Re: VW 'luxury' divisions a waste of money?

But one that escapes Ford, judging from the number of problems a friend has had with her Focus in a similar timeframe.

I am still quite pleased with my 84 Jetta GLI, after 20 years and 330,000 miles. Though it is looking a bit scruffy around the edges, it still runs great, is completely reliable and a ball to drive. Though I doubt ANY modern car can equal something like that - the 84 is just so simple...

Kev>On 2004-10-20 07:07:25 -0700, snipped-for-privacy@maine.rr.com (Kevin Rhodes) said: >

They've been Golfs since 1985 -- practically 20 years now.

Matt O.

Let's not limit things to the US. Bottom line, the heart of the VW line, the Jetta, Golf, and even Passat are in markets under attack by the Koreans today (and the Chinese tomorrow).

That's right. I remember when my dad had a 1974 "Dasher" (now known as the Passat)....

Maybe in Europe and elsewhere, but not in the US -- where VW left those markets years ago, as they moved themselves upmarket. This is the natural evolution of an automaker. And as one moves upscale, others fill the void left beneath.

Note that the Honda Civic is now "more car" than the Accord used to be. A 3 Series is now more car than a 5 used to be. I've spent enough time in both the E46 and E12 to know this. VW really doesn't have an equivalent to the early Golf/Rabbit in the US anymore. I don't know much about the cheaper/smaller VWs sold in Europe.

Matt O.

VW aquired the budget car maker Skoda and they seem to be using that marquee as their low end range now. Under VW's guidance (and wallet) Skoda has started to make cars that taxi drivers are using in the UK now! Mike

Yes. I have seen practically no good word for the US Ford Focus in this and other car newsgroups. Ford Focus is in Top 3 in UK (can't remember exact position) and has been for years, as was its predecessor, the Escort.

DAS

Well, I son't think that Skoda was "budget" in the communist days within its then main markets. It's only since VW acquired this Czech company that it is being used for the budget end of the VW range. In the UK it is said if you want a cheap Golf, get a Skoda.

In Europe we have below the Golf the Polo and Lupo. Not sure where the New Beetle is supposed to fit in.

However, to increase the optioms we also have the Spain-based SEAT range.

You can also buy a Caddie from VW now... :-)

Further signs that the European companies are fighting back at the low-price front:

Renault

Anyway, some/most of the Asian makers have European/American shareholders.

DAS

I rented one about a month ago and found it to be a delightful car. It had plenty of power and handled extremely well. This was a sedan with an automatic transmission, not a ZX3.) And it was comfortable, easy to see out of (which often isn't the case with newer American cars, due to their thick roof pillars) and seemed as well put-together as any car in that market segment that I've seen.

Geoff

'91 300D 2.5 '82 300CD

VW suddenly trying to compete with the S-class is NOT natural evolution. It seems that something (China) inspired Piech to attempt to radically accelerate the process.