2005 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
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2005 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $23,360 -$33,615
- Invoice: $21,408 -$30,920
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Our road test for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2005 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Turbocharged 4-cyl models are zippy enough with manual transmission--8.5 sec in our 0-60-mph tests--but feel underpowered with automatic. AWD versions sleepier still, with little available power from a stop. Test front-drive GLX disappointed at 8.6 sec 0-60. AWD adds 200 lb, blunts midrange acceleration somewhat. Test turbodiesel wagon did 10.5 sec 0-60 mph. It feels sluggish on takeoff but lively under way, with adequate power for merging and passing. TDIs suffer little of the smoke and odor associated with diesel engines. Unhappily, Passat's automatic lacks smooth, fuss-free response with any available engine.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 5.2 |
Test averages: 21 mpg for manual-transmission 1.8-liter sedan; 20.5-24.9 for 1.8s with automatic and AWD; 19.2-21.6 for V6 sedans; 17.8 for AWD V6 wagon. Test TDI wagons averaged 28.7-35.3 mpg. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for both gasoline engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Impressive; solid platform contributes to controlled, comfortable ride. Suspension firm, but easily smothers all but the worst bumps. GLX models' 17-inch tires transmit some impact harshness on sharp bumps and ridges.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Confident cornering with moderate body lean, but just short of sport-sedan crisp, even with AWD. Responsive steering, arrow-true straight stability. Emergency stops short and stable, but some test Passats suffered uneven modulation and poor pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
All engines smooth, generally subdued, pleasant to the ear. V6 impressively quiet, even at high revs. Wind rush low, as is tire thrum except on very coarse pavement. Turbodiesel louder than gas engines, especially at idle, but not annoyingly so.
CONTROLS
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Audio unit handy and intuitive, but low-mounted climate controls a bit tricky to see and reach. Night lighting for most every switch and knob a welcome, upscale touch. Gauges legible, well-placed. Cabin materials and workmanship exude quality; leather-trimmed GLXs rival some premium-midsize cars for interior elegance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Basically fine, but 6-footers get only a half-inch of head clearance in sunroof models. Tilt/telescope steering wheel appreciated. Ditto height-adjustable seats, with power and memory in GLXs. Visibility uncluttered in wagons, a bit less so aft in sedans.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Leg room good for the class, head room and entry/exit more than passable. Bench seat nicely contoured but firm, and three adults feel crowded.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 4.5 |
Sedans have roomy trunks with low liftover and large opening, but rear AWD hardware reduces volume by a healthy 5 cu ft. Wagons are useful load luggers with well-finished cargo bays.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
These solid sedans and wagons match some costlier cars for materials quality, refinement, and features. And no rival midsize delivers Passat's European flair, available AWD, or turbodiesel engine. Within this lineup, the GLS models are the best choices on price. Passat doesn't offer the reliability and low pricing set by class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Total Score
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 60 | 62 | 64 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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