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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  What a relief! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wyonative - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Jetta after I was in an auto accident that totaled my other car. My other car was a 2002 Kia Spectra. Talk about night and day! I literally had problems with my Spectra from day one and after my accident, I found out the Spectra did not hold its value at all. I feel confident (and very safe) driving my Jetta. I look forward to my morning commute because I enjoy driving it so much. What a great car!

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  Best Wagon for the Money! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By structoman - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Compared a Subaru Outback Wagon, an Audi A4 Quattro Wagon, a Volvo V70 Wagon, and a VW Jetta Wagon. I eliminated the Subaru because Japanese cars are just to plastic on the interior. I narrowed it down to the Audi, Volvo and VW and compared everything- from quality of components, performance, comfort and space and decided on the VW Jetta. The diesel engine has great torque and sips fuel. It is solidly built, good looking and was $10k less (paid $21k) than the Audi or Volvo. It is identical to the Audi A4 Quattro Avant Wagon, except that it is front-wheel drive and not all-wheel drive.

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  2011 jetta tdi nightmare - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By davey_dcgr - March 31 - 2:34 pm

  here is a list of issues. passenger door does not close right scratches car they told me it was fine but it is obviously not i bought door sills to protect it from more scratches for 200 dollars just for the door to destroy it! its all on that one door so its the car bad wind noise bluetooth has been replaced 3 times and if you are listening to music then get a call the phone disconnects. antenna fixed 1 time. deliverd with paint issues witch had to go to the body shop for and had wrong media system. cheap interior gps has had to be checked twice. engine part was recalled exaust tips were recalled sun roof sometimes wont close have to fiddle with it with warenty 40grand not worth it

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  Just bought new Jetta 2.0 Manual Pkg 1 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill Kurry - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  Just picked up my new Jetta. It handles beautifully. I wanted a specific color and a manual transmission, so it took a long time to get. I had a Passat before and can truthfully say it drives just as well or better. Overall the car feels a lot more cramped, I guess Im not used to such small confines. It gives me "sports car" fun.

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  For what it is, the Passat excels - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dustin C - March 31 - 10:05 am

  I owned a 2006 Jetta 2.0L I5 for 6 years, and it was an absolute blast to drive. It was the car that showed me how rewarding owning a VW can be. Exceptional handling, quick acceleration, and a ride so responsive it made the car seem like an extension of yourself. The Passat R-Line 1.8L I4, however, is none of those things, but for all the right reasons. This is a family car. Will it handle corners like a sports car? No. Will the sound of the engine turn heads? Nope. Will it win you drag races from stop lights? Probably not. What it will do, and what it does well, is provide a comfortable, confident and efficient driving experience. And it looks good doing it. From the extra spacious cabin, to the ultra luxurious interior and silent ride, the 2016 Passat is a car for your everyday family driver. The R-Line comfort package has enough technology and comfort options to make this a world class vehicle that doesnt break the bank. Heated driver and passenger leather seats, bluetooth phone connectivity, wide angle (this is important!) back-up camera, steering wheel controls, cruise control, and a turbo charged 4 cylinder engine that feels nothing like any 4 cylinder youve driven before combine to offer a rewarding and pleasurable driving experience. The Passat R-Line also includes a shiftable transmission, which is becoming increasingly difficult to come by since the introduction of continuously variable automatic transmissions on 4 cylinder vehicles. Personally, I hate the way CVT transmissions perform and would never buy a car without a geared transmission. Theyre sluggish, unresponsive, and worst of all unreliable. Is getting an extra 5-10 miles per gallon worth replacing the most expensive part of your vehicle prematurely? Not for this guy. Thats bad business, Ill stick with what works. Its hard to find faults with this car when you appreciate it for what it is, a reliable, stylish, and comfortable family sedan. That said, some mild gripes would include Nitrogen filled tires (no airing up at gas stations with this car), the missing TDI class (VW didnt make any diesel cars this year due to their ongoing trouble with fraudulent emissions scores) and an oddly shaped steering wheel. The bottom of the steering wheel is flat and obstructed. For someone who typically drives with only one hand at the bottom of the wheel, this is mildly irritating, but not enough to make me consider a different vehicle. Overall, for whats included and for how pleasurable it is to drive, the Passat R-Line w/ Comfort Package is an exceptional car for an exceptional value. But go ahead and sign up for that extended warranty if you can afford it. Anybody whos driven VW long enough will tell you how much they love the vehicles, but hate the repairs. These machines might be built in Chattanooga, TN right here it the great ol USA, but this is still a German car with German parts. Repairs WILL be expensive if youre paying out of pocket. But this is Volkswagen and it is a great car, take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  Tons of fun, but not without flaws - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By CarAddictDFW - March 31 - 5:36 am

  Ive had my Passat for about 18 months now, and I love driving it more every time I come home from a long business trip that put me in a boring rental. It handles superbly, the engine is rev-happy and powerful while getting great mileage, the Dynaudio stereo is incredible (when its working correctly) and the interior is stunning. However, Ive had some quality issues pop up. Some odd interior rattles have developed, a trim piece or two has fallen off, and the stereo and XM receiver have been replaced four times and the problem still persists. I think newer Passats have had these issues ironed out, but Im starting to miss my Acura TL in the reliability and build quality department.

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  Lots of bang for the buck! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By benetodog - March 31 - 5:21 am

  I test drove Lexus, Infinity, Acura, and Audi. Ended up driving through a VW dealership and was practically forced into test driving a CC. I fell in love...I kept asking the dealer "really? this is a 4 cylinder?" 2 days later I leased my first VW. So far I am liking it (not loving it) I find the thigh bolsters to be a little to firm, and the steering wheel is a little to far from me. It has plenty of power (I drive with a heavy foot). Handling is a little lofty, but maybe I just need more time getting used to its manners. Silver paint job is a little sloppy, looks like the robot fell asleep in a couple of spots. All in all, this car is a lot of bang for the buck.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By w11slim - March 30 - 2:50 pm

  The Jetta GLX CR6 is a totally fun ride. It has some great features. It came down to this and the BMW 3-Series and the Jetta trumped the BMW in just about everything. It even was $2,000 less in price. Mine is red with a black interior and it is a beaut. The only negative thing I can say is I thought the gas mileage would be a little better. I have been selling Volkswagens ever since my wife and I got this car.

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  Fun in a box - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Californian - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This van is a blast. We have the rear configuration where the seats face eachother. Kids actually fight to ride in our van - often leaving adults carpooling on their own. If you are not into your kids and thier friends, this van is not for you. Plenty of power, stylish, fun to drive. Get lots of comments.

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  Where can I start - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tomy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This car realy dissapointed me deeply. So much could be better.