2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S

Pros

Extra roomy, great for large people, stability and control, many luxury extras

Cons

Requires mid-grade gas - but not a big sacrifice compared to all the pluses

Purchased As New

As a larger person, I literally tried 40 cars before I found one that I comfortably fit into. The total adjustability of the driver's seat and the telescoping wheel make for a perfect fit. Driving this car is a pleasure. It turns on a dime, runs quietly yet efficiently, and handles much better than my previous Honda CR-V. It requires only fingertip control. If you have less than 35 pounds in the front passenger seat, the air bag is automatically off, a great safety feature. I love the Aux In feature on the stereo which allows you to play your MP-3 player through the speakers. Seats 5 comfortably, A/C in the back seat, but the middle seat in the back converts to an armrest/cupholder. And the trunk space is covered, allowing for securely storing packages. Back seats fold down, making plenty of room in the trunk for extra storage or travel. The S is the least expensive trim but has the best fuel economy - yet it still feels like a luxury car. Chances are you won't miss the add-ons available in the SE and SEL. Great for young drivers moving up to their first SUV, shorter and/or larger people who can't climb into the higher-up models, empty-nesters downgrading from a large SUV or minivan, or anyone who wants a relatively inexpensive yet feature-packed small SUV/CUV. I would highly recommend taking one for a test drive....read morehide

Pros

Great performance and fuel economy.

Cons

VW Dealership is the worst I have ever experienced.

Purchased As New

I like my VW with its red leather interior.How ever the master brake cylinder has to be replaced and there are no replacement parts in the US at this time. I am now driving a crappy cigarette stinking rental. My repair VW expert tells me that it might take 2 weeks to get the replacement part. I have asked 3 times for a total price on a tow hitch installation and am still waiting. Researching on my own I have found it to be over $1000....read morehide

Pros

This vehicle handles excellently, good MPG (24) in town. Plus FREE MAINTENANCE that's great.

Cons

Why did I wait so long to get it. No negative issues with it thus far!

Purchased As New

We purchased this Tiguan and have been extremely enjoying driving it. It handles like a sedan, it has room in the back when we travel. The mileage thus far in town has been better than we expected. The Tiguans safety rating is another great plus, we hope we never have to use it however, we know it's there should we need it.
Considering all the bells and whistles it came with we are very pleased with it and we think our daughter is about to buy one as well....read morehide

Pros

Solid body structure.... no big blind spots.... user friendly controls...

Cons

Issues with car and dealer... disappointing fuel mileage... cost cutting in full force...

The Tiguan is my second VW in my lifetime. After the first VW turned out to be a headache, I turned to Honda. I was about to buy a Honda CRV when a friend who works at a VW dealer told me to buy a Tiguan because of special pricing. I took a lease for $429/month on a base S model. I find the SEL overpriced which would have made the lease $649/month especially when you add a few common options. The Tiguan compares to the Honda CRV identically. They drive the same, similar interior design, similar starting price etc. The Tiguan feels a bit more planted on the road and the body seems to be tighter. I also like the fact there are no major blind spots unlike the CRV which has several.

With all that in mind here are my complaints--- To being with there are some bugs VW needs to work out and hopefully soon. The EBD, EBA, ESP and ABS controllers (I think) all decided to put the car into limp mode on the way home from work. I could not get the car over 35MPH no matter how hard I tried. It always felt like the brakes were on. I ended up having to pull over and have a tow truck come and pick her up. Now she is in the repair shop awaiting new parts.

The next fault I find is the fuel economy. Now it says 19 city 26 highway on the EPA sticker but I have yet to see over 14 in the city and over 21 on the highway. I have driven on smooth roads with the cruise set, with the wind blowing from behind and still it won't get better than 14\21. That is a long way from the manufacturer claims and what the dealer said. I complained to the manager but he was not helpful at all. We got into a heated discussion and I was thrown out of the showroom. I contacted VW NA and they said they would deal with it.

The other problems I see are the cost cutting they used in this car. Many hard surfaces, cheap plastic and poor quality stitching on the fabric. I could buy better quality seat covers at Pep Boys for $10. The dash seems to have been taken directly out of the Rabbit. Not up to Honda standards for sure. I don't like the assembly quality either. The dash makes noises over bumps, the door panels vibrate with the music and the seat levers all are of the lowest quality I have seen in a modern car. With my past experience with VW I should have avoided taking another. This will be the last....read morehide

Pros

No Blind spots, spacious back seats, and rides great! Big value!

