Note that we’ve gone back and forth with the dealership and VW of America over the amount of lost time and unsatisfactory service. No one cares. The apologize plenty but do nothing to compensate you for the headaches other than offer a free oil change. I would much rather have a NEW car that doesn’t break down every 2-3 weeks.

We anticipate the dealership will exceed 30 days worth of shop repairs, which at that time we will invoke our rights to the Lemon Law in California. Because of the poor quality standards built into this car by VW and its uncaring company standards, we will seek a full refund and shop for a different make and model altogether.

The electrical problem in question is NOT a fluke. We stood in line at the service center while another new Rabbit owner complained of the exact same issue we are having. The brake caliper issue was one that warily kept us from buying an ‘06. This is what I get for believing the hype and committing.

I actually went to test drive a Passat 3.6 4 Motion recently. I figured it was time to get rid of my Golf that I bought in college now that I have a kid and more money.

I asked the salesperson if VW fixed their reliability/supplier problems. When he asked “what reliability problems?” I just shook my head and walked out.

Does VW still not get that trips to the dealer every 3 months for a check engine light during the first 2 years of a car’s life is not normal?

Hahaha good one

camp6ell, you are so perceptive. Does my story reek of cheap cologne or what? I was a huge fan and owner of VW’s long before I sold ‘em, so it’s true I want the best for VW. Also, as a salesman, I am well aware of any shortcomings the cars have. Mr. Farago is kind to let me vent.

wsn, you are right, I completely forgot about the Impreza 2.5. I thought the WRX package was the only justification for buying a car so ugly.

Yes, you missed the existance of Subaru Impreza.

Compared to the Rabbit, the Impreza is safer, more reliable, better handling and roomier.

I would gladly publish a GM Deathwatch by Mr. Wagoner. Think of the publicity!

Seriously, Mr. Pabst is writing under a pseudonym, so he is "free" to call it like he sees it.

You could argue that a VW salesman is inherently incapable of objectivity, but then I would remind you that objectivity is impossible. I believe the truth exists independently of our opinion of it.

All those who seek the truth must be as open-minded, passionate, honest and informed as possible. I have no reason to believe that Mr. Pabst fails in any of these areas.

In fact, Mr. P's status as a pistonhead VW salesman gives him a better perspective on their products than most. Oh, and rest assured I look an eye on all of the guys (and Lesley too). In many cases, I test drive cars that they've reviewed.

50 mpg or more, about a billion pounds of torque throughout the RPM band, fairly low price – you’d sell it to a lot of trust fund kid’s parents.

edmunds: luggage capacity on the rabbit 15 cubes. on the golf4 it’s 18 I believe. More passenger room in the rabbit perhaps but not where I need it behind the seats.

increase in power basically offset by weight, so not excited about 150 horses there.

I love my golf despite the glove compartment door cracking and dangling, the recalls on the hazard signal, emissions thingy and BOTH front windows falling off the tracks. Seriously. I shouldn’t want another VW but I do.

The Rabbit forgoes the chrome front for a regular ole painted grill, and that extra .5L and cylinder raises your HP from 105 to 150, torque goes up too, but I can’t give you a number off the top of my head.

Is the increase in power worth the change in mileage? That’s a subjective answer, but the lack of chrome and cargo space differences can’t be denied.

Then don’t mind me, I’m evidently the VW apologist here.

Am I a demographic of one? I live in an urban area with tight parking and lots of lights (so even small SUVs are nauseating to drive around stop-start), I have a kid and all the associated stuff to carry around, I want high mileage because it’s entirely possible and probably a good idea you morons, and fun to drive is cool with me. The rabbit could have satisfied all of these things. But it doesn’t, does it?

I bought an Infiniti.

What’s the difference?

The Phaeton did not fail, Volkswagen did. Was it the departure of Piech that ended the policy of matching M-B car for car?

Badge snobbery certainly hurts the Phaeton, and your average Rabbit/Jetta customer has no use for it. Likewise, those looking for a high end luxury sedan won’t set foot on a Rabbit/Jetta lot. Audi and Bentley dealers are much better equipped to handle these customers.

There are still brand new ‘05 Phaetons for sale in the US. Most people have no idea what the car is or who makes it.

Like many intriguing ideas from Volkswagen, nobody follows up. What happened to the full line of “R” series cars?

And again — did the Phaeton fail? Or did Volkswagen?

Anyhow, Rabbit — yawn.

The New Beetle was good for VW for exactly the reason you mentioned – whether you liked it or hated it, it made you pay attention to VW again. I never even liked the old Beetles that much, but the new one was a VW that was actually decent looking, unlike everything else they had at that time. And it has been a smashing success for VW, both in brand-awareness and sales.

A parallel to the Phaeton can be seen in the Bangle-ized BMWs. They made people that wouldn’t ordinarily look at BMWs (like me) sit up and pay attention. Unfortunately for me, a great many people don’t like them.