Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I always see Volkswagens as great, reliable cars. The GTI is special because of its utility and performance. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
german built, soild car see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
Like the 2004 R32, the 2008 R32 had a limited production run of 5000, most of which are now sold. The R32 is really a well balanced "mini grand touring" car; without the stigma of being a "rice racer" like the Evo or STi. A great car for road and track! see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2005 | 2dr Hatch 200-horsepower 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD |
VW builds a quality car, besides their electrical issues, which I have not had in either of my last two GTIs. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2004 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
VW, to me, means smart and sophisticated; while, at the same time, being practical and understated. Owning one shows you know automobiles without having to shout about it. VWs are not appliances. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Low reliability see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2013 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
VW does not have that great a reputation in the U.S. This is a shame because the Golf really seems to be a well-made vehicle. Time will tell whether it holds up, but there are many horror stories of poor service, poor dealers, and the factory not standing behind their warranties. I'm hoping that VW has improved their ways, but this remains a major sticking point. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
VW dealerships have one of the worst reps. for fair service prices. The dealer I saw was great on the test drive front, but I feared the service desk a few years down the line. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Too many people, VW are still seen as nice cars that break often see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review |
Mazda Mazda3 Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good reputation, and quality is way up. JDPower just put them right at the top, over Civic see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Even though many disagree... The smile in the front of the 3 is in reality a "grin". Mazda designs vehicles that keep drivers want to test their vehicles and continue driving them. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Zoom Zoom is an effective marketing strategy. The original Rx7 (which I owned) put real go-cart style sports car performance in an affordable bracket. They continue to do so with the RX8, as well as the 3 and 6 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I seem to like almost all the cars they produce. Sporty ones (mx-5, rx-8) and not so sporty ones (CX suvs, mazda6). Besides, Zoom-Zoom! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Mazda has always been reliable and viewed as a fun to drive, sporty brand. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
This car has won Car & Driver Magazines Best Hot Hatch comparison 3 years running. It is THE BEST performance buy on the market. The 3 has good CR/CU/JD Power ratings. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Mazda lives up to its zoom tagline and is known for reliability and longevity. The 3 is the successor to the Protege5. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
"Fun" see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good rep.... see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
mazda has a big mileage warrenty and is known for the cars having a sporty feel. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
Mazda Mazda3 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The are not really known to be reliable and this is high in my list. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |