2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Consumer Reviews

Some things great-some not so great.....

Written by: pamicat on 11/12/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

Owned 3 mo./3000 mi in gld-metallic. Researched all SUVs in class; was wowed by Tiguan. Interior styling in class by itself; handling/comfort exceptional. Cabin durability very impressive. Passengers rave about roominess/ styling. Ride not smooth on freeways, rather bumpy at times. Novelty retractable screen panel under sunroof does not fully block overhead sun glare. “Trunk” storage tray on website never materialized - rear underneath storage very ltd. Headrest has no tilt adjustment (only vertical) and tips head in uncomfortable position if you lean back. Miss my Acura’s Bose stereo; the sound of the system is 6 of 10 at best. Main center console storage could have been expanded.

Favorite Features

Comfort of front seat, great pick-up when needed, very stylish exterior, panoramic sunroof, audio/display controls on steering wheel, multifunction display, very solid feel, interior is elegant/classy (but needs some better functioning), cool purple/red interior lighting.

Suggested Improvements

Smoother ride, tilt adjustment for headrest, better stereo system, all overhead glare eliminated when both “roofs” are closed, more “trunk” storage (as advertised), more console storage, navigation option on SE.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Wonderful car

Written by: Pete on 11/08/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I've driven mine for 2000 miles so far and it's been great. High build quality, very good organizational design, quick pickup, decent gas mileage, excellent handling and braking, quiet, top crash safety ratings. No complaints!

Favorite Features

Lots of interior room compared to its looks. I'm 6 ft, 180 lb and have more than enough room.

Suggested Improvements

Regular gas.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Only 200 miles in...

Written by: prufrock69 on 10/25/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

...and its already in the shop. Evidently the radiator fan doesn't come on when the car is idling. Its quite a sight to see the engine temperature gauge go from 190 to 260 within 3 minutes. Another example of VW's world renown "quality" or just an isolated incident? Who knows. Just be aware. Up to that point we were waiting to be towed to the nearest dealership, I would have to agree with everyone else's initial impressions. It seems like a quality car, handles like a much smaller car, and is just a pleasure to drive and use. The tight design of the exterior really belies what is a comfortable interior.

Favorite Features

Panoramic moonroof coupled with the aluminum rails really jazzes up the car's appearance. The GPS console is pleasingly clear. Handles like a smaller car.

Suggested Improvements

Pricey - it seems you're paying for the superficial appearance and not the quality. Fuel efficiency seems worst in class when compared with CR-Vs, RAVs, RDXs.

5 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best VW I ever drove

Written by: Dietmar on 10/20/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

Not quite sure why everybody wants to see leatherette as an option. Who wants this fake stuff? I'm so glad I have the cloth seats. Neither cold in winter nor hot in summer (this is a blessing in Chicago) plus it's got heated seats. I love this car though it eats a lot of gas compared to the AUDI A4 2.0T CVT. I drove 30 mpg with same engine in the Audi and get barely 23/24 with the Tiguan. Tranny does not help at all. CVT or DSG (VW) S-tronic (AUDI) is the way to go. AISIN tranny from the Tiggy eats up more gas, also my AUDI was FWD which was more gas saving but this is why I bought the 4motion (just in time b4 winter). Otherwise I'm REALLY PLEASED (so far)

Favorite Features

big sunroof, electric handbrake instead of these UGLY pull brakes, styling, stiff but comfortable suspension.

Suggested Improvements

1.) GIVE THIS BABY A DSG or CVT transmission 2.) unfortunately no storage under seat with electric seat adjustment (and I really need this storage). On top the glove compartment could have been a bit bigger. 3.) I would have liked the car just 2" wider (in rear)and 3" longer for better trunk space

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love the Tiguan!

Written by: Jay on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

Just picked up my wife's 2009 Alpine Gray tiguan with nav and panoramic roof. Wow! This vehicle is fast . Stops on a dime. And is surprisingly comfortable. My wife keeps referring to it as "awesome". She loves it . It is a gti in disguise! In my opinion. Build quality is superb! VW and Audi have a winner on their hands in my opinion. Not for the faint of heart! A must drive before you buy anything else!

