But he just listed car for the most part that are WAY over the price of the VW's.... The EOS starts at $35, the Golf starts at 16, his list all start in the 35k range....
Well if you take a look closely, I was comparing brands AND cars for the most part in the same ranges. Rabbit is comparable to a Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla/Matrix right? A city Golf to Fit/Yaris, A Jetta/Passat to an Accord/Camry, etc. The IS 250, Toyota Solaris, B and C class, TSX, RSX, S40/V50, etc. I'm comparing directly to the Eos since the starting price range is similar with the exception the RSX which started at about $10k cheaper than the Eos when it was still sold. I can't believe I'm saying this but even Hyundai interiors look more updated and nicer than VWs (whether they hold up or not is a different matter).
And lucid0703, you're right the Jetta 2.5 starts at $22k but the GLI Jetta starts at $30k, which I think is comparable to a Benz B Class, IS 250, and the list I mentioned above since it does start in a similar price range. The funny thing to me is that the difference in look in the interior/gauges/console between a Rabbit/Jetta 2.5 and Jetta GLI despite the $8-10k difference is negligible (granted the main difference is probably supposed to be the engine/driving dynamics, etc but you're still talking about an $8-10k difference and really a completely different class of cars).
All that withstanding, my main point is that VW interiors look so outdated and plain jane to a point where it *looks* below standard. FYI, the city Golf/Jetta's interior really really looks and feels similar to my uncle's 1986 Jetta (they have the same material and feel of the turn dials and knobs for the radio and heating/cooling!). How many interiors nowadays really breakdown, deteriorate, etc. due to quality (yes, I know, some GM/Ford/Chrysler cars still do a little bit)? The VW exterior looks very modern, hip, and good but they don't have the interiors to match.
Regarding your comment about Jetta 2.5 and GLI, vdk gave you a good example with IS. IS250 is $31K, IS-F is $64K. Does IS-F have anything special inside the car other than sport seats despite of the huge difference in price? Civic hybrid starts at $26K while regular Civic starts at $16K. Does the hybrid model get any special treatment on interior to cover up the $10,000 difference?
VW interiors may be boring and plain to some (or many) people, but as you mentioned, it is true that most (at least "many") professional reviewers agree that VW interior is generally top-notch and well made. If you think they *look* below standard, it is your opinion and your taste. Nothing is wrong with that. I hate some car's interiors that are praised in a lot of reviews, too.
