2008 Volkswagen Beetle Review

With its distinctive, even iconic, shape, the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle, like its predecessors, is instantly recognizable. This year's model, offered in two trims and a convertible version, retains many of the features from last year's edition, while sporting new names for the trim levels. Instead of the base and 2.5L designations, we now have the S and SE.

All versions of the 2008 Beetle have the same power train configuration: a front-mounted 2.5 liter, 150 horsepower, 5- cylinder engine that provides 170 pounds/feet of torque, mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission, though there is an optional six-speed automatic transmission that comes with the Porsche-developed "Tiptronic" quasi-manual shifting functionality, as well. All Beetles are front-wheel drive.

Aside from the obvious feature, the convertible's soft top, both versions of the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle have essentially the same exterior features. The dome-shaped roof is one of them, of course, but other details include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, and a power sunroof is available as an option on the SE. Based on the same platform used for the Volkswagen Golf, the Beetle's standard wheels are 16-inch alloy, with 17-inch wheels available on the SE.

Inside the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle, there is seating for four passengers, though head- and legroom are both limited in the back seat. A technical hatchback, the rear seat-back folds down for additional storage space. Height-adjustable front seats (bucket style), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and air conditioning are all standard, as is the AM/FM Radio/CD player combination that includes an auxiliary jack for MP3 play back.

The seats of the 2008 Beetle are upholstered in a faux leather material referred to as "V-Tex," and there is a special Cold Weather package that includes heating not just for the front seats, but also the windshield washer nozzles. Actual leather upholstery is no longer an option on any version of the New Beetle.

Rounding out the features of the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle is a safety package that includes daytime running lights, anti-lock disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring technology, and side-impact airbags.

The base model of the 2008 Beetle has a starting MSRP of $17,365.

2008 Volkswagen Eos Review

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a 2-door coupe convertible with a sectioned metal retractable roof. It ships in three trim levels, the base, 2.0T, and 3.2L. The Eos base and 2.0T are powered by a standard 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine which develops 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. torque. The Eos 3.2L flies with a 3.2 liter V6 with 250 hp and 236 lb.-ft. torque. The Eos base and 2.0T come with a 6-speed manual transmission standard and the 3.2L with a 6-speed automatic.

Eos sports a sunroof residing in its hardtop convertible roof. With the roof up, the rear cargo space is 10.5 cubic feet, and 6.6 cubic feet with the top down. A special safety feature is the automatic rollover bar system that engages when a rollover is imminent. A pair of safety bars release from behind the rear seat, protecting the occupants. The 2008 Eos sports a DVD navigation system, 4 airbags, and heated leather seats.

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos has the stuff of a fine sports car, with power to spare, wind in the hair, and a fun manual 6-speed that enjoys a romp through the hills. Suspension is well-balanced with minimal lean in the corners and a stable feeling at higher speeds. With the roof up, the car was quiet and solid. Riding top down was pretty remarkable as well with minimal wind sound or turbulence.

In a more practical vein, the 2008 Eos boasts 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the 2.0 liter version, and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for the 3.2 liter version. From the outside the Eos is a clean-looking aerodynamically styled car with a pleasant roofline and balanced stance. Especially attractive are the chrome grill area and the multifaceted headlights. In the automotive market today, a hard top convertible may not sound like a stroke of genius, but gut level, it just feels right.

2008 Volkswagen GTI Review

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI is shipped in two trim levels, a 2-door and a 4-door hatchback with a seating capacity of 5. The GTI has under its hood a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine which pushes 200 hp @5100 rpm and delivers 207 lb.-ft. torque at 1800 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with a 6-speed auto-manual with overdrive optional. When the GTI first appeared on the scene in 1983, it achieved cult status among performance geeks for its sporty performance in a crowd-pleasing package. Volkswagen is trying, with the 2008 GTI, to recapture the performance specs of their earlier success.

The interior of the GTI is nicely designed, with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and illuminated entry. Not entirely expected in the compact segment are premium cloth seats, carpeted front and rear floor mats, leather steering wheel with audio controls, and AM/FM with 6-disc CD player. With available stereo amplifier, 10 performance speakers, cow hide front and rear seat chaps, and navigation system, the 2008 Volkswagen GTI is an especially tasty acquisition.

Volkswagen has again done a great job outfitting the 2008 GTI with the very best safety features, such as driver and shotgun seat airbags, t-bone-impact airbags, and overhead airbags for both front and second rows. Stopping power is especially critical when the temptation to go fast is so strong, and the GTI passes the test with ABS, traction control, and stability control keeping the car on the ground.

The GTI looks fast, even standing still with its rear lip spoiler and color enhanced door handles and bumpers. More than convenient, the rear cargo door is smart and practical. The 2008 Volkswagen GTI may have set another benchmark for compact sports models with its admirable fuel economy, 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Driving the 2008 GTI is a treat, with its responsive steering, quick response, and sharp looks, it has clearly revived a reason to get passionate about driving.

2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Review

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon comes in four trim levels, the base, 2.0T, and 3.6L. Passat Wagon is powered by either a 2.0 liter 200 hp 4-cylinder engine or a 280 hp 3.6 liter v6 and comes with either a manual or automatic transmission. The Passat 3.6L is also available with all-wheel drive. The new Passat Wagon is a sporty, near-luxury 4-door 5-passenger, cargo-hauling family car with lots to like.

The Passat Wagon is outfitted with many luxury amenities such as optional leather front seats, wood trim, full-time AWD, and ABS. For 2008 the Passat Wagon comes standard with 36 cubic feet of cargo space, power windows, CD, and 60/40 split rear seat. Walk around the Passat and note clean, aerodynamic lines which underscore the meticulous engineering that puts this vehicle above all others in its segment.

Safety features on the 2008 Passat Wagon include a digital road-leveling matrix, front airbags with side curtain airbags standard in the front seats and optional in the back seats. The new Passat Wagon behaves elegantly on the road with low road noise and crisp handling. Combining the best features of a wagon with those of a luxury sports model, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon will surprise those who test drive it and please those who just stand and look.

The best thing to do is to take a test drive in the new 2008 Passat Wagon to see for yourself what a luxury wagon can offer. The fuel economy of the Passat Wagon is noteworthy at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the 4-cylinder version and 18 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the 6-cylinder. Passat is a real bargain for any family who wants a little more quiet and refinement from their vehicle. The 2008 Volkswagen Passat is a pretty fair deal all things considered.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg Review

The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is a 4-door SUV that comes in the following trim levels: V6, V8, and V10 TDI. The Touareg is delivered with a 6-cylinder engine that pumps out 276 hp @ 6200 rpm, a 4.2 liter V8 engine that generates 350 hp @6800 rpm, and a turbo diesel V10. The transmission for this SUV is a 6-speed automatic.

The interior of the 2008 Touareg is functional and roomy, with comfortable seats, multi-function steering wheel, intuitive instrumentation and overall excellent fit. Visibility is also superior with minimal blind spots and top notch mirrors. A feature that someday will become standard in all vehicles is an audible and visible proximity alert to be used when parking. When you get too close to an object, an alert sounds and a color cue is displayed. Other safety features on the 2008 Touareg include: a child safety seat attachment system, skid-proof brakes, airbags, and a back-up camera which engages when the vehicle is in reverse.

Among the must-have accessories the 2008 Volkswagen offers to its outdoor types are a bike holder, a kayak cradle, and various bars and racks for skis, snowboards, and luggage. As aerodynamic as the 2008 Touareg is, you may feel the need for one or more shields against the elements, such as a front end skid plate, mud flaps, or a sunroof windscreen. There is also a rear wind guard over the rear window. Volkswagen has you covered on the inside as well as the outside with driver and shotgun airbags, t-bone rear seat omentum, traction moderator and skid-proof brakes.

The 3.6 liter V6 offers fuel economy results of 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway while the 10-cylinder 5.0 liter turbo diesel squeezes out 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The 8-cylinder 4.2 liter engine makes 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is a powerful, full-size SUV with classic Volkswagen precision engineering and handsome design. The Touareg handles well and manages to handle curves with minimal leaning. It operates off-road every bit as well as it drives on city streets and highway.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a 4-door sedan or wagon with a seating capacity of 5 which ships with the following trim packages: 2.5, 2.0T, GLI, and Wolfsburg Edition. The base model, 2.5, and Wolfsburg Edition come with a 2.5 liter "straight" 5-banger engine which develops 150 hp @ 5000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. torque @ 3750 rpm. The 2.0T and GLI offer a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine which pumps 200 hp @ 5500 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. torque @ 1800 rpm. The 2008 Jetta has a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive standard or a 6-speed automatic with overdrive and auto-manual optional. A 6-speed auto-shift manual with overdrive and auto-manual transmission is available on the 2.0T and GLI.

To function as the family car is the sole duty of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta which has some helpful features on the inside. With a clean uncluttered instrument panel and very comfortable seating, the job of family chauffeur is made almost decadent. Jetta is outfitted with adjustable front head restraints, air conditioning, cruise control, and remote keyless entry to make everyday chores less daunting. More helpful than you would surmise, Jetta has dual 12V DC power outlets, and power front and rear windows.

Steering is smooth and assured in the new Jetta, while cornering is stable with negligible lean in tight turns. Power is excellent for passing and braking is quick and agile thanks to 4 wheel disc brakes. Jetta also ships with 4-wheel skid-free brakes, t-bone-proof bars, and daylight cruising lights. For increased safety, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta gives you driver and shot-gun airbags, rollover omental airbags, a security system, and rear kid-resistant door locks.

To sum it up, the new 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a family sedan or wagon with true sports car capability, especially when coupled with the 200 hp engine. It has all the necessary features to make it a car worth owning. The fuel efficiency rating for the Jetta is 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Not bad for a performance car in family car clothing.

2008 Volkswagen Passat Review

With seating for five, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat is a 4-door mid-size sedan or wagon which comes in base, 2.0T, and 3.6L trim levels. The Passat sedan is powered by a 200 hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine or a 280 hp 3.6 liter V6 with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

For 2008, the Volkswagen Passat has undergone minimal changes which include the addition of throttle control and increased interior room. Other standard and optional equipment on the Passat sedan include AM/FM, CD player, up to 8 airbags including t-bone omentum, front and all-wheel drive, and 18 gallon fuel tank. Add some of the following optional equipment to your Passat and you really have something: 18 inch alloy wheels, enhanced audio system, DVD GPS navigation system, and iPod adaptor.

Volkswagen is world-class when it comes to manufacturing automobiles. They are obsessed with keeping their vehicles up-to-the-minute in safety features. The 2008 Passat is no exception with an incline-brake option that prevents the vehicle from rolling back when on an incline. Passat handles well in all weather, especially with its traction control and anti-slip feature.

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat has a handsome, well-crafted appearance, with flawless paint, even seams, and body-color bumpers and door handles. Passat handles well in the curves and feels like it was meant to fly. Acceleration was brisk, and the 3.6 liter V6 was a lot of fun. The V6 Passat came in with 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway while the 2.o impressed us with 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. Passat is a well-engineered road car with exceptional road manners.

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit Review

The entry-level 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit return to production this model-year after being ignored in favor of the similar Golf, with which it shares a platform. It is offered in either a two- or four-door version, hatchbacks both, and comes with a zippy little 2.5 liter, inline five-cylinder engine that offers 170 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. It's the same engine found in this year's Volkswagen Jetta, but in the Rabbit drivers can choose either a six-speed automatic, or a five-speed manual transmission. The automatic has a "tiptronic" mode for semi-manual shifting.

Anti-lock breaks are standard on the 2008 Rabbit, as are an electronic stability program, and anti-slip technology. The safety features are rounded out with a total of six airbags, and an engine immobilization system helps deter theft.

Inside the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, you'll find power windows that have "pinch protection" for small fingers, and cup holders for both the front and back seats. There's also cruise control, air conditioning, and an AM/FM Radio/CD player combination that comes with a basic auxiliary jack for mp3 players. An upgrade adds iPod-specific audio connections, as well as heating for the front seats, but heated side mirrors and keyless entry are standard features. The Rabbit offers seating for five, including the driver, and a back seat that folds down in a 60/40 split.

All of these features are wrapped up in a body that is clearly a blend of it's Jetta and Golf predecessors. From the Jetta, the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit takes its head lights, and from the Golf it inherits a slatted grille, complete with VW logo in the center, and an overall look that is simple and clean, with 15 inch wheels standard, and an optional upgrade to 16-inch rims.

The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has a base MSRP of $14,490, and fuel efficiency of 22 mpg in the city / 30 on the highway with the manual transmission, or 21/29 with the optional automatic.