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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  great car w/poor reliability - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gsp - January 16 - 9:43 pm

  After 3000 miles on my tdi sedan (diesel) Im delighted w/this small car. Others have said the positive car qualities well, but also like others, Im unhappy with poor reliability. My car next week goes back to the dealership to fix leaking exhaust, twice, and now must replace 2 oxygen sensors. Both problems say my car wont pass my states rules. VW dealerships (2) have tried hard to help. Im very frustrated, of course.

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  nice and tight - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jimbo - January 16 - 3:40 am

  Thats the best way I can explain the handling and ride. I just leased the Passat 2.0Twith pkg. #1, cold weather pkg. and 17" rims for $390 a mo. for 36 mo. sign and drive. Ive had a Honda Accord EX-V6 before and I thought that was an excellent car, but this VW is really what driving is about. The 17s really make the difference. Good luck to all with the vehicle!

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  Small Design Flaws Looking Rearwards - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Joel - January 14 - 5:40 pm

  The only thing that I do not care for about the CC at this point is looking rearwards when it is raining. The angle of the rear window does not allow sufficient water to drain (it stands), and there is no wiper. And the design of the side rearview mirrors also allow water to accumulate. And this is even with using products to improve water run- off.

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  First Impressions - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SueVal - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  Purchased VW Touareg after much study and comparison shopping. Considered MB ML, Accura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330, Porsche Cayenne. Immediately put 3000 interstate miles on it; mileage now 8000 as car was like new demonstrator at time of purchase, due to limited availability. Never owned an SUV before; did this with much trepidation but so far no buyers remorse as Touareg appears to deliver on its promises. Reliability yet to be determined.

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  Golf GL - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By DVCJ - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great interior, solid feel, ABS standard, side air-bags standard. Costs a bit more than a Focus but what a difference in feel and overall quality.

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  Jetta 1.8t / tiptronic & Sport pkg. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scottw911 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  For the money, the 1.8t, with the sport package and 17" wheels is exceptional. It offers plenty of performance and comfort for the relatively low price point. The small displacement offers good milage and a sense of environmental responsibility while the Turbocharger gives the car some real kick.

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  Good Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Alisa - January 11 - 12:36 am

  Ive owned my 99 for seven months. I had a 98 Beetle for a year and half before I got this one. When I got into an accident there was no doubt I was getting another Bug. Its a great car, and it does well in the mountains and on long high trips. Ive had to change both headlight bulbs, window motors, serpentine belts and the AC has a leak. Aside from these minor things (which Ive come to find EVERY car manufacturer has) the car runs great, is fun to drive, and I get tons of compliments on my cute red car. Im hoping to upgrade to a newer, higher model soon.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By CRAIGF - January 9 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Passat with 20,000 miles on it and have drove it 25,000 flawless miles in the last year. My only complaint is the expensive service. Otherwise it drives similar to my Mercedes 380E. The Passat is a great road car.

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  Way OVER engineered - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tbsx - January 7 - 6:42 pm

  I don’t understand the great reviews considering so many characteristic problems… you’ll see. Should the engine stall while in motion the key must cycle fully off to restart the auto. This LOCKS the steering while in motion. With clutch depressed the engine wont rev above 2500 rpms. I have to pop the clutch several times when on a hill or stall engine. The traction control system engaged breaks on left side of car (I never touched the breaks) sending the car sideways. Lights come on when I don’t want; they go off when I don’t. Doors lock, unlock automatic.

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  not bad - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By paul76812 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  NICE, FUN LITTLE SPORTSCAR. THE TURBO IS GREAT, AND HANDLES GREAT. MY JETTA SEEMS TO HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING IN THE COLD AND THE SEATS AND NOT THAT COMFORTABLE. OVERALL, I CANT COMPLAIN.