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:

• 

  38k miles does not lie - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger - November 21 - 10:46 am

  In 6 months I realized how poorly designed it is and you get real concerned about the long term reliability of this vehicle. When you get into the drivers seat, you will always have to dodge the side bolsters. The cars ventilation system makes clicking sounds and this is normal according to VW. My car since the purchase date sometimes refuses to turn over when started, nothing wrong that VW could find. Trunk release does not open in cold weather. If you want an oil change, either buy your own filters or go back to the dealer, nobody stocks them. Gas fuel door was replaced under warranty as well as rear fender clip that holds bumper in place.

• 

  Fun - but Expensive to maintain - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By Eric Hemmendinger - November 20 - 8:20 pm

  Had the car for 4 years, and have about 80K miles on it. Its a pleasure to drive - when everything is working correctly - and thats the issue. Ive had to replace the steering column lock, have the heads cleaned, and several other lesser items - but these are things that should not crop up until the car has well over 100K miles. So.. Its expensive to maintain. Ive also learned that its fragile. I put it into a snow bank at the bottom of the driveway - going about 8 miles/hour. the damages are in excess of $4K. To me that means its fragile. Ive enjoyed driving it, but am about to replace it in order to obtain a more cost-effective vehicle.

• 

  Not really worth it. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bj789 - November 16 - 6:22 am

  I owned my Jetta for almost 3 years. It was initially fun, but as I put miles on the car the check engine light became a familiar occurrence. Took it to independent mechanics to save a little on repairs but it seemed like Id leave just to have another issue crop up. Started taking it to the local dealer so of course I paid through the nose for repairs (like all German cars). While not quite as expensive as my Mercedes to maintain, it still felt weird paying a premium for maintenance on a non-luxury badge. There were the enjoyable times with the car, it was loaded with great features and it was quiet and quick. But in the end, the bad outweighed the good.

• 

  READ THIS & WEEP FOR VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By XvwOWNER - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Turbo Diesel, 5spd Manual. Theres not enough room here to list my gripes about this poorly built car. Ive learned to hold parts of the dash while driving. From the first 14 miles, I notice SMOKE. Then, the cruise failed, with such a rough idle, you cant run the AC while idling at traffic lights. Oh no, whats that, an engine light? Come on VW... quit torturing your customers. Signed, a future X-VW owner.

• 

  Why cant VW get it right ?? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fool me twice ?? - November 12 - 1:36 pm

  My husband owned an 86 GTI that had electrical probs from day one. He swore hed never have another VW but I begged. While we have not had any major electrical probs, the car has been to the dealership too many times. The trim is continuously discoloring or falling off, the wiring harness went bad in the first 10,000 miles, the fuel pump went out at 44,000 miles and we had to replace the brakes AND rotors at 44,000. When the car was stalling for no apparent reason, the dealership asked me if I had driven through any puddles recently. Enlighten me, can a VW not go through puddles without stalling? Now the interior light only occasionally comes on when you open the door. The gas mileage is dissappointing. Ive learned my lesson.

• 

  Will Never Buy Another VW - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kathy - November 7 - 1:53 pm

  We bought this car because it was a Consumer Reports best buy. Weve had had so many repairs I cant remember them all (oxygen sensors, coils replaced, air flow meter, and more) and the check engine light stays on constantly. Right now the anti-lock braking system sensor is bad, but it will cost nearly $1,000 to replace, so I drive around with the dash lighting up and blinking like a Christmas tree. We spent over $3,000 in a space of 2 months last year. When parts fail they are *very* expensive to replace - even using a local garage instead of the dealership. Interior: the coating is peeling off the interior plastic surfaces, the armrest latch broke, and the cup holders are flimsy.

• 

  Great car. Not cheap to Keep - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger! - November 5 - 4:40 am

  I purchased this car used with 80,000 miles. I love the handling, comfort, styling, power, and feel of the car. But it’s not cheap to fix. I don’t mind putting in a new clutch and alternator after 140,000, it’s expected. But does EVERYTHING have to cost $800 - $1900+ in labor to fix? You can’t get to anything to fix it. I think I’ve had most problems listed by Jetta owners. Here are mine: • Front end almost rips off at curbs (even low ones) • Glove box falling off • Center console broke • Window falls into door • Coil pack cracked in cold weather • Emission warning (and engine light) never go off • Cooling system leak • Shorted speaker • Gooey plastic interior parts

• 

  VW Never Again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By manda - November 4 - 12:50 pm

  I love driving the car, the turbo is fun. However Ive had terrible service at the VW service store. Ive had all kinds of problems in the last year, the tail light stayed on, the heated mirror doesnt work, among other $500 repairs. I think what the worst one was the fuel pump going out, this was considered a recall but somehow according to VW "my car isnt part of the recall." So now Im stuck with a broken fuel pump even though they have been recalled. I will never buy another VW again, dealers provide terrible service and the cars have terrible quality.

• 

  Bad ergonomics - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Small Woman - October 30 - 4:26 pm

  Trying to downsize from a minivan, my husband picked out this car. I did test drive the car, but what can you tell in 15 minutes? It is totally ergonomically incorrect for my size - 5. If I ran the world, all cars would have adjustable pedals, as they are a godsend for short drivers. The telescoping steering wheel is not enough. The gas pedal is very stiff and is causing knee pain. The seating arrangement - you have to recline - also causes me back pain, even though the seats are nice and supportive. I am not looking forward to driving this car in the snow - too much zip and no all wheel drive. All that said, my husband loves the car. He is a normal size and loves racing.

• 

  Never Buy This car or a VW Ever - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By prusso - October 25 - 9:50 pm

  My car is at about 85k and I have had way too many problems with this vehicle. It is by far the worst vehicle I have ever had and I will never buy a VW ever again. I have had to replace the water pump at 62k, the alternator went out, I was just told I needed to replace the catalytic converter, the ect sensor and an addition 2 grand in fixes for a total of 3,200. I had some boots and a cb join that were cracked and leaking that was about 1000 bucks. By far the most unreliable vehicle I have had and hated everything about it. I ripped off the bumper 3 times because it always would catch on the curb because there is no guard on there. Dont buy this car.