2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 Review
The Touareg is a luxury SUV that debuted in 2004. Sharing a platform with the Porsche Cayenne, it offered both off-road durability and excellent on-road handling. The second-generation Touareg 2 debuts for 2008, and with it, a number of improvements. The original won several awards, such as Car and Driver’s “Best Luxury SUV” in 2003, Motor Trend’s “Sport/Utility of the Year” in 2004, and Four Wheeler’s “Four Wheeler of the Year” in 2005.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Volkswagen Touareg 2 is a definite improvement on last year’s model, but to say it’s a full sequel is a bit of an overstatement. While its interior and overall build quality is excellent, the price tag is a bit high, and it could stand to be much more reliable. The Touareg 2, for all it has to offer, is tough to recommend.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Touareg 2 stars for dependability. Problems with the original include malfunctioning rain sensors, sagging suspensions, harsh shifting, wiring problems, dead batteries, and faulty door handles. It was recalled three times for insufficiently riveted seatbelt attachments, improperly wired tire pressure monitors, and improperly secured child restraints. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Touareg 2 received 5 stars in government crash tests. IIHS results are not available. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, hill assist, full side airbags, and stability control come standard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Comfortable Interior
+ Good fuel economy
+ Great crash test scores
Cons
– Reliability
– Low passing power
– No diesel model yet
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Acura MDX includes a CD changer and leather seats, but costs several hundred more. The Audi Q7 has a DVD player, but has less towing capacity, lacks a moonroof, and costs several thousand more. The Infiniti FX35 includes leather and a CD changer, but can’t tow as much and lacks a moonroof.
What Others Are Saying:
“On the road the Touareg is a bit sluggish off the line as this is a heavy vehicle at 5,100 pounds. Passing power is also not as strong as I would prefer as the engine worked hard to pass a pesky New Beetle that was loafing in the left lane. This is with the 40 horse increase, so imagine what the old version was like.” – Chicago Sun-Times
“Ultimately, it’s an overstatement for VW to claim that the changes to this machine for 2008 are enough to mark it as Touareg 2. It is still, after all, very much the same vehicle it was when introduced in 2003. But the Touareg 2 is better-about 14 percent better. So let’s call it the Touareg 1.14. VW promises that, in 2009, it will also overhaul the Touareg with a clean-running and fuel-thrifty 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 for all 50 states. That will be the real Touareg 2.0.” – Popular Mechanics
“I appreciate that the 2008 Touareg gets high safety marks, and as any dancing queen will tell you, this boogie machine’s style is right on. Somehow, though, I just wasn’t overly enthusiastic about it. It costs more than many other vehicles in its class and has too much non-charming quirkyness. Yes, I loved the nightlife, but in the end it just wasn’t enough.” – Mother Proof
Read more about the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 at the Volkswagen manufacturer web site.
