air Bags, FWD, Power Steering, Cruise Control, Side Air Bags, Premium Sound, AM/FM Ste...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWRU63B15E058138
Stock: 16257
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-11-2025
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 $4.21 per gallon for premium unleaded in Michigan.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$228/mo  for Passat GL 1.8T
Passat GL 1.8T
vs
$163/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Volkswagen Passat Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(69%)
4(18%)
3(5%)
2(7%)
1(1%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2005 Passat
5 out of 5 starsdrcar1, 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.
Very Fine Automobile
5 out of 5 starsDennis 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.
There is a reason for the short warranty
3.25 out of 5 starsBill, 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.
2005 TDI Passat Wagon
4.75 out of 5 starsSteve, 06/29/2006
2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
I love this car except for an experience last winter. I live in a cold enviroment. I was told the car would always start before I bought it. At minus 10, sitting outside, the car would not start. I had to have it towed to the nearest dealership. Once it warmed up it started without a problem. Everything checked out to be working correctly. I would not take the car back without an … external heating device installed. The dealer put on a oil pan heater. VW Corp was contacted and asked to cover the installation. They declined to do so! I was told they would rather pay for a tow each time. What an inconvience for me. I was displeased with the customer service deptartment.
2005 Passat Highlights
Sedan
GL 1.8T
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,070 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/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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