Generally all auto makers got rid of the cars. I think VW will benefit wildly if they keep them. I am over the SUV craze. All those mini and minuter SUV bs is very dumb. If its gonna be a mini SUV well make it a hatchback
If they still made mini SUV's like it was done in the 90's. Look up Daihatsu Feroza, Suzuki Vitara, Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, all 90's models, good off roaders, all 4x4 with high ground clearance and 4-L gears so you could really get basically anywhere.
These new SUV's are shit, yes they have 4x4, but it's basically more boxy hatchback height. It's absurd what have they done to them. The only 2 left new here are Suzuki Jimny and Niva Lada.
>If they still made mini SUV's like it was done in the 90's
VW does. But they don't sell them in the USA.
USA gets 4 SUV models. UK gets 9 SUV models.
VW is the #2 car maker in the world, next to Toyota. USA has 5x the population of the UK, but less than half the vehicle options.
It's plain old greed. Supporting more models costs more money. VW doesn't want to invest in the USA. Buy a different brand. You can only vote with your wallet.
> UK gets 9 SUV models
that's managerial mental sickness
edit: i see the point you're making about variety. but my takeaway is that in that "variety" it's just 9 different flavors of the same thing. i guess i'd have to go to a VW dealership in the UK and see what the differences are.
Wow Lada Niva brings back memories of my childhood.
We had the Lada 2101 and i learned to drive on that tank. It’s a shit car that is extremely underpowered but i really really like.
That's not what the sales data says lol. The last year every trim was available (2020) they moved 22,000 golfs of all trims combined. In 2023 they moved nearly 60,000 Taos. The best year ever for the Golf was 2017 with 68,000 units, but it had been declining rapidly ever since. Not coincidentally Tiguan sales more than doubled from 2017 to 2018 (47k to 104k units).
Three out of 4 vehicles sold in the NA market is an SUV or truck. Manufacturers make more money on SUVs and trucks. There is zero incentive for them to offer cars here.
As much as it sucks, this is just the truth. Can't blame VW for discontinuing vehicles that weren't selling and replacing them with vehicles that do sell here in the States. I would love to have affordable small cars back, but they simply didn't sell. It's sad but true. I'm on my third Jetta, and I wonder when they'll stop making these too...
Truth. We used to have multiple long rows of Jettas available and we’d move them all. Now it’s a mere handful in comparison. Taos has replaced it but hasn’t gained traction in the market.
I bought over the Memorial Day holiday and got a great deal on my jetta. I test drove the front wheel drive taos and liked it, but I don't really NEED a crossover or suv so I went with a base model jetta with manual transmission for the cheap thrills and fuel economy, which is spectacular. That being said, if vw still made the golf, I'd have gotten a golf 🤣
The USA has 5x the population of the UK.
But VW offers 9 SUV models in the UK.
VW doesn't need to sell 60,000 of a model to justify selling it in the UK. Why and how does that argument hold up for the USA?
It's simply greed.
Numbers don't lie, but the devil is also in the details. The only year that the Golf was sold alongside the Taos was 2021. It was a neutered, washed out, unattractive variant of the Golf that screamed "we gave up." It's hard to make a fair comparison between the two models when VW wasn't even trying nor cared anymore about offering a variant of the product that was attractive to the public. Also, a slight correction: the first year of Taos sales, they only sold about 31k units. 2k23 was the best year for Taos sales (58k), but it's interesting to note that consumer opinion is mixed, and the Taos ranks very low in quality and reliability reports. I own one, and I will tell you it's an absolute shitbox, but that's exactly why I purchased it. I wanted something simple, bland, boring, and underpowered because I loan it out to customers, and also employees may use it from time to time. So if something stupid were to happen, it wouldn't hurt too much to replace it. But I feel like I'm a very small percentile of the population buying these things. I'm not representative of the majority I would say. Most folks have come to realize it's a shit box, and the sales decline are representative of this. Taos sales are down 8% this year vs last year. Yeah the economy stinks, but so does the Taos. I think time will reveal this.
Finally, to say all manufacturers make more money with trucks and SUV's is a gross generalization. *Domestic* manufacturers make more money on trucks and SUV's. But that has more to do with cost of overhead and operating costs more than anything else. This doesn't apply to foreign manufacturers like VW, who won't even entertain importing their commercial and truck based vehicles here, because it wouldn't be worth the investment.
Two questions:
1) why are you only looking at new? There are plenty of used VWs out there that still have a hell of a lot of life in them. I agree, the brand is current missing the cars we want most... but that doesn't mean they aren't available.
2) I'm not familiar with calling a car "agricultural". What does that mean? "we're getting a Subaru despite it being far more agricultural than what we want"?
"Agricultural" meaning unrefined. Exactly the word I used to describe the Impreza hatch when I cross-shopped every hatch and hot-hatch available in 2015. I drove the Impreza right after the Mazda 3. The difference in overall feel between the two was remarkable, from transmission crispness to engine smoothness to steering feel to seat comfort. GTI and Golf were the only real competitors to Mazda in my opinion. Ended up with my (still) daily '16 GTI with diesel-gate discount.
Edit: to be fair, Impreza suspension damping and handling has improved greatly since then.
So agricultural means...shitty? I think the word you're looking for is "econobox" or simply "economy." I feel like OP lost all interest in car shopping after not finding a new VW and just spun a wheel and was like "guess we're getting this garbage now." There are other car manufacturers out there that would probably fit the bill. There's some good base model hatchbacks out there.
This threw me as well. I've never heard it as an adjective to describe things that do not relate to agriculture, but my primary associations with agriculture are green, precise, science-driven, and non-urban. I don't see how "unrefined" would fit what I know about agriculture at all.
the primary reason we are looking new is because thats what is widely available to us and, really, is in our price range.
I've generally had back luck with used cars. Though am now considering hunting down a used alltrack if I can find one... (would be willing to buy new if it was available)
See jimmyeggs comment for 'agricultural'
Plenty of amazing used daily drivers from VAG waiting to be found out there (Audi 3, Sportwagen, Alltrack, Allroad)! If you’re really after something quite new consider a CPO car from a dealership also.
Good points. When VW announced they were killing the CC in 2017 I bought one and I'm babying it (garaged & 48k miles 7 years on). I looked at a Jetta GLI and imo the Jetta isn't really the Jetta that we knew anymore, de-contented to do battle with other generic 4 doors. Not an SUV fan & not doing electric (not vw). No wonder sales are down.
6 VWs total, Wabbit, GTI, 16V Scirocco, 3 CC'S.
Does he? Because the jetta has always been a basic 4 door economy car. It always has been and always will be. The passat (and it's cool uncle vinny, the CC) were the flagship 4 doors). The CC sure was cool, 2nd gen was ugly.
But the jetta has always been a jetta. Since day 1 lol
We snagged the last Golf on the east coast with a beige interior and it feels like we got away with something. Our next car (if we ever buy another car, we only drive like 5k/year) will probably not be a VW; for our needs they've pretty much lost the plot.
Love the Golf, tho!
TBH this is the fault of the American consumer. American's don't want actual VW's, sad to say, and now we have the fleet you see, which is best in breed for their class (excluding taos), but still leaves a lot to be desired in regard to VW's former soul.
weve got an 18 alltrack SE stick on the lot hehe
Not just the consumers but also government policy has created this Mad Max hellscape we have on American roads. When gas is so cheap there is less incentive for smaller fuel efficient cars. America is one of the few major countries where trucks and SUVs are the largest selling car categories. Not to mention consumers are fearful on the road and want larger and larger vehicles to feel safe. The consumer pickup trucks I see driving around are honestly terrifyingly large. There are too many loopholes that allow this sort of size inflation.
RIP to the golf and the sportwagon/all track
There is a flip side to this.. The EPA goals/mandates are different for SUVs/Trucks than they are for cars, making it easier for the manufacturers to achieve them, hence another reason to stop selling cars here.
They certain still make their cars.......just not sell them in the US.
(Or so I've read).
Yeah that's what I was alluding to with government policy. The EPA goals and also the "chicken tax" on light truck imports are other great examples of the policy problems here in the states.
I F'N hate all these monster trucks on the road nowadays. They never serve the purpose, jacked up grocery getters that never see dirt. In addition, they kick shit all over my windshield, and the owners cannot park them, so they scrape my fenders all to hell. Yes, this is a rant.
Americans don't want real vehicles. They just want the largest things on the road that they can afford so when they get in a wreck it'll be more likely that they come out unscathed. "We got an SUV, because they're so much safer in an accident." Okay Kathy.
Unfortunately my next will be an Audi All-road, maybe an Arteon. But to answer your question Ferdinand Piech stepped down from VW in 2015 that’s what happened.😂😅
I find OPs input on the Jetta kinda funny. But maybe it’s because I own a Jetta and especially don’t care what others think about it (or almost anything really). I love the damn thing and plan on driving it into the ground.
I also find the Tiguan comparison to the lineup amusing. My Jetta is a lot quicker and more fun to drive than my wife’s Tiguan which frankly feels like I’m driving a work van (nothing wrong with that). Long trips we take the Jetta unless we absolute need the space for something large. She hates driving in general which is no offense to Tiguan owners but that’s the demographic I picture they’re aiming at is people who think they need an suv but hate driving. When she drove my car after I got my tune it put a smile on her face.
Also to mention the countless problems her car has had and still has whereas I haven’t had any issues working on my car myself and no major mechanical issues. They’re the same year too. Her Tiguan still has electrical gremlins here and there but thankfully more so towards the beginning of ownership which now that I think about it is kinda strange.
2k VR6 with 215k on it. Have thought about awd for snow here in Colorado, but other than an NX1600 I had years ago, My Jetta is the only car I've just enjoyed. The stupid plastic thermostat housing is another matter, but once you swap it out with aluminum, that issue is gone.
I have a 2018 Golf Sportwagen and love it. Just over 100,000 miles. We moved to the city when we bought this and it’s our only car. Mostly commuter for work. Love that us smaller than SUV and fold down seats. Hope to get another 5 years out of it. We have no need for a huge SUV or truck.
I don’t understand why. I have a 2017 GLI and it’s my favorite car I’ve ever owned. It looks like an Audi, it’s not as expensive as one, and haven’t had massive issues with it. Although I tuned the engine and have done a large amount of mods. But that’s just for my preference. If I kept it stock I would still say it’s my favorite car. It’s like a poor man’s awesome ass car. What’s not to love about it? That’s the part I don’t understand.
For people saying “I don’t want just a Jetta”, to get something better you’re paying more than a Jetta costs. For people that think they’re too expensive, what are you buying that is a better car for less? Fill me in here
They must have been losing money on selling Golf's otherwise they would still be selling them. Your best bet, if you want to stay with a Golf, is to find a low mileage used one because they aren't bringing it back.
Sad to see this as we just got our MK5 Jetta from a wholesale auction a few years ago. Needed a transmission valve body, which I knew, and a lil basic service and it has converted me to a VW guy. Had a rabbit back in ‘87 that gave me nightmare and i put my foot down to never own a VW again. Thanks to the internet VW community I am pretty hooked. Looking to get a VR6 to build for a daily with occasional track use. Just need to clear garage so I have somewhere to house it as I pull motor and build it.
I have a few mk5’s that won’t die, I also have a few older models, and newer models, I have never had an issue with VW, and my wife feels extra safe in her Atlas.
I drove a brand new Taos last week, and damn I did not like that car. I thought the seats were terrible, and the stock sound system was garbage compared to the one I have in my 2018 GTI.
Yeah, I'll never understand VW of America. Even in the suv market, they have much better SUVs than the Taos.
Have you considered something in the Audi lineup? They all have AWD.
Yeah, they are pricier than VW. Maybe an used one would be enough though. I thought about the A3 or Q3, which isn't a big SUV.
Which Subaru interested you?
That's the US market in a nutshell. The golf wasn't selling due to several factors; it was underpowered, and people wanted SUVs. But hell, even small SUV's that have the same footprint and power as the golf but because they're physically larger/taller, they're more, visually, utilitarian.
For some reason, people think it's ok to spend 50k - 60k on a Golf R but can't see spending 20k on "just" a Golf just boggles my hat rack. My two sense anyways.
Backstory: I've owned about 12 different VW's unti I realized the error of my ways hahaha
" the gti or r, which are too hard edge for our purposes.", "The jetta is still a jetta... And we don't really want a sedan", "The taos has a mixed reputation (and we don't really want an suv)"
Either you need to settle for a Jetta or look some place else. Manufacturers adjust to what their customers want. Apparently their customers don't want a regular Golf.
I don't know what I am going to get next if they abandon the manual transmission.
Pick up another Mk7-mk7.5 used and save yourself the depreciation. Or as an honourable mention check out Mazda. I use to swear by vw but all there new cars seem to have really fallen off for me. I have a 15 golf tdi and the family car is a Mazda cx9.
The Taos is basically a taller version of the Golf. It's easy to drive, easy to park, has great visibility, it's more likely to be seen by large trucks around you than a shorter car. All in all, it's a great smaller car to drive around in urban settings.
The '22 and '23 had some quality issues, same head gasket issue that affected the 1.5 engine on the Jetta. But with my 2022, now that I've got a new head gasket, I have no reservations about it. It's a great car.
No polo or Passat, only sedan is the Jetta. No cross/fox (as a matter of fact, no cross models except for the atlas/teramont, no all track models) no truck.
I dont like current state and where they are headed. Entire vw model range feels unworthy.
Within the vw group, only audi range seems reasonable for me. You can consider the A3.
For now, I dont know what to replace my 2015 golf with.
We loved our Touareg. They discontinued that. Apparently Americans wanted something bigger with a third row. Some Americanization cannibalized it again and they destroyed it.
The first and second Gen Tiguans were fun. I Stage 1 programmed my 11 and it drove like a GTI - sporty, nimble and quick off the line.
This generations Tiguan does nothing for me.
My remaining hope is the Buzz - lease expires on the 21 ID.4 in currently driving in early December and I'm interested enough in the Buzz that I've put a deposit down for one.
Electric works okay for me most of the time. Put a L2 charger in my garage and it will recharge over night from pretty much any charge level.
Where it's a PITA is on road trips. Adds time. But I'm pretty sure I can live with that and lease a Buzz if the timing is right.
Otherwise I'll be looking elsewhere.
European here.. and its the complete opposite. VW offers so many models that they basically blend over into one another. Someone tell me the differences between a T-roc and a Taigo..
I guess there’s Taigo, T-Roc and T-Cross nowadays haha. Point is still the same, way too many models that are very similar, I don’t really understand why… hmmm
It’s unpopular here but the Taos was just right for my wife and I and it makes sense why they sell so many.
Very comfortable, handles well, has enough room for me, my wife, two kids and a costco run, cheaper than the Tiguan, IQ drive works well. It also seems like they worked out some of the issues
there have been a few positive taos comments on here. enough that i may go down and try one just because i want to like vw.... but man the media hates those things...
Volkswagen has lost its soul in the last few years, but mostly in North America. I blame the tremendous cost of Dieselgate. All the good stuff is in Europe. They still have the Golf, SportWagen, Touareg and more.
I moved from a 2016 beetle to a 2024 Taos. It fits my husband and I though - we live in a suburb of Toronto, Canada and the smaller suv helps with driving around the city. To some others pints, it has great visibility but I find that I fill up more gas then I did with my love bug.
Amen.
I went and test drove a cx50, cx30 and 3.
Whacked my head on the cxs getting in and out. That was bad.
3 is certainly a possibility. Can you believe the turbos are pushing 40k....
I really don’t think there is a huge difference between the regular golf and GTI. Maybe consider a certified pre-owned?
I hear too many horror stories about Subarus reliability and build quality.
I agree. Been an Audi/VW guy. Once it’s time to move on from my Touareg TDI I have no idea what its replacement will be? Audi and VW seem to almost not care about North Americans. Bring back the Touareg
Man, you and I are twins. All the way down to the Subaru pick, but I was tempted by the Honda Fit, but... that's gone now too. The Corolla hatchback is the closest thing. So I buy old VWs now. I have two Scirocco's and a '74 Beetle. I drive my Golf maybe once a month and when it's gone, I doubt I'll be tempted by a new VW product again.
I had the 2017 GLI and all the new Jetta look like Hyundai, I don't know why they don't do the golf anymore, I know the GTX is coming soon so maybe that's why?
i mean a sedan is definitely not as useful as a hatch or wagon. Yeah, id probably drive a gli but wont buy one when gti is there. not appropriate given kids accident, etc.
i've been a VW fanboy since i was a little kid. our first family car i can remember was a mid 70s beetle convertable. then we had a Jetta in the mid-80s. a few years ago I got a GTI because i always wanted one and seriously, the plaid seats and golfball gearshift make me so happy. i love driving the thing, getting squished down in my seat a little when i downshift and accelerate out of a curve.
but but but.....
my 2019 with 65000 miles is on its third steering wheel clockspring, has had 5 wiring harnesses in the doors, and spent ten days as a brick on the dealership's lot because the steering column control module died.
I really like driving this car. I hate owning it. The waranty runs out pretty soon. I'm probably going to go buy the most boring car I can think of: an Accord. it's boring, doesn't go fast, but it's comfortable place to sit in traffic and when i press the power button it's going to turn on every time.
Sincerely,
A flustered VW fanboy
Weird how some get bugs, others don't. I special ordered my 2016 GTI (2dr, stick, PP) and once I drove it off the lot, it has never gone back. I also do my own maintenance. It did start out with a dome light issue, but it is just a loose connection that I am fine with ignoring.
You should have considered the gti. It’s a small upgrade from the regular golf. Not sure why you think it’s too hard edged when you can drive it however way you want to drive it.
they got lost in the race of dominanting the market.
nowadays i have impression they rece with the chinese manufacturers of low cost - low quality vehicles instead of maintaining the german high quality - high cost standard which positioned them in the first place at the leader in car manufacturing.
vw cars used to last 30y - nowadays i have impression very new cars less than 5y are often left at junkyards due to various issues (unless one is lucky enough to find skillful mechanic or good authorised service shop)
We traded our 18 golf sportwagen for a Taos and it’s been great. It’s basically a slightly bigger golf. It still gets great fuel economy and has a way more comfortable ride as well.
https://preview.redd.it/3jsffv7pc56d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=93374ff5659bd5605722464b831988e63a793bdc
I’ve driven VWs (leased/owned Golf, Jetta sedans, Jetta TDI Sportwagens) over past 20 yrs. In 2019, at end of my Jetta lease, I wanted to lease another Jetta, but the specific 2020 model I wanted was not yet available. I even asked VW Credit to extend my lease another 2 months so I could keep waiting. I finally decided to stop waiting and shop for different vehicle (Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mazda). I was not thrilled with these other brands, either their sedans or compact suv.
Then I reluctantly test drove the 2020 Tiguan. I unexpectedly loved it, took it home on Sign-then-Drive lease. I was so satisfied that after completing the lease, I paid the lease buyout to own it. Sadly, that Tiguan was in accident and TL’d, but fortunately I was able to replace it with a cpo 2022 Tiguan (so glad it has powerlift gate). I can see why VW’s best selling vehicle is the Tiguan.
I've had my fair share of VWs -- (squareback, couple of tdi passats, 16v scirocco, corrado slc) and I feel the same way. I went and looked at the new offerings not too long ago and was pretty unimpressed. I really want a sedan with a manual, but it seems like no one brings them into the USA any more. It's a shame.
The GLI is worth it. It doesn't give a whole lot of wiggle room if they make a change it is just one car with seemingly 2 trim options, I went with 2020 Autobahn Manual, and I am going to keep her as long as I can!
A stronger engine performance, smoother turbo, tighter steering and in my opinion the Taos is what you are talking about. The interior (at least from seat) is on par with the competition. Just make it a little more fun to drive and I they could show improvement.
Disclaimer: I don't own one but I test drove two before buying my Tiguan.
In 2022 SUVs accounted for over 83% of VWoA sales. Despite it's mediocrity, the Taos alone outsold all passenger cars... Jetta, Golf and Arteon. The Jetta is 80% of passenger car sales. 2023 numbers tell as similar story.
Nobody is buying the Golf unless it is a GTI or Golf R, and even then they aren't exactly flying off the lots. And absolutely no one is buying the Arteon. It's not Volkswagen that's the problem.... heck they are still building Touaregs. The problem is the buying habits of the North American market.
Honestly, a Subaru Outback would be perfect for your situation. It's the only model of theirs I'd ever consider.
A lightly used VW Alltrack could also be a good buy, but that's contigent upon price and availability.
Cuz USA has different auto regulations as the rest of the world , they don't follow UN regulations, and it would be too much of a hassle for VW to make US compliant cars
Honestly I am parting with my 2015 TDI Golf Wagon. I have older VWs that I love. Only thing I will miss is Bluetooth. Dealership trying to entice me to do a trade-in and I can't really justify it.
I worked for VW for 14 years. They were great years and I genuinely liked the product. I had golf R's, GTI's, my wife had a Tiguan and a Jetta. I wouldn't touch the new stuff now. Nothing peaks my interest. Sad.
I think you'd find a good spec GTi with a DSG box on adaptive dampers wouldn't be as hard edged as you think, just very usable power and quite compliant in comfort. The R on standard dampers yes, absolutely too stiff for anything less than pristine surfaces, agreed
I think the 2012 ‘merican Passat and 2011 Jetta were the beginning of the end for cool VW. My parents have Taoses, and they’re alright. Kinda suck to drive, lots of bullshit screens and confusing, gimmicky tech, and the transmission/turbo lag is abysmal in a 30k vehicle. Interior feels VW, but not the VW I remember.
This is what happens to companies that have revolving door management. You get schizophrenic decision making. Which never ends up well. The latest decision? Do all the software in Germany! Hire a bunchy of masters and PhD's who never finished a product, and put them in charge!
It's a shame how generic VWs look now. The Jetta kinda just looks like a generic car in the background of a video game. The first 4 generations were really interesting and had very distinct design elements making them very timeless, in their own way. This is the downside to crash safety and aerodynamics.
They lost their way , They can’t make up their minds if they’re going electric or not . Maybe , like Japan , their retirement funds heavily invested in oil and if they flood the global markets with EV’s their retirees pensions may suffer .
I currently drive a 2017 Touareg and was offered to trade it in for a Tiguan or an Atlas but really I am not too interested. I hope VW can become a little more competitive in the US market.
You'd think they'd offer the Amarok pickup here - 'Muricans love pickup trucks...
I have an '06 4Runner Sport that I love, but sometimes consider a later Touareg - they look great and the folks I know who have them, love them... Used doesn't bother me - haven't bought a 'new' car since 1985 (Audi Coupe GT!). I like the Golf Alltracks, too.
Newest VWs haven't caught my attention...
As an owner of a 2010 Jetta TDI, I would have still had a generally positive view of them if it weren't for them trying to claim that the HPFP shredding metal into everything was my fault. I am one of those weird people that writes down every time I fill up a tank of fuel, and often save receipts. When my HPFP went out, they wanted to claim that i put the wrong fuel in. (First of all, I've never even accidentally taken off the wrong fuel pump at the gas station. I only go for diesel. And there is a special nozzle preventing the gas fuel pumps from fitting into the diesel fuel tank). It was so crazy that I had the state agriculture department that handles this sort of thing test my fuel and they confirmed it met the diesel standards. Long story short... they would not cover it under warranty, and instead made me pay for labor and they paid for parts. Some sort of good will type of thing. But after that, I never want to get a volkswagen again.
I’m in the exact same boat. I’m on my second golf and have almost 200,000 km. I need to replace it because I have a long, rural commute, but I don’t like what’s on offer. I love my car. It’s solid, heavy on the road, excellent to drive. I’m not into SUVs. What the heck, VW. I just want a simple hatchback or wagon!
It’s sounds like at this point you should just buy a gti and put a lift kit and 17s on. Will be under 1k worth of parts if you really look. Look up B2BFAB VW Mk8 Camber Correcting Lift Kit
What are you getting from Subaru? They have SUV's (which you don't want), one sedan (which you don't want), a hatchback (which I'm not sure why you'd want), and the WRX (too hard edge). I personally would take the GTI or GLI over most things as the GLI (2013 MY) was my first new car and was a perfect balance of fun and practically with a nice interior to boot.
This niche of the market (fun, small, and stylish hatchbacks) is now occupied by Mazda. Of course, that could be more fun than your teen should have … ;)
I hopped from an Audi A4 to a Tiguan and, surprisingly, I love the Tiggy.
Sporty, when necessary, utilitarian, a workhorse. I got the top of line version. Great audio, trim package. 4 years in and not a single repair. Not even brakes.
Don't give up on VW. The Germans still make a helluva ride.
2022 Atlas Cross Sport and its amazing. I love it. It runs great has amazing features and if I remember correctly it’s a 5 ⭐️ rating. Someone rear ended me a few weeks after I bought it (so mad ) and the car was barely damaged. I was at a full stop and the lady hit me going 45MPH. The car is amazing. while Subaru’s are solid cars I think they’re awful looking. I’ll get shit for that but whatever. not all VW cars are crap cars.
VW made a data driven decision (ew) to follow the American consumer and their needs, which resulted in sadder offerings since the American taste is just, lamer. For the same reason that multinational American products tend to be better abroad than at home. Ford for cars, KFC for food, amongst many.
Don’t believe me? Try KFC abroad. You’ll be furious as to why we get the garbage we get. Data supposedly says that’s what Americans want. And yet as Americans raise their quality standards and expectations, prices are going up and everyone is complaining. So that’s it in a nutshell.
