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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  A lemon in the making??? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RyanS - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After the long wait for the Convertible Bug. You would think that they could get the top right! I mean afterall the car is approaching 30K and yes its a BUG! I purchased this car in April 03. Since then the car has been in for service 4 times. From the top jamming/breaking, to the Transmition and tiptronic failing. THis car has been a nightmare. VW service and parts is a total disaster. They dont even carry as much as a cigarette lighter that isnt on back order. It was so exciting to get this car only to be a great disappointment. you might spend more time with a service rental.. then your own vehicle.

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By worstcarever - January 23 - 4:50 pm

  This car was horrible! It was in the shop almost every week. VW dealerships never have the parts. I think I drove a loaner car more than I drove this car. After only 1 year, I rolled a bunch of negative equity into a new car, because I just couldnt put up with it anymore. MAJOR electrical problems. Headlights would totally go out, fuel pump and fuel pump manifold out, the list goes on and on. VW service, they arent helpful. Gas mileage is horrible. Navigation is way outdated, and requires a special DVD/CD that the manufacture rarely updates. I tried to get it updated, havent updated Colorado roads since 2006! Do not buy! You will be sorry!

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  Love my new Jetta Sportwagen - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By leftcoastwolf - January 23 - 9:23 am

  I just bought my second VW TDI Jetta. This car is larger and more refined than my 2003. The handling for the 2012 is first rate. The German engineering that went into this vehicle makes for a fantastic drivers car. The dealership has treated me well and answered all questions. This is the second car Ive purchased from this dealership.

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  Technology edition my ass!! - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Dean Sibley - January 22 - 10:05 am

  This vehicles technology is junk. How can they possible consider it a technology edition when doesnt even come with a garage door opener. I am a andriod user and expect the technology to blend seamlessly however this is not the case. I am still waiting for manufactures to give up on their proprietary software and use opensource so the professionals can give the people exactly what they want. What I want is a display that mirrors my phone exactly is that too much to ask. I have this in my 2006 toyota solara it can be done. This is my first day owning this vehicle that makes my KIA Optima look like a Lexus. The interior is barebones, sure it has leather and holds 8 people but I think I would have enjoyed a Buick Enclave more. Now I have 3 yrs of lease on a generic POS. I had high hopes and now believe I made a huge mistake. * update VW still sucks, I should have waited the new Buick Enclave looks much better for the money.

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  Hesitation - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lynne - January 20 - 1:23 pm

  I just purchased a TDI jetta and love it. However, I have experienced the "hesitation " to the point I have almost been hit a few times. You are right in that you have to come to a complete stop for a few seconds then it seems to be ok, but not if you are in traffic and someone tells you to "go ahead" So now I just wait when I can and let the traffic go ahead

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ScottE - January 20 - 10:33 am

  Ive been really pleased with this car. I wanted econo, but my wife wanted all the bells and whistles, so we got all the features available and it is a very nice. Comfortable, fast enough (not a rocket ship, but pulls hills effortlessly), and nice things like heated seats and good sound system. I put 17" wheels on, and have an automatic, and get about 42 mpg. I love that. Have two small kids and with car seats it is pretty tight in back, but managable. Fate is dropping an 02 Mercedes in my lap, so I am selling, but otherwise I would consider this a great long term car.

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  Junk - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Themistaken - January 20 - 8:10 am

  I do not not like anything about this car. I had it for one month and had to take it back. It was slow, the styling stunk, and the seats were uncomfortable. I am a huge VW fan. I race their cars on a touring circuit, and have two corrados, a 93 GTI, and a 97 Jetta, but this one by far is the worst that I have ever seen, sat in, and driven.

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  2009 VW Jetta TDI 6M - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By M - January 18 - 9:03 pm

  Purchased this car in October 2008 and have put 12,000 miles on already. So far, it has performed perfectly and my mileage continues to improve the more the car is broken in. Had a small rattle from the seat belt but it was quickly replaced at the dealer. Installed studded snow tires to battle the Utah snow and it never misplaced me. First gear with a manual trans is a bit touchy around town but quite fun otherwise. If you are in stop and go traffic, go for the automatic. Dont let the fake leather stop you from buying, it actually looks pretty nice and no one ever questions otherwise. Would definitely buy over again.

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  Tiguan has Transmission Problems - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By bmod14 - January 18 - 7:51 am

  When they redid the Tiguan transmission for 2012 they ruined it.  The trans tries to get to 6th gear as soon as possible to save gas.  It now "labors" in 5th or 6th gear at 30 to 45 mph.  You cant drive it at a slow constant speed from 30 to 45 mph with out it "laboring" and vibrating the car.  Check out these links of people with the same problem. - [HTML removed] Otherwise, nice car!

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  Better than Subaru - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Erik Nordheim - January 18 - 4:30 am

  Paid $32k (plus tax and license) for Passat 4Motion wagon with Luxury Pack 1. AWD and enough room for gear are my primary buying concerns and this car has a good balance of that and luxury and performance. More expensive and more luxurious than a Subaru. I would highly recommend Edmunds Inside Lines review of this wagon. Definitely consider the increased cost of maintenance and premium gas when compared to the Subaru before you buy. Also there is an odd throttle delay on launch, but you can easily adapt your driving to this oddity. Tinting the windows is all the car needed to kick up the comfort and style to a serious level of unostentatious class.