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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  Handling is not very good. Reliability issues - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - November 3 - 11:35 am

  Highway driving does not feel safe. Car is not handling well on speeds over 75 mp/h (I drive fast in the morning to pass traffic). Car feels like floating on the road with steering wheel is not responsive at all. Is this an electric motor drive? Tires are new, pressure is according to the VW recommendations. I used to have 2010 VW Jetta 2.5 and when it wasnt in the shop , it was driving extremely straight on the highway. Unfortunately, I didnt test a car on the highway during my initial test drive. Another problem with 2017 model is its automatic transmission: it is slipping from 1 to 2 and when Im slowing down at the traffic light from 2 to 1. On the highway it does it too but shifting to Sport helps. Anyways, strange suspension and possibly new drivetrain-related problems. Dealer now said that "turbo is not reliable and usually you need to change it at around 100,000 miles... but you just trade this car and well get you a new car!" Knowing how expensive VW service is, it is freaking me out. Someone here has mentioned similar problems. What should I do with a car? Its currently under 15,000 miles. Please advice.

• 

  Handling is not very good. Reliability issues - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - November 3 - 11:35 am

  Highway driving does not feel safe. Car is not handling well on speeds over 75 mp/h (I drive fast in the morning to pass traffic). Car feels like floating on the road with steering wheel is not responsive at all. Is this an electric motor drive? Tires are new, pressure is according to the VW recommendations. I used to have 2010 VW Jetta 2.5 and when it wasnt in the shop , it was driving extremely straight on the highway. Unfortunately, I didnt test a car on the highway during my initial test drive. Another problem with 2017 model is its automatic transmission: it is slipping from 1 to 2 and when Im slowing down at the traffic light from 2 to 1. On the highway it does it too but shifting to Sport helps. Anyways, strange suspension and possibly new drivetrain-related problems. Dealer now said that "turbo is not reliable and usually you need to change it at around 100,000 miles... but you just trade this car and well get you a new car!" Knowing how expensive VW service is, it is freaking me out. Someone here has mentioned similar problems. What should I do with a car? Its currently under 15,000 miles. Please advice.

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  New 3.6L Passat 11/21/05 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Makko - November 2 - 5:30 am

  Take this from an ex-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Volvo owner, the list is huge..., I test drove this new car on Saturday and couldnt wipe the grin off my face. "THIS IS A VW?" I put a deposit on it right away. Then I went home, did my research, read lots of blogs, (very helpful) and all the other VW model quality issues aside, I went and bought this car today. When I looked deeper into the issue, it does seem like VW has had it share of problems especailly when it comes to other and older models made in other than Germany. The fact that this was made in the Fatherland restored my confidence in this well engineered gem. Time will tell if my call was right and Ill provide updates as car matures.

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  Well built, and more for your money! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bowler801 - November 1 - 3:43 pm

  I was car shopping and I was looking at the Acura TSX and the Toyota Camry XLE V6. For the amount that I was going to pay for upgrades to the Camry and the TSX, the new Jetta comes standard with it. This car is simply incredible. It has everything that I was looking for and then some. I am glad I shopped around as much as I did. I would have missed out on a great buy and value.

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  2nd Passat - Great So Far - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By N1128Q - November 1 - 3:33 am

  I have had this car for one week - it is the 2nd Passat Ive leased and Im impressed with it so far. Smooth ride, great handling, fit and finish seem excellent, quiet ride. The Wolfsburg Edition has a lot of content for the price. While the Japanese cars give you a lot of bells and whistles for a few dollars less, the VW is more of a drivers car. Ill trade gee-gaws for real performance everytime.

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  Diesel fan - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dick Bare - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Touareg, first was a gasoline, 2004, had a few problems as it was the first year out, this car is much improved and a rocket ship, faster than the sister Porsche by .6 second, (Cayenne S), no problems so far in 5000 miles.

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  Sad Cute Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heather Maurer - October 31 - 8:26 pm

  Unfortunately, I have had to bring my car in 5 times for repairs. 4 times because the automatic convertible roof wouldnt go up and 1 time because the motor in the back electric window broke. I love the look, feel and drive of this car and I am completely disgusted and greatly disappointed with the convertible top not working properly. According to the dealership, I am not using due diligence when opening the trunk when the top is down. They are indicating that the top is getting stuck in the trunk which is causing it not to go up and that it is my responsibility to make sure this doesnt happen. This sounds like a design flaw to me!

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  Luxury Fast! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By mes70 - October 31 - 5:53 pm

  I traded up from the Mark IV GTI to this fantastic car. In every way its an improvement over the previous generation. I cant recommend this car highly enough. It feels like Im driving a $30,000+ car. It has a buttery engine, super torque, and high quality refinement in the cabin. Hearing the engine pulse through the interior is a true highlight, as is the exhaust note. When youre not gunning it, the interior is so quiet. It has very little road noise. Its truly an escape after a hard day at work. For those that want some exciting get up and go with a refined, grown-up, classy interior, this is it. It gets my highest recommendation. Get in touch with your Fast.

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  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.

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  Amazing Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BeRocketMan - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most trustworthy cars Ive ever driven. The only downside is that its rather low to the ground and can cause problems on bad pavement, but you will have that with any low car. Overall this is an excellent car!