Overview & Reviews

The 2009 Tiguan is Volkswagen's first entry in the compact crossover SUV segment. It's based on VW's small-car platform and boasts a turbocharged engine and European-flavored driving dynamics.

• Peppy turbo engine, composed handling, comfortable ride, upscale cabin ambiance, solid build quality.

• Shy on cargo space, pricey compared to the competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 127.00

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  A Fair Review - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By JD - November 27 - 4:26 am

  I actually went back to VW when buying the Tiguan. My first VW, a GTI VR6, had a lot of small problems and a major problem with the computer. However, nothing comes close to German style and especially the interior comfort and technology. My favorite feature is the sunroof which allows for a very nice view of the sky for both front and rear passengers. The gas mileage is respectable compared to the Mercury Mountaineer I traded in. The response to the accelerator is also respectable.

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  Only 200 miles in... - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By prufrock69 - March 18 - 8:00 am

  ...and its already in the shop. Evidently the radiator fan doesnt come on when the car is idling. Its quite a sight to see the engine temperature gauge go from 190 to 260 within 3 minutes. Another example of VWs world renown "quality" or just an isolated incident? Who knows. Just be aware. Up to that point we were waiting to be towed to the nearest dealership, I would have to agree with everyone elses initial impressions. It seems like a quality car, handles like a much smaller car, and is just a pleasure to drive and use. The tight design of the exterior really belies what is a comfortable interior.

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  grinding brakes - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By lufferman - November 26 - 1:11 pm

  At 40k the rear brakes are shot. The care has always braked well. Front brakes are still good. Only clue was grinding metal to metal. The inside brake pad (the one actuated by the calipers piston) is totally worn down. The outside pad is still very good. Its either poorly designed or the servo actuated emergency brake might be the cause. We have never noticed any brake drag.

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  Check your measurments - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By mitch Gold - August 19 - 7:43 pm

  Be careful. They dont tell you. The antenna sticks up off the back of the roof 8-10 inches. Doesnt fit in my garage. Also you will have trouble putting 4 sets of golf clubs in trunk horizontally with 4 passengers.

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  They Leak - Severe Mold/Mildew Issues - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By John Gillis - April 13 - 1:10 pm

  OK, the Tiguan is a beautiful vehicle. Performance, handling and finish are best in class. However I have had a serious problem develop in mine, that is related to poor build quality. Mine leaks. Water was entering through back doors and seemingly the front fire wall. This precipitated and extremely bad mildew infestation and the car become undrivable. It is currently with the dealer, after 4 weeks, and they still cannot get rid of the mildew odor. Carpet, underlay, cushions, the works has been infected with this smell (spores). So if you are buying this car be very careful. Car has not been fixed. I have requested it be replaced as it is a very serious health issue.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By M. Kass - January 14 - 1:36 am

  This is a solid crossover SUV. I have the SE version. Rides like a dream - very, very smooth. Features are great, nearly on par with BMW or MB. Interior is also well done. Seats are very comfortable for all passengers, and theres plenty of legroom in the back. My MPG has been higher than advertised, Im getting about 20/28 instead of 18/24.

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  Wish it was bigger but love the features - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Colorado Mtns - October 16 - 2:26 pm

  I came from a Land Rover LR3 to a 2009 Tiguan. Love the same features of the Land Rover, but disappointed about the room inside. I have (2) dogs and cannot fit much else except them. Also cannot get over the fact there are no armrests in the middle, having to use the console seems odd. Also just ran over a nail on one of the tires and have to have it replaced. The 18" Pirellis that are on the Tiguan are on national backorder - odd sized tire as well. Not sure if they are good snow tires from what I have researched on the Pirelli website. Gas mileage not what I expected, only averaging 21 mpg on the highway. Overall not quite sure I made the best choice. Should have stayed in my LR3

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  At 70K what you could expect - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By nhvw2009 - December 3 - 10:35 pm

  I bought my Tiquan new in 2009. It ran well up to 60K. In the last 10K I need a front drive axel ($650), a new manifold / seals as sensor light is on and there is carbon buildup ($700), yesterday it needed a pressure switch for the AC ($340), and then a electronic ignition problem caused a plug to blow ($150). Not sure what to do at this point, trade or keep putting money into the car. There has not been a lot post by people who had the car for 3-4 years.

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  Driving it for a month so far - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By writergeeknh - September 13 - 3:10 am

  My first SUV. I agonized over it because of the mpg. I needed a bigger vehicle, but something smaller than the CRV/RAV4 - also with a nicer interior. I tried to love the CRV because my Civic was such a good car, but couldnt. VW is built much better. The steering freaked me out a bit at first but Im getting used to it. I dont understand why at times it feels disconnected from the car. It does drive like a car and I like the boost from the turbo engine. Headlights from larger vehicles no longer shine in my rear view mirror or to be deluged by water when larger vehicles would pass me on wet highways. Hopefully my love will continue to grow and Ill feel better about getting such low mpg.

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  Vehicle Rollover Safety - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tiguan Rollover - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Just FYI: Purchased this vehicle for my wife; last week she was side-swiped by a taxi. Car rolled over on one side (drivers side), then righted itself and landed on top of a third vehicle with 2 wheels in the air. The build on the vehicle saved her life; without the drivers side airbags, my wife would be gone!!! Insurance is replacing the vehicle, and Im getting her a Tiguan again. Thank goodness for VW!!!