Used 2005 Volkswagen Touareg Consumer Reviews
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As a Tow vehicle
I tow a 31' travel trailer and have found the Touareg to be a excellent tow vehicle. The six speed transmission along with the 310HP V8 do a very good job, much better than the full size PU I was using before. Also better gas mileage than before.
My First 9000 miles
I have had the the touraeg for four month. I have put close to 9000 miles. It is a pleasure to drive, handles well in inclement conditions. Excellent turning radius, handles speed well.Tops out over 110 mph. Plenty of room for passengers, heated seats are a nice extra. . Overall a good expierence. I would reccomend to purchase
- V8 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,500941 mi away
- V8 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,9951,031 mi away
- V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,0981,070 mi away
Love & Hate
We've had our V8 for about a year and have found it incredibly unreliable. We love the engine performance, ride and design. However, we hate the numerous electrical problems we've had. In the year we've had the vehicle, it's been to the shop at least 5 times. This does not include the recalls! The battery would just die and the dealer service department couldn't figure out what's wrong. The range on the remote is poor. The back seat is small, the storage/trunk area is nonexistent. Anything more than groceries and you have to fold the backseats down, which is no easy feat. Again, we love the look, design and performance, but for 43K and up, its not worth the hassle.
Strong German Engineering
After a lot of thought and quite a few tests, we decided to get the Touareg (instead of the Cayenne or the Chevy Tahoe). We are really happy with it. It feels really strong on the highway (great comfort) and specially agile in city driving. Ours (2005 version) is definitely NOT short on power (240hp) as some people said about the 2004 Touareg (220hp). Of course, it responds quickly to the gas pedal, but bear in mind that you are not driving a Mini :) Fuel consumption is about 20mpg on average, much better than we initially thought. This a great SUV. Can't wait to take it off-road without kids and wife ;)
Nice ride
I love my car. I think they could approve on the fuel consumption & the plastic dash covering around the CD player the paint chips off easy. Other then that I would reccommend buying the Touareg to anyone! I receive lots of compliments on the SUV!
I love my Touareg!
I love the way it drives with a lack of road noise. We have driven it in driving snow, hot weather, pouring rain- it hugged the road! In the snow, rain and ice- there was no slippage at all. I have a dark green/lt gray interior model. Tho only thing I would change is the availablity to get the US spec. asseccories in Europe!
the only vehicle I have ever liked
the Touareg, After I got over the silly and awkward name. I found my Touareg to be everything I never thought an automobile could be. The fit and finish was not that of what traditionally has been the $40,000 suv but only found in higher priced luxury SUVs!!! It took me some time to build up the gall to test the offroad capabilities. Because I have the adjustable air suspension I have been able to outperform my friend's H2!!!! this vehicle has changed my view of Volkswagen!
Best SUV
I have owned many cars and suvs (mercedes, porsche, range rover, bmw,lexus,etc.) It takes a lot in a car to impress me and I can say that this is the most impressive SUV and one of the most impressive vehicles I have ever owned. The build quality and performance are great. It is a vehicle that may not have the eminence of a range rover, but the range rover wishes it could perform all around as well as this vehicle does. Yes there are a few flaws: like no third row and the smelly messy diesel pumps. This is by far one of the best if not the best suv on the planet. you get all of this with an average fuel economy of 22mpg. VW did their homework.
Don't Buy it!
I've had many SUV's over the years, but this one is the worst. It has been in the shop 50 days in the last year and a half. They have just about totally replaced every part but the engine! Numerous, numerous electrical problems. I like the design but until VW works out all the bugs - buy something else. VW's Customer Servive line is also a joke. I can't remember the last time I had to call the Manufacturer to get a problem addressed - I thought that was what the dealership was for!
BEAUTIFUL
This vehicle is absolutely beautiful all around. unique design in and out, with a gorgeous interior (have it in the Teak color & blk exterior, V8). Very quiet drive for an suv, amazing with the air suspension, feels like a sports car in the handling, has options galore included with the V8 model. I love it and have not had any problems at all. Would definitely appreciate better fuel economy, an auto-trunk open and close (b/c it's heavy) but otherwise very pleased with the VW Touareg!
Exceptional Vehicle
Recieved a custom order 2005 fully loaded V8. This SUV is built solid like a brick. I have 500 miles on it now and it did not have a SINGLE problem wrong with it, not even a hairline scratch on the paint. The car is absoulutely silent, no rattles. Performance on the V8 is great. I am amazed at how fast the V8 gets this heavy vehicle moving at all speeds. It took a while just to read through all of the gadgets and gizmos and find out how everything operates. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. While not as pure fun to drive as my last vehicle, a C5 Corvette, the Touareg just provides the year round whole package. VW has hit the ball out of the park when it comes to the Toaureg.
