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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  New VW Owner - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jayco11 - July 7 - 9:53 pm

  This car is really a pleasant surprise. Just came out of an Infinity M45. Had to downsize lifestyle and found the perfect car.This car drives great,and is big enough for a family of five. No car can match the features this car has for the money.

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  Cup Holder Design Flaw - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DeborahV - July 7 - 10:26 am

  I bought my 2002 Jetta GLX last Sept. as a birthday present to myself. I LOVE my car, and am having a blast driving it. However, I never liked the cupholder design, but I never thought I would have a problem with them. Well, I had a cup in the holder that was nearly empty, but it dripped condensation on my climatronic control panel and completely SHORTED OUT the ENTIRE SYSTEM!! Thres nothing, nada, zip, zero. I am so bummed. Gonna go to the dealership and hope for the best.

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  Great Choice - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Luke - July 7 - 6:30 am

  This is essentially the perfect car. It has the power, the styling, the quality, and the design to justify its slightly-higher-than-the-competitors price. The safety ratings are excellent (which was a major point), and finally, a it is a cheap vehicle with standard stability control! It also handles decently considering the rubber its got and the fact that its really a family sedan. There has not been one quality misstep - nothings come loose, everything functions perfectly - all that despite the hard use it endures. The interior and trunk are much larger than one would be lead to think by looking at the exterior. If only you could get the wagon with a manual transmission.

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  Your Fathers Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By John Hetrick - July 7 - 2:07 am

  2003 Passat GLX is a fully loaded sedan- two 8 way power seats with memory, rain sensing wipers, folding mirrors, smooth V6 engine and drive train, and other features only available on high end vehicles. Most all the options still work. Only bothersome problem has been the alloy rims pit from the winter salt and develop slow leaks. Recently repaired rims since winter is over- should hold till next year. Paint and body has held up well for Ohio winter roads. This car still turns heads- people dont believe it is 13 years old.

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  Okay Car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris - July 7 - 1:03 am

  I bought my car used and have had nothing but problems from the first month after buying it. Its a fun car, it is just so expensive to keep the car running properly.

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  A Fun Car to Drive, - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cs - July 7 - 12:30 am

  Bought my TDI Brand new had to wait almost 4 months to get it. I have a manual transmission and the only problem I have had with the car is the clutch went out at 13,000 miles. Of course this is a wear item that is only covered for 12,000 miles. After doing some research found out that I was not the only one having this issue. Had to argue with the dealership but finally got them to replace it under warranty. Otherwise great car lots of fun to drive. Great MPG (41/49). The only other complaint is the air conditioning could be better. Does not do well unless car is going over 30 mph. I do get a lot of compliments on the car, almost as many as when were on the harley.

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  lemon of the bunch - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By brp - July 6 - 6:50 pm

  I bought my gti because i thought it would be a great and reliable car but it turned out I was wrong on a few things.The problems started when i was going around a turn doing speed limit and it all of a sudden felt like i had a flat tire and started slowing down then was fine a few seconds later, this was taken to the dealer and they could not find a problem so i picked it up and this problems occurs on a daily basis but they say they cannot find anything, it sometimes will not let me press on brakes, maybe xds overreacting?it can be scary when brakes wont work and I have to downshift to slow down, it has been in twice for this along with once for a leaky sunroof and radio turns itself down

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Karree McCarter - July 6 - 6:00 pm

  Great car, only draw back is living in a small town with limited Volkswagen mechanics.

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  My First Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By First VW - July 6 - 3:46 pm

  This is my first VW or import car for that matter. I am a huge fan of the New Jetta, I love all the features. It feels like I am driving a BMW that I paid 50 million dollars for. I purchased the 5-speed 2.5, and my only complaint is that my back gets sore from riding long trips. The seats dont provide much support and are pretty stiff.

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  Dont Buy 2018 Keep Your 2016 Tiguan! - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Deep Dee - July 6 - 12:18 pm

  Bought a 2018 Tiguan SE August 2017. Today is my 3rd trip to the VW Union City, GA dealership for the same problems, plus more. I got know support! Asst. Svc Mgr. Kept saying, oh, thats normal. .....we didnt see any problems as if I was lying about 5 issues I never had with my 2016 Tiguan or any other car I ever owned. Cell phone Bluetooth malfunctioning; passenger side seat belt sensor comes on even with a tennis shoe on that seat and no human body; headlights are very dim and not projecting properly at night; rear of drivers seat automatI call folds forward closing in on me if I sit on the left edge of the seat with one foot outside the car and one inside; the windsheild washer fluid sensor gows off every 8 or so minutes even after I watched a different dealership add gallons to my car....where did it go??? No leaks on the ground! Asst. Svc Mgrso response is, normal, normal, normal, we found nothing wrong, or my 2018 does the samething (passenger seat belt sensor problem). He was worthless! Was Sending me on my way until I insisted he contact the manufacturer, VW!!! They made their sale, and now dont want to do the work to stand behind their product!