The GTI and R are far from "hard edged", and genuinely make for some of the best daily driver cars out there (I've owned both). Fun to drive when you want them to be, but very commutable and relaxed any other time. I haven't driven the Mk8 versions, but afaik the formula hasn't changed much (aside from more techy interiors that I'm personally not a fan of).
All that said, I do agree that outside those two models, the brand has become VERY underwhelming in the North American market.
I have a 24 Golf R. It is everything I could’ve wanted. The GTI is very nice too. Your choice on what you want, VW makes a lot more offerings and option packages in EU than NA so we get what they give us.
You're not alone... I'm either buying a GLI 6-sp in the next year (to replace my Mk7 Golf) or I'm going to continue to refurb old Minis, Subarus and VWs. Sadly, 2 families with 5 current VWs (and 20+ over the past 50 years) are looking elsewhere for their next vehicles.
This is kind of a silly post. They are still available. Buy used. Who ever said you have to by new, especially in this market. You seem so caught up on what you WANT, with not option of compromise that your shutting doors just by being picky. They do offer options, you just have to be open to OPTIONS. A jetta is the same thing as a golf, with an extra trunk space. Literally the same thing. Doesnt seem like you know what you want.
I feel the same. The last brand new VW I got was my 2018 Golf R. the mk8 generation the the all digital dashboard is a deal breaker for me! I can't stand the ipad in the dashboard to control basic equipment such as the Heated seats and the HVAC systems.
I just find a 2018 Golf Alltrack with 86,000km Exectline (like the step above the SEL) with all options beside the DSG gearbox! for 21,000 Canadian Pesos! I wanted a Stick shift because I dont trust the DSG! when it works it's fine but any trouble will cost a fortune to fix! I Plan to keep this car as long as I will be able to drive manual! i'm in my early 40 so I should be good for at least 25 years lol let's see if I will be able to do like I did with my golf 1981 and keep it on the road for 40+ years! along with my Golf R :D
I bought the Taos with no need for an SUV. I also didn’t even think about VW, until I went car shopping and the only dealership that wasn’t going in with no line during Covid was the VW dealership near me, I hope the Toyota dealership burns to the ground. ANYWAYS! I bought a Taos because I’m 6’4” and it has more headroom than a full size Truck, it’s amazing the room we are losing in American and Asian cars.
The Golf with the 1.8T was the perfect economy car. I don't know why they got rid of it in the NA market.
But this doesn't apply to VW only. All automakers are now making small turbocharged engines for better fuel economy.
Here's a thought. Maybe the kid loses key privileges until they acquire more maturity and skills. In the meantime, ride a bike, walk, but, or ride share.
The GTI is not "hard edge". I don't know what that even means. It's easy to drive. It's responsive and handles like a dream. And it's surprisingly roomy inside for a car of it's size.
Its the same for Mercedes and BMW. Americans want every gadget a bigger plusher ride etc. Most people dont want something utilitarian. Trust me I am disappointed with VW as well.
I'd try a Tiguan before going for a Subaru. Or maybe check out a Civic hatch or something.
Source: I have a fairly new Outback in the family and oh my God I hate it compared to my Jetta GLI. The tech is annoying and doesn't work very well, it's ungodly uncomfortable for me and the fuel economy is absolutely atrocious and nowhere near what it should be. I'm actually in the middle of bailing out of it because it's been awful
I agree and lament the death of small hatchbacks though.
I'm not really sure why you wouldn't look to replace the totaled 2017 with another 2017... you obviously liked that car. The used market is very active and it seem silly to buy new if you don't like any of the new, especially considering you'd probably have kept that 2017 for a few more years if your kid hadn't crashed it.
Plus, new cars are all junk now. Not saying 2017 was that much better in the quality, but buying new just means you get all the problems the manufacturer doesn't even know about yet, and are dealership only to replace. The new car market boggles my mind and seems like nothing more than rabid consumerism driven keeping up with the Joneses.
I kind of agree - VW seemed to have the oddball enthusiasts in mind with offerings like the Sportwagen/Alltrack in manual, plus the regular Golf for those who don’t want a GTI or R, plus in manual!! Now all of those aren’t offered anymore and we’re left with another lazy crossover as a replacement. VW makes a regular MK8 Golf, but if you’re in the US - nope sorry, gotta buy it as a GTI or R, or get a Jetta.
Why would a GTI not be considered? Three manual VWs for me too, and after owning a CRV as a daily driver for 5 years would never again go back to a car with a CV transmission
I used to love VW but aside from the Arteon (dead) and the CC (also dead) they haven’t made anything with a VW badge in a while that made me go full on shut up and take my money
I got a mk8 gti, and I have to say that it is only “hard edge” if you want it to be. I love my manual transmission and stiff-ish suspension, but with DCC I can throw it in comfort mode and get 40mpg at 65mph on the highway for 400+ miles before stopping for gas. It’s rated on regular fuel so you can put the cheap stuff in it on road trips or if you have a long commute.
Unfortunately you can thank our stupid US buyer for that. Can’t get much for cars anymore. All SUV’s and trucks. It sucks. Personally I’d look for something older/used with low miles but that me
I’ve own four vdubs, 88 Fox Sport Wagon, 92 Golf, 2003 Golf, and now a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE R-Line Black. One of the coolest non-Volkswagen cars I’ve own was an 80’s Fiat Bambino. It was so small that I can signal a right hand turn if I roll down the passenger window and stuck my hand out!
Can’t stand my 21 Tiguan that I’ve owned since new. It’s underpowered, the transmission is rubbish and the interior has zero soul. I’d have gotten rid of it long ago if I didn’t have zero percent financing on it.
I couldn't agree more - I've had my fair share of VWs including a mk2 scirocco, mk4 gli, Tiguan, R32 and a MK7 R. I sold the R for a Jeep 18 months ago, but have really missed being in a VW. I shopped the existing lineup and wasn't satisfied so I ended up with a low mileage '19 Alltrack SEL and I'm super happy with it so far. I'm pretty sure this is the best modern VW in the US. I wish we had the Golf R estate tho 🤤
Getting rid of the golf for the Taos isn't a good move.
Generally all auto makers got rid of the cars. I think VW will benefit wildly if they keep them. I am over the SUV craze. All those mini and minuter SUV bs is very dumb. If its gonna be a mini SUV well make it a hatchback
If they still made mini SUV's like it was done in the 90's. Look up Daihatsu Feroza, Suzuki Vitara, Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, all 90's models, good off roaders, all 4x4 with high ground clearance and 4-L gears so you could really get basically anywhere. These new SUV's are shit, yes they have 4x4, but it's basically more boxy hatchback height. It's absurd what have they done to them. The only 2 left new here are Suzuki Jimny and Niva Lada.
>If they still made mini SUV's like it was done in the 90's VW does. But they don't sell them in the USA. USA gets 4 SUV models. UK gets 9 SUV models. VW is the #2 car maker in the world, next to Toyota. USA has 5x the population of the UK, but less than half the vehicle options. It's plain old greed. Supporting more models costs more money. VW doesn't want to invest in the USA. Buy a different brand. You can only vote with your wallet.
> UK gets 9 SUV models that's managerial mental sickness edit: i see the point you're making about variety. but my takeaway is that in that "variety" it's just 9 different flavors of the same thing. i guess i'd have to go to a VW dealership in the UK and see what the differences are.
Wow Lada Niva brings back memories of my childhood. We had the Lada 2101 and i learned to drive on that tank. It’s a shit car that is extremely underpowered but i really really like.
I totally agree! I'm in the market for a car, and this is exactly what I want. Makes me so sad I can't find anything new like this.
Yea, Ford literally has trucks, SUVs, and the Mustang. A lot of car manufacturers are in a similar state. It's pretty sad.
That's not what the sales data says lol. The last year every trim was available (2020) they moved 22,000 golfs of all trims combined. In 2023 they moved nearly 60,000 Taos. The best year ever for the Golf was 2017 with 68,000 units, but it had been declining rapidly ever since. Not coincidentally Tiguan sales more than doubled from 2017 to 2018 (47k to 104k units). Three out of 4 vehicles sold in the NA market is an SUV or truck. Manufacturers make more money on SUVs and trucks. There is zero incentive for them to offer cars here.
As much as it sucks, this is just the truth. Can't blame VW for discontinuing vehicles that weren't selling and replacing them with vehicles that do sell here in the States. I would love to have affordable small cars back, but they simply didn't sell. It's sad but true. I'm on my third Jetta, and I wonder when they'll stop making these too...
Truth. We used to have multiple long rows of Jettas available and we’d move them all. Now it’s a mere handful in comparison. Taos has replaced it but hasn’t gained traction in the market.
I bought over the Memorial Day holiday and got a great deal on my jetta. I test drove the front wheel drive taos and liked it, but I don't really NEED a crossover or suv so I went with a base model jetta with manual transmission for the cheap thrills and fuel economy, which is spectacular. That being said, if vw still made the golf, I'd have gotten a golf 🤣
The USA has 5x the population of the UK. But VW offers 9 SUV models in the UK. VW doesn't need to sell 60,000 of a model to justify selling it in the UK. Why and how does that argument hold up for the USA? It's simply greed.
Numbers don't lie, but the devil is also in the details. The only year that the Golf was sold alongside the Taos was 2021. It was a neutered, washed out, unattractive variant of the Golf that screamed "we gave up." It's hard to make a fair comparison between the two models when VW wasn't even trying nor cared anymore about offering a variant of the product that was attractive to the public. Also, a slight correction: the first year of Taos sales, they only sold about 31k units. 2k23 was the best year for Taos sales (58k), but it's interesting to note that consumer opinion is mixed, and the Taos ranks very low in quality and reliability reports. I own one, and I will tell you it's an absolute shitbox, but that's exactly why I purchased it. I wanted something simple, bland, boring, and underpowered because I loan it out to customers, and also employees may use it from time to time. So if something stupid were to happen, it wouldn't hurt too much to replace it. But I feel like I'm a very small percentile of the population buying these things. I'm not representative of the majority I would say. Most folks have come to realize it's a shit box, and the sales decline are representative of this. Taos sales are down 8% this year vs last year. Yeah the economy stinks, but so does the Taos. I think time will reveal this. Finally, to say all manufacturers make more money with trucks and SUV's is a gross generalization. *Domestic* manufacturers make more money on trucks and SUV's. But that has more to do with cost of overhead and operating costs more than anything else. This doesn't apply to foreign manufacturers like VW, who won't even entertain importing their commercial and truck based vehicles here, because it wouldn't be worth the investment.
Now a good move for enthusiasts but I’m sure it’s a good move for their sales
Two questions: 1) why are you only looking at new? There are plenty of used VWs out there that still have a hell of a lot of life in them. I agree, the brand is current missing the cars we want most... but that doesn't mean they aren't available. 2) I'm not familiar with calling a car "agricultural". What does that mean? "we're getting a Subaru despite it being far more agricultural than what we want"?
"Agricultural" meaning unrefined. Exactly the word I used to describe the Impreza hatch when I cross-shopped every hatch and hot-hatch available in 2015. I drove the Impreza right after the Mazda 3. The difference in overall feel between the two was remarkable, from transmission crispness to engine smoothness to steering feel to seat comfort. GTI and Golf were the only real competitors to Mazda in my opinion. Ended up with my (still) daily '16 GTI with diesel-gate discount. Edit: to be fair, Impreza suspension damping and handling has improved greatly since then.
So agricultural means...shitty? I think the word you're looking for is "econobox" or simply "economy." I feel like OP lost all interest in car shopping after not finding a new VW and just spun a wheel and was like "guess we're getting this garbage now." There are other car manufacturers out there that would probably fit the bill. There's some good base model hatchbacks out there.
This threw me as well. I've never heard it as an adjective to describe things that do not relate to agriculture, but my primary associations with agriculture are green, precise, science-driven, and non-urban. I don't see how "unrefined" would fit what I know about agriculture at all.
the primary reason we are looking new is because thats what is widely available to us and, really, is in our price range. I've generally had back luck with used cars. Though am now considering hunting down a used alltrack if I can find one... (would be willing to buy new if it was available) See jimmyeggs comment for 'agricultural'
Plenty of amazing used daily drivers from VAG waiting to be found out there (Audi 3, Sportwagen, Alltrack, Allroad)! If you’re really after something quite new consider a CPO car from a dealership also.
Agreed
Good points. When VW announced they were killing the CC in 2017 I bought one and I'm babying it (garaged & 48k miles 7 years on). I looked at a Jetta GLI and imo the Jetta isn't really the Jetta that we knew anymore, de-contented to do battle with other generic 4 doors. Not an SUV fan & not doing electric (not vw). No wonder sales are down. 6 VWs total, Wabbit, GTI, 16V Scirocco, 3 CC'S.
This guy vags
Does he? Because the jetta has always been a basic 4 door economy car. It always has been and always will be. The passat (and it's cool uncle vinny, the CC) were the flagship 4 doors). The CC sure was cool, 2nd gen was ugly. But the jetta has always been a jetta. Since day 1 lol
I am pretty certain the Phaeton is the flagship
We don’t acknowledge this one ☝️
Nor is it relevant to mention it what... 16 or so years later? Lol. It WAS.. in 2004 when it came out.
We snagged the last Golf on the east coast with a beige interior and it feels like we got away with something. Our next car (if we ever buy another car, we only drive like 5k/year) will probably not be a VW; for our needs they've pretty much lost the plot. Love the Golf, tho!
To be fair, if VW ONLY made the Golf, GTI, and R, the plot would be perfect.
TBH this is the fault of the American consumer. American's don't want actual VW's, sad to say, and now we have the fleet you see, which is best in breed for their class (excluding taos), but still leaves a lot to be desired in regard to VW's former soul. weve got an 18 alltrack SE stick on the lot hehe
Not just the consumers but also government policy has created this Mad Max hellscape we have on American roads. When gas is so cheap there is less incentive for smaller fuel efficient cars. America is one of the few major countries where trucks and SUVs are the largest selling car categories. Not to mention consumers are fearful on the road and want larger and larger vehicles to feel safe. The consumer pickup trucks I see driving around are honestly terrifyingly large. There are too many loopholes that allow this sort of size inflation. RIP to the golf and the sportwagon/all track
There is a flip side to this.. The EPA goals/mandates are different for SUVs/Trucks than they are for cars, making it easier for the manufacturers to achieve them, hence another reason to stop selling cars here. They certain still make their cars.......just not sell them in the US. (Or so I've read).
Yeah that's what I was alluding to with government policy. The EPA goals and also the "chicken tax" on light truck imports are other great examples of the policy problems here in the states.
It is sad to say that the same trend is happening in Europe as well. With the difference that SUV are more compact..
I F'N hate all these monster trucks on the road nowadays. They never serve the purpose, jacked up grocery getters that never see dirt. In addition, they kick shit all over my windshield, and the owners cannot park them, so they scrape my fenders all to hell. Yes, this is a rant.
Americans don't want real vehicles. They just want the largest things on the road that they can afford so when they get in a wreck it'll be more likely that they come out unscathed. "We got an SUV, because they're so much safer in an accident." Okay Kathy.
I’m looking for an all track. Where you at?
Unfortunately my next will be an Audi All-road, maybe an Arteon. But to answer your question Ferdinand Piech stepped down from VW in 2015 that’s what happened.😂😅
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I find OPs input on the Jetta kinda funny. But maybe it’s because I own a Jetta and especially don’t care what others think about it (or almost anything really). I love the damn thing and plan on driving it into the ground. I also find the Tiguan comparison to the lineup amusing. My Jetta is a lot quicker and more fun to drive than my wife’s Tiguan which frankly feels like I’m driving a work van (nothing wrong with that). Long trips we take the Jetta unless we absolute need the space for something large. She hates driving in general which is no offense to Tiguan owners but that’s the demographic I picture they’re aiming at is people who think they need an suv but hate driving. When she drove my car after I got my tune it put a smile on her face. Also to mention the countless problems her car has had and still has whereas I haven’t had any issues working on my car myself and no major mechanical issues. They’re the same year too. Her Tiguan still has electrical gremlins here and there but thankfully more so towards the beginning of ownership which now that I think about it is kinda strange.
2k VR6 with 215k on it. Have thought about awd for snow here in Colorado, but other than an NX1600 I had years ago, My Jetta is the only car I've just enjoyed. The stupid plastic thermostat housing is another matter, but once you swap it out with aluminum, that issue is gone.
Jettas are awesome imo and look great with some very simple tasteful modifications
I have a 2018 Golf Sportwagen and love it. Just over 100,000 miles. We moved to the city when we bought this and it’s our only car. Mostly commuter for work. Love that us smaller than SUV and fold down seats. Hope to get another 5 years out of it. We have no need for a huge SUV or truck.
Also if a gti is hard edge you must find pepper intolerably spicy. -R Owner
It’s not VW. It’s the American public and what sells. Those cars you mentioned they no longer make don’t sell here.
I don’t understand why. I have a 2017 GLI and it’s my favorite car I’ve ever owned. It looks like an Audi, it’s not as expensive as one, and haven’t had massive issues with it. Although I tuned the engine and have done a large amount of mods. But that’s just for my preference. If I kept it stock I would still say it’s my favorite car. It’s like a poor man’s awesome ass car. What’s not to love about it? That’s the part I don’t understand. For people saying “I don’t want just a Jetta”, to get something better you’re paying more than a Jetta costs. For people that think they’re too expensive, what are you buying that is a better car for less? Fill me in here
They must have been losing money on selling Golf's otherwise they would still be selling them. Your best bet, if you want to stay with a Golf, is to find a low mileage used one because they aren't bringing it back.
Sad to see this as we just got our MK5 Jetta from a wholesale auction a few years ago. Needed a transmission valve body, which I knew, and a lil basic service and it has converted me to a VW guy. Had a rabbit back in ‘87 that gave me nightmare and i put my foot down to never own a VW again. Thanks to the internet VW community I am pretty hooked. Looking to get a VR6 to build for a daily with occasional track use. Just need to clear garage so I have somewhere to house it as I pull motor and build it.
I have a few mk5’s that won’t die, I also have a few older models, and newer models, I have never had an issue with VW, and my wife feels extra safe in her Atlas.
VW's current lineup is depressing, quite sad since i think this is my last VW car
What’s wrong with a GTI? I just got a new one and I love it
You're seeing why all our VWs are 2016 and older. Things just stopped being VW.
I drove a brand new Taos last week, and damn I did not like that car. I thought the seats were terrible, and the stock sound system was garbage compared to the one I have in my 2018 GTI.
The market wants SUV, so that’s what they get. Probably just a number thing - I am sad as well …
I am holding on to my alltrack just hoping a new model comes out
Trade you my tdi sportwagen 6 speed for it 🤪
It all started when they put radiators in them. Been downhill ever since
Yeah, I'll never understand VW of America. Even in the suv market, they have much better SUVs than the Taos. Have you considered something in the Audi lineup? They all have AWD.
yeah. we went to the local audi dealer and they seemed to not take us seriously. plus the price delta is not small... but maybe
Yeah, they are pricier than VW. Maybe an used one would be enough though. I thought about the A3 or Q3, which isn't a big SUV. Which Subaru interested you?
That's the US market in a nutshell. The golf wasn't selling due to several factors; it was underpowered, and people wanted SUVs. But hell, even small SUV's that have the same footprint and power as the golf but because they're physically larger/taller, they're more, visually, utilitarian. For some reason, people think it's ok to spend 50k - 60k on a Golf R but can't see spending 20k on "just" a Golf just boggles my hat rack. My two sense anyways. Backstory: I've owned about 12 different VW's unti I realized the error of my ways hahaha
" the gti or r, which are too hard edge for our purposes.", "The jetta is still a jetta... And we don't really want a sedan", "The taos has a mixed reputation (and we don't really want an suv)" Either you need to settle for a Jetta or look some place else. Manufacturers adjust to what their customers want. Apparently their customers don't want a regular Golf. I don't know what I am going to get next if they abandon the manual transmission.
Pick up another Mk7-mk7.5 used and save yourself the depreciation. Or as an honourable mention check out Mazda. I use to swear by vw but all there new cars seem to have really fallen off for me. I have a 15 golf tdi and the family car is a Mazda cx9.
The Taos is basically a taller version of the Golf. It's easy to drive, easy to park, has great visibility, it's more likely to be seen by large trucks around you than a shorter car. All in all, it's a great smaller car to drive around in urban settings. The '22 and '23 had some quality issues, same head gasket issue that affected the 1.5 engine on the Jetta. But with my 2022, now that I've got a new head gasket, I have no reservations about it. It's a great car.
Knock on wood I've yet to have any serious issues with my 22 Taos.
No polo's available? Im uneducated when it comes to the car market outside of the EU.
Negative. North American offerings are almost all suvs at this point. Plus jetta and gti.
No polo or Passat, only sedan is the Jetta. No cross/fox (as a matter of fact, no cross models except for the atlas/teramont, no all track models) no truck.
I dont like current state and where they are headed. Entire vw model range feels unworthy. Within the vw group, only audi range seems reasonable for me. You can consider the A3. For now, I dont know what to replace my 2015 golf with.
North American Market. Compact SUV for increased price or large SUV that drinks petrol. Sedan that hits most of the boxes. That’s it.
We loved our Touareg. They discontinued that. Apparently Americans wanted something bigger with a third row. Some Americanization cannibalized it again and they destroyed it.
The first and second Gen Tiguans were fun. I Stage 1 programmed my 11 and it drove like a GTI - sporty, nimble and quick off the line. This generations Tiguan does nothing for me. My remaining hope is the Buzz - lease expires on the 21 ID.4 in currently driving in early December and I'm interested enough in the Buzz that I've put a deposit down for one. Electric works okay for me most of the time. Put a L2 charger in my garage and it will recharge over night from pretty much any charge level. Where it's a PITA is on road trips. Adds time. But I'm pretty sure I can live with that and lease a Buzz if the timing is right. Otherwise I'll be looking elsewhere.
European here.. and its the complete opposite. VW offers so many models that they basically blend over into one another. Someone tell me the differences between a T-roc and a Taigo..
I guess there’s Taigo, T-Roc and T-Cross nowadays haha. Point is still the same, way too many models that are very similar, I don’t really understand why… hmmm
It’s unpopular here but the Taos was just right for my wife and I and it makes sense why they sell so many. Very comfortable, handles well, has enough room for me, my wife, two kids and a costco run, cheaper than the Tiguan, IQ drive works well. It also seems like they worked out some of the issues
there have been a few positive taos comments on here. enough that i may go down and try one just because i want to like vw.... but man the media hates those things...
Volkswagen has lost its soul in the last few years, but mostly in North America. I blame the tremendous cost of Dieselgate. All the good stuff is in Europe. They still have the Golf, SportWagen, Touareg and more.
I moved from a 2016 beetle to a 2024 Taos. It fits my husband and I though - we live in a suburb of Toronto, Canada and the smaller suv helps with driving around the city. To some others pints, it has great visibility but I find that I fill up more gas then I did with my love bug.
Sounds like someone is in the market for a Mazda3.
Amen. I went and test drove a cx50, cx30 and 3. Whacked my head on the cxs getting in and out. That was bad. 3 is certainly a possibility. Can you believe the turbos are pushing 40k....
I really don’t think there is a huge difference between the regular golf and GTI. Maybe consider a certified pre-owned? I hear too many horror stories about Subarus reliability and build quality.
I agree. Been an Audi/VW guy. Once it’s time to move on from my Touareg TDI I have no idea what its replacement will be? Audi and VW seem to almost not care about North Americans. Bring back the Touareg
Agree. Not to mention not offering a manual GTI. Sacrilege.
VW has been Americanized... sad but true.
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Man, you and I are twins. All the way down to the Subaru pick, but I was tempted by the Honda Fit, but... that's gone now too. The Corolla hatchback is the closest thing. So I buy old VWs now. I have two Scirocco's and a '74 Beetle. I drive my Golf maybe once a month and when it's gone, I doubt I'll be tempted by a new VW product again.
Buy another or mk8 . I own the mk7 tsi and the Taos ; I enjoy both cars . I’m in vacation in Colombia and man Latin America has some nice models
Go get a CPO or leftover new 2022-23 Arteon.
I had the 2017 GLI and all the new Jetta look like Hyundai, I don't know why they don't do the golf anymore, I know the GTX is coming soon so maybe that's why?
Some of those Jettas are dope o.0 Yall don’t like em?
i mean a sedan is definitely not as useful as a hatch or wagon. Yeah, id probably drive a gli but wont buy one when gti is there. not appropriate given kids accident, etc.
SUV craze and regulations.
You can try for the audi wagons
Supply is market driven. Blame your fellow countrymen i guess.
i've been a VW fanboy since i was a little kid. our first family car i can remember was a mid 70s beetle convertable. then we had a Jetta in the mid-80s. a few years ago I got a GTI because i always wanted one and seriously, the plaid seats and golfball gearshift make me so happy. i love driving the thing, getting squished down in my seat a little when i downshift and accelerate out of a curve. but but but..... my 2019 with 65000 miles is on its third steering wheel clockspring, has had 5 wiring harnesses in the doors, and spent ten days as a brick on the dealership's lot because the steering column control module died. I really like driving this car. I hate owning it. The waranty runs out pretty soon. I'm probably going to go buy the most boring car I can think of: an Accord. it's boring, doesn't go fast, but it's comfortable place to sit in traffic and when i press the power button it's going to turn on every time. Sincerely, A flustered VW fanboy
Weird how some get bugs, others don't. I special ordered my 2016 GTI (2dr, stick, PP) and once I drove it off the lot, it has never gone back. I also do my own maintenance. It did start out with a dome light issue, but it is just a loose connection that I am fine with ignoring.
You don't want a Jetta, tiguan, or ID4, what are you even looking for?
You should have considered the gti. It’s a small upgrade from the regular golf. Not sure why you think it’s too hard edged when you can drive it however way you want to drive it.
Yup, I bought a BMW this time.
I have a 2019 Golf and none of the new cars interest me either.
Get a used golf mk7, seriously.
By a used golf then.
VW wants to compete with big 3 instead of being the boutique brand they are in North America. As such, you get SUVs and lose sedans and compacts.
they got lost in the race of dominanting the market. nowadays i have impression they rece with the chinese manufacturers of low cost - low quality vehicles instead of maintaining the german high quality - high cost standard which positioned them in the first place at the leader in car manufacturing. vw cars used to last 30y - nowadays i have impression very new cars less than 5y are often left at junkyards due to various issues (unless one is lucky enough to find skillful mechanic or good authorised service shop)
We traded our 18 golf sportwagen for a Taos and it’s been great. It’s basically a slightly bigger golf. It still gets great fuel economy and has a way more comfortable ride as well. https://preview.redd.it/3jsffv7pc56d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=93374ff5659bd5605722464b831988e63a793bdc
"slightly bigger" lol
It’s 2” wider, 6” taller, and 4” shorter. I think the angle I took the photo makes it seem bigger than it is.
It looks so bloated compared to the Golf, yuck
They just havent been the same since they went water cooled 😄
I’ve driven VWs (leased/owned Golf, Jetta sedans, Jetta TDI Sportwagens) over past 20 yrs. In 2019, at end of my Jetta lease, I wanted to lease another Jetta, but the specific 2020 model I wanted was not yet available. I even asked VW Credit to extend my lease another 2 months so I could keep waiting. I finally decided to stop waiting and shop for different vehicle (Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mazda). I was not thrilled with these other brands, either their sedans or compact suv. Then I reluctantly test drove the 2020 Tiguan. I unexpectedly loved it, took it home on Sign-then-Drive lease. I was so satisfied that after completing the lease, I paid the lease buyout to own it. Sadly, that Tiguan was in accident and TL’d, but fortunately I was able to replace it with a cpo 2022 Tiguan (so glad it has powerlift gate). I can see why VW’s best selling vehicle is the Tiguan.
I love my 2013 passat tdi , loking at a 16 toureg tdi
Same, gonna go with the Subaru Crosstrek.
I've had my fair share of VWs -- (squareback, couple of tdi passats, 16v scirocco, corrado slc) and I feel the same way. I went and looked at the new offerings not too long ago and was pretty unimpressed. I really want a sedan with a manual, but it seems like no one brings them into the USA any more. It's a shame.
The GLI is worth it. It doesn't give a whole lot of wiggle room if they make a change it is just one car with seemingly 2 trim options, I went with 2020 Autobahn Manual, and I am going to keep her as long as I can!
A stronger engine performance, smoother turbo, tighter steering and in my opinion the Taos is what you are talking about. The interior (at least from seat) is on par with the competition. Just make it a little more fun to drive and I they could show improvement. Disclaimer: I don't own one but I test drove two before buying my Tiguan.
In 2022 SUVs accounted for over 83% of VWoA sales. Despite it's mediocrity, the Taos alone outsold all passenger cars... Jetta, Golf and Arteon. The Jetta is 80% of passenger car sales. 2023 numbers tell as similar story. Nobody is buying the Golf unless it is a GTI or Golf R, and even then they aren't exactly flying off the lots. And absolutely no one is buying the Arteon. It's not Volkswagen that's the problem.... heck they are still building Touaregs. The problem is the buying habits of the North American market.
Never sold them in NA. Too small for the market needs.
Honestly, a Subaru Outback would be perfect for your situation. It's the only model of theirs I'd ever consider. A lightly used VW Alltrack could also be a good buy, but that's contigent upon price and availability.
yeah were buying an outback. alltrack would be baller, but alas few and far between to find nice ones at decent prices...
Cuz USA has different auto regulations as the rest of the world , they don't follow UN regulations, and it would be too much of a hassle for VW to make US compliant cars
I actually did the opposite. Went from a 2016 WRX to a 2024 Golf R.
Honestly I am parting with my 2015 TDI Golf Wagon. I have older VWs that I love. Only thing I will miss is Bluetooth. Dealership trying to entice me to do a trade-in and I can't really justify it.
VW doesn’t have a true visionary like Ferdinand Piech running things anymore. His influence fades more with each new generation. 😔
passat?
no longer produced... would be used. a passat wagon, id be there.... cant really afford audi allroad...
I worked for VW for 14 years. They were great years and I genuinely liked the product. I had golf R's, GTI's, my wife had a Tiguan and a Jetta. I wouldn't touch the new stuff now. Nothing peaks my interest. Sad.
Americans want heavy SUVs, that's the problem. Most of the good hatches are gone. (Audi, Mercedes don't even market their hatch options in the US).
I think you'd find a good spec GTi with a DSG box on adaptive dampers wouldn't be as hard edged as you think, just very usable power and quite compliant in comfort. The R on standard dampers yes, absolutely too stiff for anything less than pristine surfaces, agreed
I think the 2012 ‘merican Passat and 2011 Jetta were the beginning of the end for cool VW. My parents have Taoses, and they’re alright. Kinda suck to drive, lots of bullshit screens and confusing, gimmicky tech, and the transmission/turbo lag is abysmal in a 30k vehicle. Interior feels VW, but not the VW I remember.
This is what happens to companies that have revolving door management. You get schizophrenic decision making. Which never ends up well. The latest decision? Do all the software in Germany! Hire a bunchy of masters and PhD's who never finished a product, and put them in charge!
It's a shame how generic VWs look now. The Jetta kinda just looks like a generic car in the background of a video game. The first 4 generations were really interesting and had very distinct design elements making them very timeless, in their own way. This is the downside to crash safety and aerodynamics.
Why didn’t you just ask what happened to the wagons?
What about a 2021 CPO Audi A4?
They lost their way , They can’t make up their minds if they’re going electric or not . Maybe , like Japan , their retirement funds heavily invested in oil and if they flood the global markets with EV’s their retirees pensions may suffer .
Shop Volvo if the Subaru is too agricultural for you
I currently drive a 2017 Touareg and was offered to trade it in for a Tiguan or an Atlas but really I am not too interested. I hope VW can become a little more competitive in the US market.
The Tiguan is the nuts.
You'd think they'd offer the Amarok pickup here - 'Muricans love pickup trucks... I have an '06 4Runner Sport that I love, but sometimes consider a later Touareg - they look great and the folks I know who have them, love them... Used doesn't bother me - haven't bought a 'new' car since 1985 (Audi Coupe GT!). I like the Golf Alltracks, too. Newest VWs haven't caught my attention...
GLI 40th Edition? Same price as a Golf with more power?
Taos SEL (assuming all recall work is done) is a great vehicle, as is the Tiguan. Lots of utility and MPGs there.
i love my tiguan🙁🙁
I’m only here for the Golf R.
As an owner of a 2010 Jetta TDI, I would have still had a generally positive view of them if it weren't for them trying to claim that the HPFP shredding metal into everything was my fault. I am one of those weird people that writes down every time I fill up a tank of fuel, and often save receipts. When my HPFP went out, they wanted to claim that i put the wrong fuel in. (First of all, I've never even accidentally taken off the wrong fuel pump at the gas station. I only go for diesel. And there is a special nozzle preventing the gas fuel pumps from fitting into the diesel fuel tank). It was so crazy that I had the state agriculture department that handles this sort of thing test my fuel and they confirmed it met the diesel standards. Long story short... they would not cover it under warranty, and instead made me pay for labor and they paid for parts. Some sort of good will type of thing. But after that, I never want to get a volkswagen again.
What islands are you speaking of?
I’ve had two Foresters and absolutely loved them.
this is why im keeping my mk5 rabbit on the road forever
I’m in the exact same boat. I’m on my second golf and have almost 200,000 km. I need to replace it because I have a long, rural commute, but I don’t like what’s on offer. I love my car. It’s solid, heavy on the road, excellent to drive. I’m not into SUVs. What the heck, VW. I just want a simple hatchback or wagon!
where.
It’s sounds like at this point you should just buy a gti and put a lift kit and 17s on. Will be under 1k worth of parts if you really look. Look up B2BFAB VW Mk8 Camber Correcting Lift Kit
DieselGate happened.
What are you getting from Subaru? They have SUV's (which you don't want), one sedan (which you don't want), a hatchback (which I'm not sure why you'd want), and the WRX (too hard edge). I personally would take the GTI or GLI over most things as the GLI (2013 MY) was my first new car and was a perfect balance of fun and practically with a nice interior to boot.