Great all around SUV
A great all around SUV that fits our needs. We can load up the family and dog wih plenty of room. We can also put down the seats and load up on construction material from the local home center. Monster power from the V8 engine. Excellent performance on the road and off-road.
Quality, Comfort and Looks
I spent weeks going over Carlike SUV's and was debating between the VW, Volvo or Acura. The Volvo was too much money with the V-6 engine, but a very nice ride, the Acura had the power, but the interior felt cheap, but the VW, had the luxurious interior and loads of power with the V-8. My only complaint is the gas mileage. Very fun to drive.
Tourag for people who diidn't buy this
This is by far the best suv we have ever had (6 to date). It is elegant and the v8 delivers more than enough power. highly recommended. complaint is teh navigation system is not on par w/ bmw or lexus and the roof racks cause wind noise at high speeds (we removed teh racks, teh car looks better without them). But the car is awesome, great ride and teh interior can not be beat
VW Hits a Homerun
Not having owned an SUV before, I didn't know what to expect. Well, Volkswagen surpassed my expectations. This vehicle is a charmer inside and out. Everything about it feels sturdy, from the seats to the leather covered steering wheel. It has a smooth and quiet ride with very good visibility. This vehicle is a good value for your money.
Great SUV needs refinement
A great all around performer. Good looks still turn heads, Impressive towing capacity, European sedan like ride, handling, and sound dampening. After looking for a solid vehicle that could tow my boat and be an every day driver, I couldn't find anything that came close.
Shopping
I had been shopping for a SUV for a couple of years and narrowed my search to a Land Rover. My plan was to purchase a 2001 with low mileage. I had tested many with low mileage and was buying based on pedigree and comfort. I was intrigued with VW, it had many good reviews and one day decided to drive the SUV having minimal expectations. I was surprised at the finish, quality, performance, and overall impression of the car. The 6 had enough power for my needs and in my mind decided to confirm my impression with further research. 2 months later I purchased my car. I love the car it s awesome. I cant say anything to anyone about the SUV that would change this opinion. It handles like my 320 BMW
Review
Safe car, fun to drive, beautiful to look at, lousy on gas, strong response when needed, beautiful interior design
Purchased October, 2003
The refinement, styling and attention to details is what makes me appreciate this car the most. But it is also fast, very fun to drive and versatile enough to take off road or drive to the opera. On the negative: gas mileage is around 14 mpg, I wore through my OEM Continentals in less than 20K miles, and have had a couple of quirky electronic or mechanical problems that have not recurred. Once you learn the subtlties of the "convenience package" it is great to be able to customize the features and settings that are usually factory defaults on other cars.
Can't go wrong
This vehicle will do everything you ask of it onroad or offroad. Safe, reliable, and plenty quick between traffic lights. Stops really well. great vehicle for long road trips. SatNav system is last generation CD instead of DVD. Air suspension works like a dream. No complaints in 1st year of ownership. This vehicle is the full deal.
So far so good
What can I say..yea the fuel economy..however as far as SUVs are concerned it should be a less important issue. Quality I had a simple recall to fix a rubber piece of somekind took about 45 mins to complete. Waiting for the snow to come to really put it through it's paces. Great emergency handleing in wet weather. The V6 has to work to carry the weight but does the job well enough. the S (sport) mode I feel makes a difference. I only wish that they would allow the United States market to receive manual transmissions. It was hard for me to choose between the BMW X5 and this VW. But I had a VW Jetta GLI 6 speed and loved it in the summer, not so happy with it in the winter..but this year....
lemon
I like the way the touareg handles and looks. My main problem is all the things that have been going wrong with it.It has been back at dealership a total of 4 times already(for a total of 13 days),and I've only had it for just under 5 months. Everything from electrical problems to the door handle becoming stuck and unable to be opened.Not what you would expect from a $.45,000 vehicle
A Drivers Vehicle
Bought for wife,in truth I wanted it. Drove older one last year and read of problems and waited til now. Drove it on dirt, thru sand, mud, high speed drift on dirt, on soaked grass covered with water,etc, salesman turned white, to me outstanding. Waited til now to buy.In younger days drove sport cars,Jags, was top driver in SCCA with a back door sponsorship and a factory built race car. Not a problem,wife and kids love it especially when it gets dark out and the dash light come on,all those colors. I dont care about gas mileage,am sure my wife will advise me about it. My daughter,17,now going to Univ.in upper NY State,we live in FL,I asked her if she wanted one of these after her first year.
V10 at 6000 miles
The car went back to dealer two times; one time was the oil change, the other was to ask the question of the restrictor in the fuel tank neck. I haven't experienced any scary stuff that have been post on this review. Except the clock gain one minute a day and the dealer doesn't know how to fix it.
