Based on reliability ratings... vw is low, BMW is low, Audi is low (not all models of course) etc. If you look at highest and lowest rating our cars aren't up there too high.
I understand that, and I'm saying that I believe it's at least partially due to the owners. When I replace an alternator in my garage it doesn't get documented, when Sally hears a "strange noise" she goes to the dealer and has it repaired. It costs her a pretty penny and she makes her dissatisfaction know. Volkswagens are bought by a lot of Sallys. I'm not saying that these cars are as reliable as many of the Japanese cars, but I suspect a lot of the numbers are inflated and that the difference between a VW and a Honda might not be as big as it seems.