

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | Nothing against the latest redesign--it's quite impressive--but the Range Rover Sport's attractions begin with what's decidedly not new: Land Rover's traditional focus on SUVs. Land Rover doesn't build sports car or sedans (though sister Jaguar does). Instead, like Jeep in the U.S., Land Rover focuses on off-road vehicles because that's what it has always done. In contrast, the German parvenus wouldn't bother with the things if they weren't so popular and profitable. If you're willing to pay the price they'll build you an SUV (or a crossover, if you prefer that term for the more car-like sort), even a very good one (if you check the right boxes), but their heart and soul aren't in it. Then there's the matter of what Land Rovers were developed to do in the postwar period, and who they were developed to do it for. No, not trips to the mall for suburban housewives. When the Queen and landed gentry of England toured their estates, they did so in Land Rovers. And when the Queen's subjects had to venture through the largely unpaved reaches of her vast, increasingly former empire, they ventured in Land Rovers. Mutual of Omaha didn't introduce American children to Africa's wildlife from the seat of a BMW. Buy a Range Rover, and you're gaining a connection to these traditions. Plus some exclusivity. Land Rovers sell in much smaller volumes than the big German makes. Between this and their idiosyncracies, they seem more special. see full Land Rover Range Rover Sport review |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV supercharged 390hp 4.2L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD w/low range |
Fits with my lifestyle, weekend trips to the countryside. Rare. see full Land Rover Range Rover Sport review |
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 |