Superb Auto
Overall excellent performing vehicle. Turns beautifully/confidently even on wet roads. Awesome sound system, cool V8 growl when you press it. We knew about the mileage before we bought but we are not daily commuters. After six months we are still impressed, and there are probably many functions in the computer that we have not discovered yet, like the speed warning my salesman just told me about.
Wow, I wasn't expecting this!
Trading up from a mini-minivan (Mazda MPV) I can't stop having so much fun. Although I've got the V6 it still performs well. From the line it's not quite a Corvette, but I've left some V8s wondering if the V6 badge was a mistake. The Touareg looks like a million bucks as well and is treated to a weekly car wash in all weather. To see so many people pointing, and even though I can't read lips saying..."oh, look theres that new Touareg!" is a treat. This baby hugs the asphalt as if it's attached! Try for the V8, but the V6 is still just as fun and well enough equipted to keep your adrenaline going!
Happy in Mpls
Touareg with V8 is fun to drive, zippy in traffic, handles well in snow, a solid well built car with a good smooth ride for all time 4WD I do miss the the larger cargo space from trading from larger SUV- Tahoe. Minor problems with dash warning lights Fuel economy average at 14.7 mpg and it requires Premium gas. Lead foot with the V8 might be the problem!
Touareg
Love the way it looks
Love this SUV
My Touareg makes turns on a dime, hugs corners and feels stocky and solid on the road. I can go up and down the steep icey hill to my house with ease which was always a huge concern and the reason I was looking for an SUV. My Touareg has surpassed my expectations. I love driving it.
Lemon
I've only owned the vehicle for 3 months and it's been in the shop for a total of 23 days now. The list is endless with all the problems. Nice to look at inside and outside when I'm actually able to drive it. Have hired a lawyer and it will be going back to the dealership...for good!
Should I buy a VW?
I traded a pickup for the V6 Touareg and have been happy with the choice. It's equipped with premium pkg, Xenons, tow hitch, parking aids. So far mileage has been acceptable, 15 mpg local and 19+ on Garden State Parkway. Having read of workmanship problems with early release models, I was wary of purchasing. Currently, it has been trouble free and a very acceptable mode of transport. One of the reasons for my purchase was it's towing capacity, 7000+ lbs. Everyone who has ridden with me has liked the ride, quality and handling. Acceleration is adequate for a V6 engine and braking is superb. My automotive points of reference, we also own a 2004 BMW 330Ci and a 1997 Porsche 993C2S.
Poor Man's Porsche......
I purchased my 2005 Volkswagen Touareg in July of 2005, just before the fuel prices hit the roof. So going into this from a Passat was a wallet killer, but I found if I turn off the anti-slip feature I get about 20-23mpg. I feel that this vehicle sat in the lot for a while, the paint on this vehicle is way below what you'd expect for a SUV listing at $39,000 and that the dealership just wanted to get rid of it. But besides the dealer, I am very happy with the vehicle. It does great in the snow and ice and its such a mile eater on the highway I never feel tired after driving a few hundred miles at a time, its very refreshing. I wish it came with air conditioned seats, especially for the summer. Overall this is a great vehicle.
A car for all seasons
This is the most pleasant and versatile car I have ever owned. It rides like a limo on the road and takes to the field like a John Deere tractor. The V6 has enough power to get there and pass when needed but if you want a hot rod get the V8.
Could've been great
I was initially very pleased with my Touareg, but poor reliability, $99 oil changes, and many many invasive warnings are starting to wear me down. Recalls and expensive maintenance aside, it's actually the overengineering that's causing me the most frustration. The warnings are loud and intrusive. Pull into a parking lot and undo your seat belt to prepare for a meeting, and the warning beeps for 5 minutes every 30 seconds or so. Outside temp drops below 40, ding, low fuel, ding, tire pressue drops, ding. The range on the remote is also very poor. Just another nit pick, but all of these collective items make it very difficult to recommend this vehicle
LOVE IT!!
Have owned many Audi Quattros but too many neighbors have them now. This is an Audi in SUV clothing! Love this vehicle-drives almost as sporty as the Porsche with many more items standard and a much nicer interior trim level for $10,000 LESS. Hope nobody on my street finds out!
James F. Paronto
I have enjoyed the pleasure of driving this quality vehicle. Other than the Pirelli tires, the vehicle has been very reliable. However, if some problem does manifest itself, VW dealer has been most helpful in correcting the problem. I would think Volkswagon would take some responsibility for the lack of wear and realibility of these tires since it was VW's engineers that chose these tires for the production line. Stepping away from the tire issue is not a good way to resolve the issue.
