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.