Yeah, but I'd prefer the penalties did something useful, and weren't just a cash transfer to people who got lucky and bought cars from an unethical manufacturer.
They didn't "get lucky". They were lied to by the company and sold a car under false pretenses.
Edit: I had the fuel economy bit wrong, my mistake. I've removed that portion. Thanks @mikestew, @gnoway, and @GavinMcG for the correction.
I agree that it's a little weird to say that they got lucky, but a pretty big hint that they actually did is that I wish I were a part of the settlement. It's not like anybody was actually harmed. These owners are getting a great deal.
I think that sticking VW's head on a pike as a warning to others that may follow would qualify as "useful". The fact that owners are compensated for not getting what they thought they were buying can be viewed as a bonus.
I guess you could make that same argument about all law enforcement.