DecodedCars2005 Volkswagen Passat
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD /Glx W8 4 Motion, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls 1.8t, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls Tdi, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls V6
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,212–3,536 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2005 midsize car (20.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,536 lb (4dr Sedan AWD /Glx W8 4 Motion).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 34 highway), 31% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD /Glx W8 4 Motion | 184.3 in | 68.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,536 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls 1.8t | 184.3 in | 68.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,212 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls Tdi | 184.3 in | 68.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,422 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls V6 | 184.3 in | 68.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,497 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Wagon FWD /Gls 1.8t | 184.3 in | 68.5 in | 59.1 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,307 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr Wagon FWD /Gls Tdi | 184.3 in | 68.5 in | 59.1 in | 106.3 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 3,492 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +31% | $3,550 | 377 |
| Passat Wagon Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +32% | $3,550 | 377 |
| Passat | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | +12% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Passat Wagon | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | +12% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Passat 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Passat | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +7% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Passat Wagon | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +7% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Passat Wagon 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +7% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Passat 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -10% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Passat Wagon 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +2% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Passat | 2.8L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Passat | 2.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Passat Wagon | 2.8L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -2% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Passat Wagon | 2.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -2% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Passat 4motion | 2.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -18% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Passat Wagon 4motion | 2.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -7% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 140,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Passat years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 Passat | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2020 Passat | 27 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 18 |
| 2019 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2018 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 46 |
| 2017 Passat | 27 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 110 |
| 2016 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 106 |
| 2015 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 243 |
| 2014 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 565 |
| 2013 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 670 |
| 2012 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 415 |
| 2010 Passat | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 140 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →