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:

• 

  Eternal Passat owner! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bluegirllo - March 23 - 10:33 pm

  This car really is amazing. They did a lot of little things since the 04 model we had previously (and lost in an accident). The interior design is gorgeous, the color choices are great. The horsepower is higher, but the fuel economy is the same as before. Car companies usually inflate the fuel economy a little, but honestly in our part hwy / part city road commute (26 miles) we get 26.6 mpg, which is GREAT. The driver side seat is now mostly automatic which is nice (if you are familiar with the VW side crank...). All in all, this is an amazing car and Id recommend it without reservation! It is much more unique than the Hondas out there and better, too.

• 

  2010 Passat Wagon - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By OliversOwner - March 22 - 7:23 pm

  Gave my 2001 Passat Wagon to my son a bought a new 2010 Passat Wagon. A little disappointed that I did not pick up on the manual adjust passenger set but am happy with the rear hatch automatic open/close ... good trade off as I am usually in the car by myself. Got 34 mpg on my first long trip of 200 miles using regular gas (I know they say to use premium).

• 

  VW Cannot Fix My Jetta After Ten Attempts - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By maxwellTN - March 22 - 3:10 pm

  My Jetta has had problems since it hit 15,000 miles, when it needed a new transmission. The issue was not solved by this repair and has continued even after 10 attempts to fix it by the local dealer. The car skirts erradically / hard in all gears, it stalls from park to reverse after sitting overnight, it does not downshift properly (or at all) when going up hills, and is unreliable in when and how it will shift. The dealer tried to fix it, but the issues came back. I have been told that this is common in 2002-2004 Jettas - and was told this by the dealer and the service manager. VW customer care has also offered no recourse - I am stuck with a car that is now out of warranty and has yet to be fixed by the dealer.

• 

  No Problems! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By geopassat - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I just finished making my last payment on my Passat, and have had almost no problems! Did replace O2 sensor, had small vaccum leak,and F&R brake jobs,new tires and battery but otherwise did Mfgr.s Recommended Service schedule, and no problems! It feels almost like I had a Honda or Toyota in terms of reliability, and a BMW or Benz in terms of performance!

• 

  Fun and unreliable - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Badfish73 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The list of my problems began with electrical failure in dash lights. Replaced pigtail harness. Next, the infamous window dropping problem. All this with 9000 miles on it. Next at about 30,000 miles, new rear brakes and rotors. I was told that everytime I replace brake pads to be prepared to change the rotors..BS. 38,000 miles, new front pads and rotors. Not to mention the cost of scheduled service. My dealer quoted me $850 for my 40,000 scheduled maintenance. What a joke. Next the O2 sensor went and needed replacement. Went from VW enthusiast to the point where I will never buy another.

• 

  2003 Jetta GL - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cac2631 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisified with my 2003 Jetta GL since I purchased it in November. It is an awesome car packed with an overload of standard features. I love the modern color of platinum gray and the sleek exterior design. It is a car for both female and male. It is not too cute yet not masculine in style either. I love the sound system and comfort of the seats. The headrests in the back seat are great for extra travelers. The blue and red backlight is definately a great look. I loved the car so much my husband traded his current car in for Jetta too! So now they are the family car!

• 

  Fun Car But Problems Already! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GLIFUL - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about six months and Ive been loving every single moment while driving it... but unfortunately, Ive been hit with the notorious "second gear grind". Every time I shift into second gear, it sounds like metal hitting metal. I took the car to the dealer and they are replacing the syncros 1-2-3 under warranty. The dealer experience has been great since VW is trying to up their image. I havent gotten the car back yet, but I hope they fixed the problem. Cant wait to drive my baby again!

• 

  1300 miles so far - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Fred - March 21 - 9:00 pm

  Sold 04 Jetta TDI for this. Fun to drive by keeping acceleration in peak torque range around 2500 rpm. Xenon headlights are well worth the $750 upgrade price. Fog lamps automatically light up when turning to assist headlights in sharp turns. EGR valve went out at 750 miles; part should have lasted till 100k easily. One annoying thing is occasional acceleration lag; give a little throttle to move car up some, then maybe 3/4 throttle to jump in traffic and car "stumbles" before turbo spins up enough to boost. Happens not often but enough to be annoying. Common on 3 TDIs Ive owned. Hair raising in busy cross traffic. Dunno how VW has not had a class action lawsuit. Fun car nevertheless.

• 

  Never Buy a VW - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ihatevw - March 21 - 3:10 pm

  I really hate this car with a passion. Literally every day something goes wrong. Yesterday my starter went. I had it replaced. Today the idle is going crazy and its smelling like gas really bad. The coolant system is terrible. Pretty much everything on this car is designed poorly and made of plastic. The exhaust rattles of the underside of the car. The electrical system is total junk. I have had problems with this car since day one. If you are reading this and are considering getting a VW, please go buy a Honda, seriously.

• 

  memory - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By rodger - March 20 - 7:10 pm

  This car is wonderful. It is good looking and fun to drive. The radio is one of the best I have ever had and it is not the best one offered by VW. One feels like a king on the inside of the car, fine leather and very well done real wood trim.