I hate the Tiguan. Small and cheap feel, windshield wipers are impossible to operate, constant malfunction and breaking of basically everything.

It's just like a Hyundai except it costs a lot more to fix and needs to be fixed a lot more.

NP here. Previous Volkswagen owner and now I drive an Acura MDX. I have been swooning hard over the Atlas and test drove a 2018 V6 SLE today. I’m looking for something with regular unleaded gas. I was so so excited. Until I got inside. I thought it must be the intro model it was so blah inside. I’ve read reviews that the seats are stiff as hell. Yep. Felt like I was sitting on boards. This would not be comfortable on family trips or my long commute daily.

Then it only got worse as I made the first right turn. It did not drive well. Very little get up and go. It felt more like a transportation device with little thought to performance. My 2010 mdx has more get up and go. For $41K I think I’ll hold onto my mdx a bit longer and see what else comes out. Really disappointed.

NP here... I just test drove the new Tiguan today. I thought it drove really well and love that it isn't so big, but can seat 7 in a pinch. I'm looking to replace my ancient Volvo XC90, and while the new XC90 is beautifully designed, it's a little big for me for every day (as are all of the other 3 row SUVs) - and all of the technology overwhelms me (old school gal, I guess). I had a VW in the early 00s and never had any maintenance issues. VW has a 6 yr warranty now, so that relieves some of the worry about maintenance reputation. Since I've been car shopping, I'm constantly aware of the other models on the road and I don't think I've seen the Tiguan even once lately. Does anyone actually have one and have any feedback on the current model?

I also like the Tiguan and Atlas, but will not buy another VW. And I say this as a lifelong VW driver.

My last Jetta started falling apart around the 65,000 mile/8 year mark. There were multiple electrical problems; the driver's side window fell into the door while I was driving during the winter; I had random problems with the engine either not starting or stalling mid-drive; the windshield wipers failed while I was driving on I-66, and I had to stick my head out the window to see. The list goes on. And each time required hideously expensive repairs.

Our 2009 Routan minivan (low mileage for its age) is on its last legs. The recent, final straw with VW was a headlight that needs to be replaced - $640 for the part alone. Never again.

I have a 2018 Atlas SE with the tech package and 4 motion and got the option for the captain's chairs. I previously had a 2012 VW Routan that I loved with only one major issue when it hit 86K miles (thermostat). I have three kids and it has plenty of room for carseats and all of their stuff.

Pros: Plenty of room, smooth ride, blind spot monitoring, Apple carplay, trunk is more spacious than other SUV options
Cons:It has an auto start/stop feature where when you idle at a stoplight the engine shuts off. When you release the brake it starts right back up though. It is just weird to me so I have to shut it off each time I start the car up. The lane assist when on makes it hard to steer. When you change lanes you better have your turn signal on or the lane assist will attempt to keep you in the lane you are in.

Mileage is a little better than advertised...21 mpg city/24 highway is what I'm getting.

I test drove the Atlas and really like the SEL model, very attractive vehicle. However the Atlas has been out for less than a year I believe so I may wait until it's been around for a bit longer and settle for a something with a proven reputation for now.

Anonymous wrote:Growing up we always had a VW of some model - I learned to drive on one. Repairs were never too costly or I guarantee my father would not have kept them. I had a Jetta for a while. We now have an Atlas and love it. It's roomy, holds lots of stuff, cleans up kid mess well. There are a lot of very anti-VW posters on this thread and that's cool. I'll wave at you happily from my car.

I was one of the anti-VW posters.

I currently own a VW. Learned how to drive on a VW which my family owned for 15 years.

Our current VW has been a maintenance nightmare and we only have 115K on it.

Having said that we actually like the car but will not be buying another one.

BTW over the last few years the Consumer Reports info about reliability on VW's have been terrible.

Anonymous wrote:I see more Tiguans every day as I drive, wonder how they are maintenance-wise.

Atlas was HORRIBLE on test drive. My kids were sitting on the back in second and third rows
and complained on bumpy shaky ride. I had to see that, it was true. My mother in law
who was sitting with them said the same thing. It feels like you are sitting on a wooden board
and riding down the staircase.

We were initially excited by the Tiguan. But Consumer Reports rated it poorly and we bought a CRV.

Anonymous wrote:Don't do it - don't buy a VW.

Endless maintenance issues.

I own a VW- no maintenance issues and I'm coming up on 130k miles for a 2007 car. Sure I've had to replace a few things like spark plugs, cv boot, brakes and tires, but that's it.