Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen is an automaker based in Germany. Its products typically command a higher price than those of competing models, but the return is a more upscale driving and ownership experience.

In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car at the request of Adolph Hitler. His answer -- a beetle-shaped sedan that was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car") -- debuted two years later. Hitler had a town built near the plant for factory workers; he named it Kraft durch Freude Stadt (derived from the Nazi party's motto, "Joy through Strength"), and soon decided that Porsche's creation should be named the KdF-wagen (short for the "Joy through Strength" car). This upset Porsche, who was not political.

World War II delayed production of the vehicle; the factory suffered extensive damage during combat, and was ultimately taken over by the British Army. The company was renamed Volkswagen, and the town at the factory was renamed Wolfsburg (after Werner von Schulenberg of Wolfsburg, who had been forced to surrender his land for the construction of the town and factory). By the end of the 1940s, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle had begun. The model made its first appearance on U.S. shores in 1949.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen broadening its product range, adding the Bus (Type 2) to its lineup. The Bus, especially, proved quite popular due to its versatility. And the Beetle, which went on to become the best-selling car of all time, quickly showed signs of being an enduring favorite, with more than 1 million models produced at the Wolfsburg factory by 1955. This decade also saw the debut of the Karmann Ghia sports car, which featured a sleek, Italian-designed two-seater body atop a Beetle platform.

Volkswagen's star rose during the 1960s, its success fueled largely by the breakout success of the Beetle. The car benefited from an effective advertising campaign and from an appearance in a popular Disney movie. By the close of the decade, Volkswagen's yearly output of Beetles topped the 1 million mark.

In 1972, with more than 15 million units assembled, the Beetle topped the world production record set by Ford's Model T. Mid-decade saw the launch of a new era of Volkswagens that had front-mounted, water-cooled engines driving the front wheels. The Passat (Dasher in the U.S.) was the first of the new breed and was built using standardized components that could be used interchangeably among other models in the manufacturer's lineup. The Passat was soon joined by the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.), which met with immediate success. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer's lineup had grown to include the Scirocco sport coupe and the performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit GTI. The Beetle, however, was discontinued for the U.S. market.

The Golf grew in popularity during the '80s, becoming Volkswagen's most popular model. When a second generation of the car was built in 1983, it was crafted in a mostly automated process using robots -- marking the first time robots had been used in vehicle manufacture. By the mid-'80s, the U.S. version traded the Rabbit name for "Golf." The higher-performance Golf GTI helped the manufacturer make waves on the rally circuit. In 1986, Volkswagen Motorsport nabbed the title of Group A World Rally Champions.

Volkswagen saw its sales in the North American market tumble during the early '90s, but by the end of the decade, refocused marketing efforts and an increased emphasis on new products had brought about a turnaround in the company's fortunes. The popular New Beetle helped put the company back on the radar in the United States (though it fared less successfully in European markets). The body style was based on the classic Beetle, and it struck a chord with consumers who still had a place in their hearts for the iconic, cheerful-looking "love bug."

The new millennium saw Volkswagen moving into the luxury segment with the launch of the pricey Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV. Though well-designed and executed, the Phaeton was a disappointment sales-wise, perhaps signaling unwillingness on the part of consumers to shell out premium dollars for a brand that lacks the cachet of established upscale names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Luckily, Volkswagen has seen success with other vehicles in its lineup, which currently includes everything from family-oriented sedans to roomy SUVs. Today, the automaker enjoys a reputation for crafting vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale accommodations.

User Reviews:

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  Looks great but unreliable - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sean - October 3 - 8:26 pm

  This was our first (and probably last) VW. Loved the car until all the electronic problems started popping up (too numerous to list). The last problem we had was the well-known defective steering column that needed to be replaced (just last week). How does this common problem not warrant a recall? I love driving the car when it is working, but have no faith that the car will last (and it still only has 26k miles on it!). Just waiting for the next problem to arrive. Ill stick with Acuras/Hondas from here on.

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  Incredible Automobile - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimjohn - October 2 - 4:43 pm

  Ive owned my 2.0T for just over 3 years. It has been one of the most satisfying autos I have ever experienced. Ive owned Corvettes, BMWs, Porsches, an Audi, a Cadillac, several Chevys , a couple of Fords and a few others. I think, I can safely say, this is the best of the lot. Itll travel over 500 Highway miles on a tank of gas. Its more comfortable than a couple of BMWs Ive owned. Its fast, it handles pretty well and its never had to go back to the dealer since I bought over 40,000 miles ago. Ive changed the oil (Mobile 1) a few times and recently replaced the original tires. The brake pads still look like new. I bought it new for 22 grand. What a great car. 2 thumbs, way up!

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  Great Car - Terrible Customer Service - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Judi - October 2 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased my Passat in November 2006. I absolutely love it, but it has had multiple cosmetic problems. My biggest problem is that the leather seats have discolored, and I am getting no help from VW on resolving this issue. Ive also had trouble with the Bluetooth (installed by the dealer after-market), and the Nav system had to be replaced after it got "stuck." Except for the purchase experience, I have had nothing but customer service trouble with two local dealerships (not the one I purchased it from) and VW Corporate. I love the car, but as soon as I am not upside-down in the note, I will sell it and get a Lexus, just because of the customer service.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajpeters - October 2 - 9:38 am

  We bought this car mostly because of the efficiency and I like diesels much better than hybrids. From what I hear Im glad we got a 2010 and not a 2011. With just over 9000 miles we could not be happier with this car. It handles nicely, is comfortable to drive on long trips (we have driven it back home to Montana twice from Iowa since we got it), has plenty of trunk space, and gets phenomenal fuel mileage. We average 43-45 on the highway when the temperatures are above freezing and 36-39 when below. The standard Sirius radio is nice and the interior noise level is great. The transmission takes a bit getting used to as it shifts down when decelerating and slows the car down unexpectedly

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  Whats up with the front AC?? - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Kim - October 1 - 7:57 pm

  I seriously just wanted to point out one thing, the front ac vents are crazy limited as to where to can aim them. They literally only blow on my face. You can spin them and angle them. But that angle is so limited that it makes no difference. So on a hot day, I can either choose to cool down my face and/or my feet. But thats it. Wont even reach my shoulders. I have to drive with my elbows up to my ears if I want to cool them down. VERY DISAPPOINTING!

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  6 years of Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karlos - October 1 - 4:46 pm

  This is one of the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Special Ordered before the big gas crisis. I can count on my hand how many times this car has been to the dealer for unscheduled service. First 100 miles the waterpump failed and was replaced without any hassles. Second time was due to the city of Chicago not posting any hazard warning for street work, destroying the bottom oil pan at 40,000 miles. The other times for regular wear and tear over the span of time.You will not be disappointed.

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  Keep it simple - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By kathonic - October 1 - 1:52 pm

  I purchased mine with 190,000 miles prominently interstate and highway mileage. The car is lumbering around town, but can really move when you need it to (Ive already avoided a few accidents because of it). Mechanically everything is easy to replace yourself, and often much cheaper as well, so if your considering the 5-speed V6 I would definitely invest in as much repair materials as you can. If youre good at basic repairs and replacement this car responds well to them. A word of warning however, do NOT skimp on seals and gaskets, make sure they are in good order before buying this car, because they have the most potential to do the greatest harm.

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  Forget the Audi A4 and get a VW Passat!! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By PatNC - September 30 - 10:30 pm

  I just leased the VW Lux Passat and I have to say that I am thrilled with this car. Originally went to the dealership to get an Audi A4. A physician that I work with recommended the vehicle and new the GM. The GM had me drive both vehicles and in the end the Passat had more to offer for the price and the drive was the same. The engine is surprisingly powerful and the handling is superb. I have test driven the Audi A4,Volvo S40, 60 ,80, the new Accord, Acura TSX, TL, Nissan Altima, Maxima and found the Passat to have everything that I want and more. As a new father to a 4 week old I have to admit I love all the airbags and safety...as a driver love the feel and response of the Passat!!!

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  worst car i ever had - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chicagodriver - September 30 - 5:50 pm

  Despite all the great reviews, this car has problem after problem. First, heated seats started on fire--at dealership for over a week with no compensation from VW for burned jacket and pants.Interior cheap and falling apart. Constant engine trouble-now with only 70000 miles, the engine needs to be replaced. I have had all maintenance done on time and disgusted with this expensive, money draining piece of junk. DO NOT BUY

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  A Real Bargain - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By larmen - September 30 - 2:36 pm

  The 2007 Passat 2.0T is a very nice car. I had a Saab 9-5 and this has better build quality. It is just as much fun to drive and costs many thousands less. The car is at its best cruising at 80-85 mph. Its safe, secure and smooth at that speed. On a 900 mile trip, I got 32 mpg with the a/c going continuously. The leatherette seats are an acceptable alternative. I wish the drivers seat had full power but the power lumbar is a nice feature. Getting such niceties as a telescopic steering wheel, stability control, tire pressure monitor, sunroof, Tiptronic transmission, full instrumentation, a nicely appointed trunk, and one touch windows on all four doors makes this a real bargain.