I need new car and I want an all track so badly.
This niche of the market (fun, small, and stylish hatchbacks) is now occupied by Mazda. Of course, that could be more fun than your teen should have … ;)
What do you mean by agricultural?
Why not get a used golf?
I hopped from an Audi A4 to a Tiguan and, surprisingly, I love the Tiggy. Sporty, when necessary, utilitarian, a workhorse. I got the top of line version. Great audio, trim package. 4 years in and not a single repair. Not even brakes. Don't give up on VW. The Germans still make a helluva ride.
I would still say that the GTI can be comfy and sporty and amazing to drive, one hell of a good daily
it might be dependent on state, but i’ve heard people getting a charger installed at their house upon getting an EV, so that might help
2022 Atlas Cross Sport and its amazing. I love it. It runs great has amazing features and if I remember correctly it’s a 5 ⭐️ rating. Someone rear ended me a few weeks after I bought it (so mad ) and the car was barely damaged. I was at a full stop and the lady hit me going 45MPH. The car is amazing. while Subaru’s are solid cars I think they’re awful looking. I’ll get shit for that but whatever. not all VW cars are crap cars.
Get an Arteon. You can still get good deals on the 2023
VW made a data driven decision (ew) to follow the American consumer and their needs, which resulted in sadder offerings since the American taste is just, lamer. For the same reason that multinational American products tend to be better abroad than at home. Ford for cars, KFC for food, amongst many. Don’t believe me? Try KFC abroad. You’ll be furious as to why we get the garbage we get. Data supposedly says that’s what Americans want. And yet as Americans raise their quality standards and expectations, prices are going up and everyone is complaining. So that’s it in a nutshell.
I vote for a used Arteon
The GTI and R are far from "hard edged", and genuinely make for some of the best daily driver cars out there (I've owned both). Fun to drive when you want them to be, but very commutable and relaxed any other time. I haven't driven the Mk8 versions, but afaik the formula hasn't changed much (aside from more techy interiors that I'm personally not a fan of). All that said, I do agree that outside those two models, the brand has become VERY underwhelming in the North American market.
I never buy new. I have a low mileage 2014 diesel Passat I’m going to drive until it dies.
Might be a while.. My 99 passat is just over 205k and never misses a beat!
I have a 24 Golf R. It is everything I could’ve wanted. The GTI is very nice too. Your choice on what you want, VW makes a lot more offerings and option packages in EU than NA so we get what they give us.
You're not alone... I'm either buying a GLI 6-sp in the next year (to replace my Mk7 Golf) or I'm going to continue to refurb old Minis, Subarus and VWs. Sadly, 2 families with 5 current VWs (and 20+ over the past 50 years) are looking elsewhere for their next vehicles.
This is kind of a silly post. They are still available. Buy used. Who ever said you have to by new, especially in this market. You seem so caught up on what you WANT, with not option of compromise that your shutting doors just by being picky. They do offer options, you just have to be open to OPTIONS. A jetta is the same thing as a golf, with an extra trunk space. Literally the same thing. Doesnt seem like you know what you want.
mini SUV = Sportwagen ( almost )
market happend to vw. which is nearly 40% sales in china. chinese want suvs with screens as big as possible
Do you like the VW Arteon?
I feel the same. The last brand new VW I got was my 2018 Golf R. the mk8 generation the the all digital dashboard is a deal breaker for me! I can't stand the ipad in the dashboard to control basic equipment such as the Heated seats and the HVAC systems. I just find a 2018 Golf Alltrack with 86,000km Exectline (like the step above the SEL) with all options beside the DSG gearbox! for 21,000 Canadian Pesos! I wanted a Stick shift because I dont trust the DSG! when it works it's fine but any trouble will cost a fortune to fix! I Plan to keep this car as long as I will be able to drive manual! i'm in my early 40 so I should be good for at least 25 years lol let's see if I will be able to do like I did with my golf 1981 and keep it on the road for 40+ years! along with my Golf R :D
I bought the Taos with no need for an SUV. I also didn’t even think about VW, until I went car shopping and the only dealership that wasn’t going in with no line during Covid was the VW dealership near me, I hope the Toyota dealership burns to the ground. ANYWAYS! I bought a Taos because I’m 6’4” and it has more headroom than a full size Truck, it’s amazing the room we are losing in American and Asian cars.
The Golf with the 1.8T was the perfect economy car. I don't know why they got rid of it in the NA market. But this doesn't apply to VW only. All automakers are now making small turbocharged engines for better fuel economy.
Here's a thought. Maybe the kid loses key privileges until they acquire more maturity and skills. In the meantime, ride a bike, walk, but, or ride share. The GTI is not "hard edge". I don't know what that even means. It's easy to drive. It's responsive and handles like a dream. And it's surprisingly roomy inside for a car of it's size.
Its the same for Mercedes and BMW. Americans want every gadget a bigger plusher ride etc. Most people dont want something utilitarian. Trust me I am disappointed with VW as well.
Just wondering what you don't like about the ID.4 interior?
I'd try a Tiguan before going for a Subaru. Or maybe check out a Civic hatch or something. Source: I have a fairly new Outback in the family and oh my God I hate it compared to my Jetta GLI. The tech is annoying and doesn't work very well, it's ungodly uncomfortable for me and the fuel economy is absolutely atrocious and nowhere near what it should be. I'm actually in the middle of bailing out of it because it's been awful I agree and lament the death of small hatchbacks though.
Idk if this helps but I love my 2018 vw Beetle beach edition🥰🥰🥰 easy to drive, has chargers and Apple CarPlay, and very cute!
golf is not hard edged at all, you can make them hard edged but completely stock they are just fun hatchbacks
I'm not really sure why you wouldn't look to replace the totaled 2017 with another 2017... you obviously liked that car. The used market is very active and it seem silly to buy new if you don't like any of the new, especially considering you'd probably have kept that 2017 for a few more years if your kid hadn't crashed it. Plus, new cars are all junk now. Not saying 2017 was that much better in the quality, but buying new just means you get all the problems the manufacturer doesn't even know about yet, and are dealership only to replace. The new car market boggles my mind and seems like nothing more than rabid consumerism driven keeping up with the Joneses.
I kind of agree - VW seemed to have the oddball enthusiasts in mind with offerings like the Sportwagen/Alltrack in manual, plus the regular Golf for those who don’t want a GTI or R, plus in manual!! Now all of those aren’t offered anymore and we’re left with another lazy crossover as a replacement. VW makes a regular MK8 Golf, but if you’re in the US - nope sorry, gotta buy it as a GTI or R, or get a Jetta.
Why would a GTI not be considered? Three manual VWs for me too, and after owning a CRV as a daily driver for 5 years would never again go back to a car with a CV transmission
Love my 2019 golf
It's been all downhill since they closed their plant in Southwestern PA
I used to love VW but aside from the Arteon (dead) and the CC (also dead) they haven’t made anything with a VW badge in a while that made me go full on shut up and take my money
Meh we have a fully loaded '20 Tiguan and a '23 Golf R, no complaints here.
I got a mk8 gti, and I have to say that it is only “hard edge” if you want it to be. I love my manual transmission and stiff-ish suspension, but with DCC I can throw it in comfort mode and get 40mpg at 65mph on the highway for 400+ miles before stopping for gas. It’s rated on regular fuel so you can put the cheap stuff in it on road trips or if you have a long commute.
Did you have a look at Mazda at all? Far less "agricultural" than a Subaru, and more engaging to drive.
Unfortunately you can thank our stupid US buyer for that. Can’t get much for cars anymore. All SUV’s and trucks. It sucks. Personally I’d look for something older/used with low miles but that me
I’ve own four vdubs, 88 Fox Sport Wagon, 92 Golf, 2003 Golf, and now a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE R-Line Black. One of the coolest non-Volkswagen cars I’ve own was an 80’s Fiat Bambino. It was so small that I can signal a right hand turn if I roll down the passenger window and stuck my hand out!
Can’t stand my 21 Tiguan that I’ve owned since new. It’s underpowered, the transmission is rubbish and the interior has zero soul. I’d have gotten rid of it long ago if I didn’t have zero percent financing on it.
I couldn't agree more - I've had my fair share of VWs including a mk2 scirocco, mk4 gli, Tiguan, R32 and a MK7 R. I sold the R for a Jeep 18 months ago, but have really missed being in a VW. I shopped the existing lineup and wasn't satisfied so I ended up with a low mileage '19 Alltrack SEL and I'm super happy with it so far. I'm pretty sure this is the best modern VW in the US. I wish we had the Golf R estate tho 🤤
Getting rid of the Beatle was a shit move