Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
19 -27 City / 26 -38 HWY
Horsepower
134 -190
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Christie M
Classy small car with lots of zip!
I love my VW Passat. It is a small car, but it has a deep trunk and very comfortable seating. Although small, the car has a lot of zip, and can easily stand its own when driven in heavy traffic. Parking is easy due to its smaller size. It's a very comfortable and stylish ride. The design of the car feels much roomier on the inside than it appears in the exterior. I also enjoy the sunroof and the radio has great sound. I would buy another Passat, and recommend one to anyone in the market for a new car. This is the second one we have owned, and we do plan on purchasing another.
accountCircle Samantha D
It is excellent on gas but it needs premium.
It is really good on gas. It is reliable and roomy. I do not like the fact that it is an older model. It has a lot of miles on it too.
accountCircle Edna Y
I wish I owned a 2019 car!
I love my car it is great running, low mileage, needs Freon though,, would buy another Volkswagen, however its expensive to repair and maintain, have no more to say but wish it was a new Volkswagen, love them, can't afford a new Volkswagen, unless it is a gift from. Volkswagen.
accountCircle Laurie L
Good car for the most part.
Car runs great. Has excellent pick up. Definitely feel safe driving it. Handles very well at high speeds and corners well too. Gas mileage could be better, and found a lot of moisture gets in somehow, even with all the windows up, and sunroof closed.
accountCircle Ben H
Check brake pads and make sure you change the oil.
It is very dependable. It is luxurious for it is age. It has very comfortable seats and the sunroof is nice.
accountCircle michele B
THE VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL PASSAT SUV IS VERSATILE AND RELIABLE
It has a long lasting diesel engine, meaning less repairs. It gets 39 or 40 mpg and has needed only minor maintenance and no major repairs. My only complaint is sometimes the right front door lock does not unlock, but a reset gets it working again.
accountCircle Scott C
It gets GREAT gas mileage! And is very efficient in hauling cargo.
I like the size of the interior and the great fuel mileage. I have no dislikes or complaints.
accountCircle Fred G
The in's and outs of ownership over one year.
Rack and pinion failure around 150k miles. Various issues involving abs communication with abs module. 2.8l 30 valve fairly reliable engine. Recall on seat warmers. 4 wheel drive system very touchy on snow during acceleration with traction control not enabled (traction control disabled by abs system issues).

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Lillian D
My Volkswagen is a greenish grey color with dark tinted windows.
My car is a 2005 so that is pretty old. Being a college student I do not drive my car very often because everything need to get to is within walking distance on my campus. My car has had issues into past that my dad has helped fix such as the interior decor was coming off, the window buttons do not work, some doors do not lock and things tend to rattle somewhere inside.
accountCircle Jessica W
2005 Passat in Chicago low on Features but high on practicality
It serves my purpose and is a very common car in my area. Does Not attract attention in the city. I like the extended arm rest on the middle console but wish we had more current bells and whistles. The CD player is a real pain and not being able to talk on the phone over the car would be nice. But again, it's nice to not have to worry about parking on The street IN Chicago.
accountCircle Rachel J
It's a big and comfortable car
I like the size and the comfort but don't like the age of the vehicle
accountCircle Norma G
I like that it is good on gas. I also, like that even though it is old, the style still looks good. I don't like that I have problems with lights going on when there is nothing wrong.
Others should know that even though the lights that read STOP CHECK OIL PRESSURE! There is nothing wrong with the oil pressure, I have had it checked.
accountCircle Jennifer B
It's nice and compact. It is easy to steer and doesn't use doesn't use a lot of gas. It is an older model and the seats are a little uncomfortable.
It is easy to maneuver and it doesn't use a lot of gas.
accountCircle Michelle K
I do like having a moonroof and that it gets me from point A to point B.
I bought my vehicle used. Didn't know it had an oil leak and I continue to get it fixed and it is on problem after the next. I am done putting lots of money into it just making sure I add in oil and water when needed. I plan on keeping it just a little longer (2 years tops) and get another vehicle.
accountCircle Maria V
The needs to get fix the muffler because it makes a loud noise.
Waste to much gas and need to fix something’s like the muffler brakes and do some tune ups and need to fix the passenger window.
accountCircle Rachel S
It is trustworthy if it is in good condition.
It has its usual problems for the age of the car but I like the size and style. The truck size works for my lifestyle of kids and dogs.