A work in progress
Too many problems still unresolved by VW
First Impressions
Purchased VW Touareg after much study and comparison shopping. Considered MB ML, Accura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330, Porsche Cayenne. Immediately put 3000 interstate miles on it; mileage now 8000 as car was like new demonstrator at time of purchase, due to limited availability. Never owned an SUV before; did this with much trepidation but so far no buyer's remorse as Touareg appears to deliver on its promises. Reliability yet to be determined.
Impressed
Exceptional safety feeling, did not have a single problem during 8 days family trip to west coast last winter. Perfect cruiser. I like the folding mirrors in narrow parking spots. Great great car.
Steer Clear
I purchased my 2005 Touareg due to VW's reputation of quality and safety. At 1,200 miles it started to make horrible metal on metal sounds from the transmition that the dealership could not duplicate because once the transmition would warm up it would stop. Starting at 2,200 miles the headlights would occasionally decide to take a break. Again the dealership said all was well. Finally at 4,400 miles the SRS Airbag system failed. According to the dealership this means they will not deploy in a collision. The earliest time they would be able to repair it, but it would take two weeks. So it sits in the garage until then.
Troublesome Touareg Tiresome
Pros: When it works right, AmaZING. Cons: VW is arrogant and insists that too many problems are within normal vehicle operating parameters. Driving experience: Drives nicely when aligned properly, which is rarely. Ooops, just hit a curb, need to bring it in again, now the truck is going to act squirrely again. This may have all the bells and whistles to go off road but there is a price to pay. If you off road on anything substantial, I can almost guarantee that you will damage one of the tires with a gash of some sort. And because this is an AWD vehicle, you will now need to replace ALL the tires in order to retain the proper handling dynamics and don't forget to re-align it. So On
VW Owner
Great SUV to drive. There was no question after test driving the 4Runner & Jeep which was the best vehicle for the money.
owned it 4 months
Its powerful, comfortable, lots of style in interior.
Solid A- for Touareg
There's no question that the biggest problem with this vehicle is feul economy. Otherwise, it's a perfect blend of power, luxury and utility with the V8. I did have to get the trunk mounted CD changer, due to the lack of an in-dash changer (which is a sin considering that 15K cars have in-dash changers now), but considering that I now have 7 discs to choose from (including the single disc in-dash player) it's not such a bad situation. The in-dash player does sometimes have trouble reading burned CD's. Ride quality is excellent in this vehicle, as is noise suppression. One fault is the transmission gearing. 6th gear turns at over 2500 rpm at highway speeds, decreasing fuel economy.
Great SUV
I bought the 2004 model (V8) earlier this year and I love it. Excellent build quality, ride, and interior comfort. I live in Brooklyn and it is still turning heads when I drive it. Only two problem - the Radio/CD player and a quick hood latch issue. The Radio / CD had to be swapped out three times, but this does not surprise me as I had the same exact issue w/ my 2002 1.8T Jetta. I don't know where VW sources their radios/ CD's from, but they need to check build quality or installation. Hood latch was fixed in ten minutes & otherwise a non-issue. Clock also runs fast about 1 min. per week - I always have to reset it!
Fun to Drive, but Unreliable
We've had our Touareg for about a year. Handles like a sportscar and incredibly fast, and a headturner. But unfortunately, the car is extremely unreliable and has been back to the dealership 5 times for a variety of electrical problems. While the problems have been relatively minor, it's hard to reconcile these annoyances with a $42K car: the passenger side mirror sticks in the 'reverse position,' the rear latch doesn't always unlock, and the radio fades out (apparently the antenna is in a poor location in the car, according to the service manager at our dealership). The dealership has attempted to fix these problems on multiple occasions, to no avail. Our last VW, next will be japanese.
Very good so far
Excellent ride, performance and response. Great looks and interior design. Not very good gas mileage but worth it
From an A6 to a Touareg
I have to admit, the wife and I stuggled with the idea of going from an A6 to a Touareg. To me, an SUV has always been the equivalent to owning a mini-van, but with a house and a dog (who destroyed the backseat of our A6 - - he didn't know any better), we decided to give an SUV a try. After looking at all of the options we decided to give the Touareg a try and aside from the HORRIBLE fuel economy, we've been quite impressed. Great looking, comfortable, head-turning, and a spot for Mickey (the dog) to hang out without worry.
just like the others
No different than any other vehicle. You pay for what you get and sometimes you get less than what you pay for.
Happy in VA
I love my Touareg! I've had it a little over a month, and it does everything as advertised. Whatever problems VW had in the first year seem to have been solved. The V8 is great - nice growl when pushed and strong acceleration. Fuel economy is what I expected - 13 around town, 17 on the highway. For the price of a base Porsche Cayenne S you can get this one loaded. Easy purchase decision.