Cons

Haven't found anything yet

Once you test drive it, you will fall in love! I promise you this car is cute, reliable, and rides like a dream.

Pros

LOOKS GREAT!,DIFFERENT,GERMAN ENGINERING@ITS BEST WITH THIS MICRO SUV!

Cons

NO FOGS/PRIVACY GLASS ON S MODEL BUT NO BIGGY!

I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS TRUCK TO COME OUT FOR MONTHS AFTER SEEING IT DEBUT @ THE LOCAL AUTO SHOWS AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH IT AND NOW I FINALLY OWN ONE FOR MY FAMILY!THE CRITICS REVIEWS HERE AND EUROPE ARE SECOND TO NONE,SOUP TO NUTS ON THIS THING INCLUDING A NEAR PERFECT SAFETY RATING,THIS TRUCK IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND NOTHIN 'YOU DON'T!I HAVE FULL POWER STANDARD,CUP HOLDERS GALORE AND 6O/4O SPLIT SEATS WITH PLENTY OF ROOM FOR TRIPS AND SHOPPING, A SWEET SHIFTING 6SPD TRANNY TO PUT DOWN THE POWER FROM THE'ONLY' 4 CYL. TURBO MOTOR IN ITS CLASS!IT PUSHES 200 HORSES BUT IS QUIET AND ONLY SIPS THE GAS WHEN NOT HAVIN' TO MUCH FUN WITH THE TURBO ON THE OPEN ROAD,NO 4WD. NEEDED CAUSE THE FRONT WHL. DRIVE COUPLED WITH 'ESP'(TRACTION CONTROL)IS FINE.THE TRUCK IS SO QUIET,YOU REALLY HAVE TO HAND IT TO V-DUB ON THIS PUPPY OR TIGER-IGUANA AS THE NAME STATES!I LOVE THE LITTLE FUN FEATURES LIKE ALL WINDOW AUTO UP/DOWN,PINCH PROTECT.,MIRROR SIGNALS AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR!MINE CAME WITH THE SE 17 INCH RIMS WITH NICE SIZE MICHELINS AND CANDY WHITE WHICH IS THE NICEST WHITE I'VE SEEN,THE INTERIOR IS SOFT CHARCOAL VELOUR AND THE DASH IS WELL LAID OUT ALONG WITH EASY STEREO AND HVAC KNOBS,I ALONG WITH MY WIFE AND BABY LOVE THIS TRUCK OR MINI TOUREUG AND HIGHLY RECOMMEND PICKING ONE UP TODAY BEFORE THE YEAR IS UP!YOU WON'T BE DIAPOINTED WHEN YOU SEE IT SITTING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY!...read morehide

Pros

2.0 Turbo, AT6 transmission, standard features, nice wheels, stereo

Cons

No leatherette seats in S & SE models

Excellent performance with the 2.0 turbo and six speed transmission. Even the stock alloy 16" wheels are great looking. Stereo/cd/mp3 and 8 speakers provide excellent sound for a stock system. Great looking vehicle with a smooth ride and ample storage space. Unlike some of the competition, when you press on the gas the Tiguan responds immediately. Built extremely well....read morehide

Pros

Nice interior. Fully loaded even at base model. Decent fuel economy. Very safe vehicle.

Cons

It has so many gadgets... I have not finished reading the owner´s manual yet.

Fun, fun, fun. I got mine with manual transmission (this is the base model) and I love it. It is very roomy and confortable. Nice VW machine.

Pros

Good priced small SUV with nice shape and comfort

Cons

Wish there was more fuel saving engine than 23 mpg

I was able to buy this nice looking SUV after my Toyota RAV4 got creme. It is definitely a nicer looking vehicle than the RAV4 or the Honda CRV. The interior is also better and so with the riding quality that it seems like a car. The price is also a consolation in my decision to get more car than others in the segment. Only wish was Volkswagen to have more engine choices to get more MPG with fuel on the rise!...read morehide