Volkswagen Passat Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
GL Sedan
134 HP 33-33 MPG 5 Seats
car
GL Wagon
134 HP 33-33 MPG 5 Seats
car
GLS Sedan
170 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
GLS Wagon
170 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
GLX Sedan
190 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
car
GLX Wagon
190 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2005 Volkswagen Passat Owner Reviews

3.94
31 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 23%
4 stars 48%
3 stars 29%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Nina V on March 4, 2021
Great for a 2005, want newer model.
I enjoy my car because of the leather interior that is easy to clean. It does get very hot in the summer though because it is black. I like having control over the seat warmer temperature. Although in recent times, since it has made many trips to and from Colorado and Iowa, it has gotten some stalking problems.
accountCircle Maria V on January 10, 2021
The needs to get fix the muffler because it makes a loud noise.
Waste to much gas and need to fix something’s like the muffler brakes and do some tune ups and need to fix the passenger window.

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Veronica B.

For a car that is fifteen years old, it feels like it has a lot of newer features that I really like - heated seats, radio controls on the steering column, sunroof. It also clearly has a good longevity, as it is still running great all these years later, which is really important to me in a car.

likeFilled Ernestine M.

Easy to drive, good braking system, plenty of air bags overall very comfortable. Air control in the cabin and able to direct air for passengers music system Bose is great. I enjoy the smooth ride and control. Braking system has been working for years with just the usual maintainability.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Veronica B.

Repairs have been more expensive for this car than for other makes that I have owned. I bought it used, and so it naturally needed some work, and I have paid almost as much to repair the brakes and shocks as I paid for the car itself. I would rather have a car with a low maintenance cost.

dislikeFilled Ernestine M.

The car was just wonderful and I would buy another VW Passat when the time comes. This car has lasted many years without problems and still looks good throughout the years, the motor still runs good with good miles to it.

Ranks #12 Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2005 Volkswagen Passat has an average owner rating of 3.94 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 14 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
4.37
2
car
4.32
12
car
3.94

Ranks #5 Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2005 Volkswagen Passat has a combined MPG of 30 which ranks it #5 of 15 other Midsize Cars.

1
car
34 MPG
2
car
34 MPG
5
Tie
car
38 MPG

Is The 2005 Volkswagen Passat A Good Car?

Very good car with a good smooth ride, comfortable seats, quality control air, moon roof and nice full windows.
Ernestine m.
It is a great vehicle. Dependable, and great gas mileage. Comfortable and plenty of room for kids, groceries and other stuff!
Jessica S.

How Reliable Is The 2005 Volkswagen Passat?

A very reliable car and has lasted for many years with little repairs. Low maintenance with yearly check ups.
Ernestine m.
Very reliable, the only issue is finding a repair shop who will work on a VW is hard. Not to mention the parts and labor for repairing a VW is pricey.
Jessica S.

Is The 2005 Volkswagen Passat A Good Value?

Market value for the 2005 is at least $3,000 if it is in good condition, no accidents and working controls.
Ernestine m.
I purchased my vehicle over a year ago for 1,700 dollars. It was an excellent value for a car in good to great shape. It also only had 110,000 miles when we bought it.
Jessica S.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2005 VW Passat TDI transmission fluid type?

Answer: As transmissions are some of the most expensive components to replace in most vehicles, it's important that You use the proper recommended transmission fluid in any car. Specific to Your 2005 Volkswagen Passat...

What kind of oil does the 2005 VW Passat use?

Answer: The recommended oil type on the 2005 Volkswagen Passat iS5W-40 or 5W-30. Some of the products that You can use are Castrol Edge Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40 or Valvoline Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30. The purpose of...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety