Developed in conjuction with Porsche and sharing the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne SUV, the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg mid-size SUV was contemporary, upscale, well-equipped, and definitely a Volkswagen, thanks to its distinctive grille and styling. It was available with a choice of two gas engines --- a six-cylinder and an eight-cylinder --- as well as a V10 turbodiesel engine. A six-speed automatic transmission was standard across the line. Borrowing some interior elements from the Audi, which also is owned by VW, the Touareg established itself well in the luxury SUV market and came with a long list of standard features, including eight-way adjustable heated front seats, power windows, power door locks, two-zone automatic climate control, wood and metal trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, power heated mirrors, keyless entry system, cruise control, privacy glass, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an AM/FM/CD audio system, a rechargeable flashlight built into the center console, a navigation system, and much more. Other features included four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, an anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, and fog lights. The Touareg excelled off-road, according to a number of reviewers, but could be tricky to drive around town thanks to a six-speed transmission that tended to accelerate despite a constant pressure on the gas pedal. Downshifting was also a bit jumpy, reviewers noted. As far as regular drivers were concerned, they were impressed with the Touareg's handling, as well as many of its interior details. Gas mileage, especially with the V8, was cited as a negative by some drivers.