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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  Toureg Disappointment - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By redtoureg - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I saw the Toureg at the auto show and loved the looks. But overall, very disappointing. Mileage has been less than expected. Multiple problems with the electrical system-tire pressure warning light wont go out and sometimes the left side head and tail lights wont go out without turning the car on and off several times. I agree completely with the Edmunds review about the peculiar acceleration of the car and handling. Ive always had Toyota products before and I wish I had stuck with them.

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  Disappointing Jetta - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pops - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Lots of problems early on with car. Automatic trans problems. Rear brake problems. Power window problems. Remote alarm problems. Alternator ceased at 30K. Exhaust down-pipe has broken two times.....On and on. Very disappointed in the realiability of this car. I have had many VWs before but this is my first brand new one. It will also be my last.

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  Keep Looking - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By HereWeGo1 - August 26 - 7:46 pm

  This Routan seemed to be a perfect fit. Very stylish, comfortable to ride in and best of all its European, at least until you look a little closer. The truth of the matter is that this van is made in Canada at a Chrysler plant. This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. At about 700 miles the passenger side headlight began filling with moisture. The automatic doors do whatever they want, whenever they want. I woke up one morning to the side of our new van wide open getting soaked in the pouring rain. The power windows are very sporadic. Sometimes they work, most times they donÂ’t. Our rear bumper began pulling away from the body of the vehicle.

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  Hope its just me or just this van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By man-with-a-van - August 19 - 5:30 pm

  We bought the van cuz it seemed to have more features for the buck and that VW service would be around in case Chrysler wouldnt in the case of caravan/T&C. Only have about 1500 miles but half is because dealer drove it due to dealer trade and going in for service due to "check engine" light on for most of its life thus far. Turns out a transmission seal was compromised (at 1500 miles!!!) and in will be in shop (twice) for total of 16 days. on the bright side, im only 14 days from qualifying for Lemon Law. In addition, shades and interior not put together well, bumper came apart a bit. Hopefully, well be free of issues after it comes back. Fingers crossed.

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  The truth about the 1.8t Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sillybilly - August 19 - 4:36 pm

  Want to know about the 1.8t Jetta? This engine had a faulty design from the start. It basically just tries to pull too much power from a 4 cylinder, which is very hard on the engine. The engine has "hot spots," which can cause oil viscosity and break down, and lead to major problems without warning. I put 4, yes 4 oil pumps in this car, with no warranty help from Volkswagen. If you do not get all your service done at a dealer (an overpriced dealer) dont ever expect to be covered by any warranty. Ive spent over $3,000 on this car that has 75k miles on it. Volkswagen doesnt want anyone to know about their design flaw. Of course in their 1.8t Passats they have offered an extended warranties.

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  Poor Quality and Terrible Service - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By mstu - August 11 - 2:00 am

  For all those who love their car, wait until the coil(s) fail 200 miles from home. VW will not provide free transportation. They will also not replace all the coils. You get back in your car and are still driving a car with faulty coils!!! I will not let my family drive this car further than walking distance from my house. Do yourself a favor and make a different choice. I also own a 2000 GLS Jetta that has the same type of problems and same terrible service.

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  Never Again - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mstu - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Never have I been soooo disappointed with a car. 5 O2 sensors and 2 mass air flow under warrenty. Now the warrenty is gone and I am looking forward to service visits every six months on my dime. Car has burned 1qrt every 1000- 1500 miles since new. No offer of assistance from VW. Made the huge mistake of buying a 2002 Passat for our second car. Same type of problems and same lack of customer service. Should have stuck with my Ford Escorts. Much cheaper and never had any problems with the three I owned.

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  Not again! - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JLS - August 7 - 4:53 pm

  Although my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was two years old when I purchased, it had low mileage (it still has low mileage) so I was enthusiastic. I loved the style, the way it handled, and the way it drove. BUT it is a piece of junk. I have had to replace every window control on it, the axels, side trim, throttle body, it quit on the interstate when the coil went out, and on and on. And it is expensive! To have the transmission serviced was $500! I will never purchase another VW of any kind. I still have it because I have too much in it to be able to recoup any expenses but I am going to have to do something with it.. I cant afford to "drive" it!

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  Killing me softly - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lemon - July 29 - 9:16 pm

  I wish I could love my Jetta, but more than that, I wish it loved me back. Throughout our six year relationship, the poor quality and unreliability of this car has turned me against all VWs. The burning of oil, constant glow of the "check engine" light, broken cup holder, broken glove compartment door, replaced O2 and fuel sensors (more than once), dropped windows, failing electrical system, nonworking locks, molding pollen "filter", and of course, the never ending leak have all made my VW experience unbearable. Not to mention the large number of recalls that have me visiting the less than customer service oriented VW dealers in my area. Save yourself the hassle- avoid the VW Jetta!

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  Lots of irritating issues - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Steven Scholla - July 28 - 8:50 pm

  Gas lid broke, fuel sensors, folding top mishaps, windows go up & down repeatedly for no reason. paint scrapped up on rear folding roof, roof wont fully set on car body, sounds like a rattle trap, gas & brake peddle to close