I don't think I have to spell this out any in any more detail. If you believe J.D. Power's 2004 IQS results, which incidentally
are based on responses from more than 51,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2004 model-year cars and trucks purchased in the U.S., surveyed after 90 days of ownership, then it appears Volkswagen is facing serious quality issues. Based on Porsche's fall from grace, at least with respect to quality, the Touareg doesn't seem immune from VW's overall problems either.
So when push comes to shove, VW has built a fabulous SUV that appears to have some compromising initial quality problems. Too bad, because if I was looking for a new luxury sport utility it would high on my list - even with its steep price. It's one of the only SUVs to offer sporty handling dynamics on pavement and over-the-top off-road capabilities, while serving it all up in one of the most enticing interiors in the business. I love VW's truck, but its potential for problems scares me.
Hopefully Volkswagen will be able to wrestle the gremlins that are causing such problems before the upcoming 7-passenger Touareg
hits the market, expected later this year. Also, the only entry-level brand (if I can still call it that) to offer turbodiesel engines in cars will debut its monstrously capable diesel V10 soon, which reportedly offers much improved fuel economy over the V8 while crushing almost all competitors in straight-line performance.
But the V10 will be even more expensive than today's pricy V8, and therefore the new V6 remains the value leader. And the sheer amount of Touaregs currently on the road is sign enough that VW fans are willing to pay the price of entry. But will they buy a second one when their lease is up? That is the determining question that only time will answer.
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| The Touareg is one of the only SUVs in its class to offer sporty handling dynamics on pavement and over-the-top off-road capabilities. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
So when push comes to shove, VW has built a fabulous SUV that appears to have some compromising initial quality problems. Too bad, because if I was looking for a new luxury sport utility it would high on my list - even with its steep price. It's one of the only SUVs to offer sporty handling dynamics on pavement and over-the-top off-road capabilities, while serving it all up in one of the most enticing interiors in the business. I love VW's truck, but its potential for problems scares me.
Hopefully Volkswagen will be able to wrestle the gremlins that are causing such problems before the upcoming 7-passenger Touareg
 |
| While the V8, and upcoming V10 are very tempting, the V6 Touareg remains the value leader. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
But the V10 will be even more expensive than today's pricy V8, and therefore the new V6 remains the value leader. And the sheer amount of Touaregs currently on the road is sign enough that VW fans are willing to pay the price of entry. But will they buy a second one when their lease is up? That is the determining question that only time will answer.