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 |
Fiat 500 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the really sad things about the Fiat 500 is the way FCA is handling the brand here in the US. The Fiat 500 is actually many different cars, some good and some not good at all, but to most American buyers a Fiat 500 is just a Fiat 500. Nobody really knows if you are talking about the 500 hatchback (a true retro economy car), the 500L sedan/wagon (the dual clutch gearbox has not worked any better for Fiat than for Ford in the Focus/Fiestia), the Abarth (a real fun car for drivers only), or the 500X (Built on Jeep running gear With more style than off-road performance). Only the Abarth stands slightly apart since it is devoid of Fiat badges and costs a good deal more than most other "500" models. see full Fiat 500 review |
2012 | 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Fiat used to have a so-so reputation because their cars rusted. This car has a 'not-rust-through' guarantee for something like ten or twelve years and is totally galvanized metal. It is a very stylish car, too. see full Fiat 500 review |