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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  Great car with some drawbacks - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian C - August 2 - 10:31 am

  This was a former lease car with less than 2,000 miles when I bought it. I liked the fact that it didnt have a lot of bells and whistles (I test drove a 2015 and it had a lot of features I didnt need; heated seats, keyless entry, etc.). This one starts with a key and has no superfluous buttons on the steering wheel. Nice, clean efficient design inside and out. I also like the solid feel when I close the doors. Overall I like it, but it has flaws. Being an automatic and not the turbo model it accelerates like a slug. The stiff suspension is a plus and minus; it has a solid feel but you feel every bump in the road. The steering is a bit loose as low speeds but very nimble at higher speeds. On the whole Im happy with the car.

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  2009 VW CC-Sport - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By JDB - August 1 - 11:30 am

  I love this car. Walked away from my Acura TL and never looked back. Beautiful styling, super fun to drive and a great buy. I get compliments daily. My wife wanted me to look at Volvo S60, BMW 3-series or a Lexus. No way, this car was it. She was won over when I brought it home. Purchased the 6-speed manual 2.0L Turbo and its plenty for the car and oh so fun to drive (did I mention that!). I agree with most reviews that if your going to pay the extra $10K for the 6cyl, then you may as well go with Infinity or BMW. Can not say enough good things about the CC and the great job VW has done with it! Even gas mileage is good at an avg. 30 mi/gal. I would highly recommend.

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  my favorite car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By m barbehenn - August 1 - 9:26 am

  I took good care of the car, followed the maintenance schedule, and it never let me down. Bought it when my daughter was 2.5, gave it to her when she turned 16, got it back when she went to college. Geared for the highway. Turbo boost at any speed. Still gets 33mpg.

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  Dont Buy a Jetta! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Raul - August 1 - 4:40 am

  I have had a very bad time with my Jetta, Ive been to the dealership so many times that Im ready to dump this car like a hot potato. Where do I start?! The A/C failed in the summer and it took three days to fix. The power windows went out, the back seat was bad, and now it is leaking oil like crazy and they dont even have the part to fix it. The back brakes pads need replacement, which will cost $300. Im buying a Camry!

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  Audi A6 wagon lite - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By lfbmdpc - August 1 - 3:06 am

  Ive owned a lot of Audis. every bit as good although less stylish. Fun to drive, but a gas hog (so far - 9-12 mpg around town), hopefully will improve with time and break-in. No problems so far except cannot get driver seat memory to work.

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  Too many issues - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Cheryl K. - July 31 - 3:26 am

  My car is in the shop as I type this. Ive had it in 3 or 4 times now for leaks on passenger and drivers side. The door panels are bubbled up on both sides, my sunroof closure on the inside is separating and my back passengers side window has a problem and MY BRAKES also squeak. How many times does it take on the same repair to fall under the "Lemon Law"? Very disappointed customer.

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  Buy Something Else - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By TO - July 30 - 8:26 pm

  We are completely dissatisfied with this van. Nothing but transmission issues. Trans. leaked at 2800 mi, failed and was rebuilt at 8600 mi and valve body replaced again at 10,000 mi. Dealer had it for 10 out of the first 51 wks. Typical for a Chrysler based product. VW should be ashamed to have their badge on this van. Other issues, creaking noises from the RES and door panels. Rattling noises in the suspension. Power lift gate was malfunctioning. Rotors replaced at 600 mi. At one year old and 11,000 miles you should not have to worry about the vehicle falling apart. The MPG is poor, 12 in town,21 at best on Prem fuel on a trip. Using the Lemon Law for the trans. issues. Buy Toyota or Honda

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  Great for farfegnugen - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DAS VW Mann - July 30 - 7:18 pm

  Last wagon to own before the "cheater" diesels

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  Perfect Balance between Sport & Comfort - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jddaigle - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got my Jetta because I wanted a car that would be comfortable and fun to drive on my 70-mile round trip highway commute, but would also be a good car to toss around on back roads on the weekend. For me its suspension and ride are the perfect balance between being sporty and comfortable. The turbocharged engine is also a great design, giving smooth, ample power and good fuel economy. I dont mind the small rear seat area because I seldom carry more than 1 passenger & the short wheelbase makes for better handling.

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  new breed vw - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By joeyT - July 30 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME-SMOOTH RIDE-BEST VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED