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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  good - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By joan clark - June 5 - 10:00 am

  the only thing i do not like is the noise from the sun roof

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  number 1 car review (volkswagon beetle) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By shocker1029 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car you could ever have! I think the 2003 Volkswagon Beetle Convertible should get a perfect ten on both style and performance. I fell in love the minute I first layed eyes on this perfect car.

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  engine needs to be replaced - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ron - June 4 - 3:46 pm

  hoped to keep the car a long time. now have paid $900 to have oil leaks in engine repaired. found out vw acknowledges engine problems but has not called for a recall. my mechanic advised to get rid of asap which I plan to do as soon as I can get the oil light to stop going off. have also replaced front axle, headlights, trunk hinge, coolant leak, dip stick replaced twice. car looks great, too bad all this has happened, but it is my last VW.

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  Loving it - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwJettaFan - June 4 - 2:20 pm

  Bought it brand new and love the sporty way it handles - nice acceleration and fun to drive. I used to own a Ford Focus wagon and this car is way more luxurious and comfortable. I was in the market for a station wagon and noticed that there are few offered in the US - mostly from European car makers. Did not think I would be able to afford a German car, but this one is affordable! We had one minor issue (something creaked). The part was replaced under warranty. 15,000 miles @23/32 mpg (city/highway) with no issues but that. This car comes with ESP, plenty airbags and anti-slip-regulation. The panoramic sun roof lets in light, but no heat.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By peony - June 4 - 12:16 pm

  So far so good! My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion has very nice handling for a non-sport wagon and is much quieter than my old Subaru Outback. It also has a smoother ride and a way higher level of interior comfort.

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  Best (looking) VW ever? - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By 11th-vw - June 4 - 7:06 am

  After five months of ownership, this 11th VW in my driveway has not disappointed me in any way. Fuel economy combined after nearly 7000 miles is 31.1 mpg. Quality/workmanship is excellent, comfort for driver and passengers (front and rear) excellent. Easy to expand the trunk space (although not a wagon....). The 2.0T engine is not only great with respect to fuel economy, acceleration is fabulous, engine noise minimal. Better than the V6 that Ive owned. 6-speed manual is smooth and makes driving fun. Sound system is very good. Only (slight) negatives (that one knows after a test drive): View to the rear is challenging at times, and limited seating capacity may be an issue to some

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  Lot of Bang for the Buck - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Laurayla - June 4 - 1:53 am

  We just traded in our 2008 Jetta SE for the 2008 Wolfie to get the financing deal. We were planning to just swap for another SE, but when we saw the Wolfsburg with its rear spoiler, 17-inch sporty wheels and the turbo for only a little more, we had to drive it and all we could say was WHEEEEE! Lots of power and its quieter than the SE. Effortless acceleration where the SE would buzz like a moped to get up to speed. One thing we did not realize, though, was that it takes premium gas -- ouch! Fun ride, awesome fit/finish and we had no problems with our SE so we expect none here. Styling is decent in and out. Roomy and comfy. Trade did hold pretty well. Excellent value.

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  Mines named Thumper! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Musikfaery - June 4 - 1:43 am

  I got my Rabbit a few months ago and absolutely LOVE it! My family has always driven Volkswagens and Im no exception. It has great torque, super spacious insides for a two door, and it ultra sleek in design on the outside as well as in. My boyfriend is 62" and fits in the passenger seat comfortably, where as on the opposite spectrum, I am 54" and the seat and wheel adjust well for smaller build too. Recently took it on a 1,000 mile road trip and loved every minute of it! Great storage in the hatch, and all the options are wonderful, specially the mp3 hookup in the arm rest. The sparkly blue paint is great, and didnt cost a cent extra. Absolutely love my Thumper!!

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  A Lot of Car for Little Money - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By detective40oz - June 3 - 6:06 am

  I took delivery of mine this month. So far the car has been a pleasure to drive. From the subtle sporty looks to the refined interior this is a fun and practical car to drive. Im never disappointed in the acceleration and having owned a 2003 GTI I can say this car is miles ahead of it in every category especially the handling! Simply put the 2007 GTI is more car than you would expect to get for $23,000.

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  VW New Beetle Always in the Repair Shop! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By J. Engle - June 3 - 2:40 am

  We bought a new 2000 VW GLS 1.8T since my wife had owned an original Beetle for over 15 years. We were hoping the second time around would be as good or better than the first Beetle she had owned. The New Beetle we bought was constantly in the shop for chronic and annoying electrical problems. The entire front dash wiring went out just after the warranty expired. We got tired of spending repair money on this New Beetle and the fact that it was constantly in the repair shop for electrical problems. We went out and bought a new 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid which we love for the gas mileage and which has never had any repairs other than routine maintenance. We will never buy a VW product again!