Favorite Features

Quality Handling Ride

Suggested Improvements

Rear DVD option Ipod with video availability Full Bluetooth included

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Our Best Choice!

Written by: Ken on 10/10/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

We test drove all the small SUVs out there and when we drove the Tiguan there was no comparison. First off I noticed the power was better than even the competition's V-6 models. The fit and finish is exceptional...I love German engineering! The handling is great, the cabin is very quiet, the sunroof is nothing short of spectacular. We bought this vehicle for my wife and I usually drive a BMW but love any opportunity to drive the Tiguan. I don't have to use the manual shift feature as this transmission shifts beautifully in the automatic shift mode. Had this vehicle 3 months now and am looking forward to driving it this winter. Just plain love the fun drive!

Favorite Features

Love the electronic parking brake and auto hold feature, along with the sunroof, the night illumination of the dashboard is beautiful. Just love it all!!

Suggested Improvements

None come to mind.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Excellent Performance/Ride/Quality

Written by: PNCLA on 10/10/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

It has the same 2.0 turbo and transmission that were in my 2006 Passat which provides all the acceleration you need along with a smooth performing 6 speed transmission. Also has the same excellent standard radio/CD/mp3 that was in my Passat. Matter of fact any Passat 2006-8 owners will find a number of similarities in the Tiguan. While the SE and SEL with options might be a little pricy the Tiguan S with automatic is a bargain considering all the standard features and build quality. I tried some of the other 4 cylinders with a few miles better mpg, but they didn't stack up to the 2.0T; and even though Consumer Reports rates the Forrester higher, you have to spend about $2000 more than th

Favorite Features

2.0 Turbo, 6-Speed Transmission, style, and build quality.

Suggested Improvements

Wish the S & SE came with leatherette seats.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

500 mile review

Written by: rob1261 on 10/09/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I purchased the S auto with 17" wheels about 2 weeks ago. Love the car. It is the only SUV I know of that has good visibility all around. I traded a Nissan Rogue because of its poor visibility. It is fast, comfortable, quiet, handles well, has nice standard features for the entry level model. And I think it is one of the sharpest looking SUVs on the road. Too soon to judge gas mileage. Will report on with next report. I have the Alpine Gray Metallic, very nice color. If you are looking at small SUVs you must put this on your list. Was able to purchase under invoice.

Favorite Features

Automatic Brake Control. Applies the brake when you come to a stop. And it allows you to drive without releasing the parking brake. It is all automatic, if you choose.

Suggested Improvements

4 wheel drive option for all models. Auto headlights, besides SEL model. Dashboard that can be seen better without having to put headlights on.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love the 2.0 Turbo

Written by: Dan G. on 10/06/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I love the 2.0 Turbo in the Tiguan! Had the same engine in my 2006 Passat and love both the engine and transmission. The transmission is smooth and the turbo gives you that needed boast in passing or that extra acceleration you need when you’re entering a busy highway, and beats out all the competitors when it comes to acceleration. A little pricey, but the Tiguan S isn’t badly priced considering all the standard features and the quality of the build. The interior is nicely done and has actual aluminum trim vice the aluminum looking plastic you find in the competitors. Didn’t ever care for the color red, but the Black Cherry Metallic (which I purchased) is exceptional.

Favorite Features

2.0 Turbo, transmission, radio, and looks.

Suggested Improvements

Put Leatherette seats in the S and SE versions instead of the cloth.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Definitely a winner!

Written by: pete_t on 09/27/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Review

I was researching the market for several months and nothing really convinced me until I came across the Tiguan. I have one for about two months now and I'm loving every minute of it! It is fun to drive, the engine is wonderful, a lot of small features that make this the perfect car. Plus it has the highest possible safety rating and it looks just amazing. Fuel economy is actually better than advertised, 20/27.

Favorite Features

electronic parking brake, engine, lots of airbags

Suggested Improvements

none!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post