The 2008 Touareg 2 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the VR6 FSI to the V10 TDI.
Upon introduction, the VR6 FSI is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The V10 TDI is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter, V10, 310-horsepower, turbo, diesel engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.
The 2008 Touareg 2 is freshened for 2008.
CarReview's expert review of the Volkswagen Touareg is available HERE See pictures of the Volkwagen Touareg posted in the photo gallery
Summary: I love my new Volkswagen Touareg. It's the epiphany of European luxury auto. It's smooth sleek design is very 2007. Really comfortable, great features.I love the way it drives too, it's very smooth. It's definitely a uni-sex kind of car. Before I got it, I was wondering what car I wanted. I new I wanted a European car and I also wanted an SUV. One of my friends suggested the Audi Q7 while another friend suggested the BMW X5. My husband thensuggested the Volkswagen Touareg. I was really confused as to what I should get, so I compared the three. I found the BMW's body a bit to roungh and jaggered compared to the Touareg's beautiful smooth rounded design. So I crossed the BMW off. I then looked at the Audi and found the interior wasn't very luxury-like. It was all black and there was no wood furnishing. So I found that I didn't feel like I was sitting in a luxury car, but more like a Mitsubishi. So I realised that the Touareg was the right way to go, it was perfect for me and it met all my criteria. I'm very happy with my Touareg, hopefully you will read this and see just how great Volkswagen's Touareg is.
Summary: In short, the Touareg is a great SUV and has high maintenance costs.
I had a Jetta for 4 years, replaced the tires, changed the oil and filled it up with gas.
I expected the same from the Touareg, and have had a much different experience. After 2.5 years, and 18,000 city miles, I have had the pleasure of:
Replacing the windshield wiper blades at $70 (special ones as required)
2 or 3 oil changes at $120 each (special ones as required)
Replacing the tires at $600
Replacing the front break pads and rotors! for $770 (need to sell it before the rear requires more brakes)
Filling it with Premium Gas! (special kind as required)
The dealership nor Volkswagen would cover the brake pads under warranty. This car is equipped with performance Brembo brakes, weighs 6,000 pounds and has special European pads and rotors that are designed to wear out at the same time. Problem is, the V6 is no Performance vehicle.
The Touareg rides great, has a nice interior, is great in the snow and supposedly great offroad...but the maintenance cost is killing me. We are selling it and will not get another one. Although,, I would like to own the V10 Turbo or the Porsche Cayenne, but I would also like to win the lotto. I will probably buy another slow V6 SUV that does not require premium gas or special parts, and does not have “performance” breaks
Strengths: Nice looking car, great interior, good in the snow. Tight ride.
Weaknesses: After 2.5 years, and 18,000 city miles, I have had the pleasure of:
Replacing the windshield wiper blades at $70 (special ones as required)
2 or 3 oil changes at $120 each (special ones as required)
Replacing the tires at $600
Replacing the front break pads and rotors! for $770 (need to sell it before the rear requires more brakes)
Filling it with Premium Gas! (special kind as required)
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Rating Reviewed by: Scotwms(Unregistered User)
Review Date June 18, 2007
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 2.67 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 3 of 33
Price Paid:
$38000.00
from Pipkens VW
Year / Model Reviewed: 2004 Touareg
Summary: Saw this SUV and loved it immediately. Stylish and Sporty. Although there were a few issues at first, all and all it has been bullet proof. The truck was bought with every option available for the V6 model. We love the handling and comfort of this vehicle on long trips. We would like to get more MPG, I think we expected more from a VW, but it is worth it for the luxury and characteristics of the vehicle. Would definately buy another!! This SUV is highly sought after in our area.
Strengths: Comfort, quiet, handling, AWD capability, four corner suspension, luxury inside and out. Lots of extras.
Weaknesses: Gas Mileage and Interior wear.
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Summary: We procured this vehicle because of its great looks. From the onset the fuel economy was way below the marketed and expected level despite our easy touch to the pedals (gas & brake). At 14,000 miles the service informed us that tires and brake pads need to be replaced within next 2000 to 4000 miles meaning required component replacement at less than half the total miles expected based on our driving experience from previously owned 4WD and AWD SUV's. The wear on tires / brake components and the low fuel economy points to a problem in the power/drive train mechanization. This performance is not acceptable and VW should recall this vehicle.
Similar Products Used: Mercedes ML 320, V6, AWD
GMC Envoy, V6, 4WD
GMC Jimmy
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Rating Reviewed by: HSO3(Unregistered User)
Review Date March 11, 2007
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Value Rating 2 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 4.00 of 5,
4.00 votes
Review 5 of 33
Price Paid:
$42000.00
from Midwestern Auto Grou
Year / Model Reviewed: 2004 Touareg V8
Summary: I'm a 3x VW owner and the Touareg is my last. Sure it looks good and is fun to drive, but the quality doesn't hold up to 'luxury' class standards. I've had numerous mechanical, electrical and wear and tear issues, and the tires only lasted 20K miles.
Strengths: Overall look and performance of the V8 is excellent for an SUV. Basically, a less expensive version of the Porche Cayenne.
Weaknesses: Mechanical, electrical and wear and tear issues. Tire pressure warning system is useless, 3 of 5 interior wood panel cracked, interior controls lose paint, transaxel replaced, etc. etc. VW's bumper-to-bumper warranty isn't really 'bumper-to-bupmer.' Premature interior parts failure is expected by VW for this 'luxury' class vehicle. Warranty and service doesn't match true luxury services from Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, etc.
Similar Products Used: Nissan Pathfinder, Chevy Blazer, Infiniti Q35
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