Reply #8: Yes, our research found the same...

[Voltaire99]

...the anecdotal evidence is eye-opening, but so is the statistical work done by Consumer Reports.

For the past several years, VWs earned CU's unreliable rating--and got the dreaded "poor" rating in key component categories. Who would buy in the face of such evidence?

Mind, we're VW people from way back. Our '72 Ghia is still on the road! And we were sorely tempted by a new Beetle.

But VW's descent into mediocrity is well documented. Besides the sharp decline in quality, there has been the tragically misguided attempt to sell SUVs--foolishness for which it has paid dearly. Even in terms of style, the sedans have grown less and less distinctive: little separates the Jetta from any half dozen clones on the road other than the name, which sensible buyers know means much less than before.

What a pity. If the company turns itself around, we'll look again in a few years. VW has a lot to prove, first.