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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  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.

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  We love our 2001 GLX VR6 - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D. Graham - November 7 - 5:30 am

  The car is solid and handles very well. The VR6 has plenty of power but seems to really come on-line at higher speeds and RPMs. The leather interior is of superior quality and the Monsoon stereo really cranks and has many features. The sport package really helps the car handle well even at speeds in excess of 100 mph and the 17" wheels really set off the appearance and stance of the car. This car has been often mistaken for a BMW with good reason and is a cousin of the Audi A-4.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By rabbity - November 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for anyone who enjoys driving. The way it corners is beyond impressive. The triptonic engine is amazing especially while climbing steep grades, but youll pay for it in gas consumption. Be sure to get the 16" wheels and the ESP. The interior is well lit and European styled. Arm rests would be nice. The iPod adapter doesnt come standard. Overall its the perfect car. Id highly recommend it to anyone. Very solid car.

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  Love the Jetta - Hate the electronics - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By trainsam - November 5 - 11:53 pm

  Car is a pleasure to drive. Love the mileage (43-60mpg between 75 and down to 55 respectively). Carries a ton for a small car. Even gets great mileage with luggage stored on top. No power train issues ever. JettaSportWagon is 20 months old now with 30k miles. Lock system just went wacky. Dealer cant even figure out why some locks lock sometimes and others at other times. Completely random behavior. Changed lock control module. No luck. Now dealer is calling in expert from somewhere else. In first two months had similar electronic hiccup with ATC system. Wish the electronics were more stable.

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  Its a Blast! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BWO - November 5 - 10:50 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for about two weeks and its a blast. Ive owned VWs before, including a Jetta, but the initial quality on this GLI is a major leap beyond the 95 Jetta that I owned. The gas mileage is great, I get ~27 in my suburb/urban commute. It has nice speed/acceleration, great handling, and road feel in spades. It feels magnetically bonded to the road - you become part of the car and the car becomes part of the road - again, its a blast. The interior is nice. I went retro with Plaid Package 1. Mine is black with 17" wheels - the color/wheels configuration doesnt scream "Im a sports/performance car." It "looks" like a classy / tasteful / modest sporty sedan, but its definitely a performer.

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  Maintenance is too High! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jt - November 5 - 10:10 pm

  The car is beautiful and drives beautifully, however the cost of simple things like brake jobs is too high and it is always a battle to get "Warranty" work done. The dealership claims that simple brake pads cost me $172.00 just for the pads for the front of the car. I was quoted over $400.00 just to replace the pads for the front of the car. I think that is inappropriate for a supposed economy car. Read below as well about the two times I have been stranded.

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  VWs Sure Footed Vault - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Two VWs - November 5 - 7:40 am

  After test driving all (except VW) major SUVs with safety, AWD/4x4 drive, and towing capacity in mind, the Toyota Sequoia barely met our needs. Just before the dealership, we passed the VW Touaregs all in a row. After crawling over one inside and out, and driving two blocks, she/we said, "I want this one!". The Tour-pig, as I fondly call it, tows more than other SUVs (two trips with 3,500 lb. trailer - tows great), has neat gadgets (I still havent figured out all the gizmos), is rated highly in safety, has the best workmanship interior of all (love them hard German seats!). The traction on snow/ice is tremendous - rock solid. In short, we (mostly) love it! We own 3 Volvos and 2 VWs.

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  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

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  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.

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  Great Package - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Jean - November 4 - 10:46 am

  Although its not the fastest car out there, it does bring lots of pluses together in an elegant package.