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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  2002 VW Jetta GLX VR6 - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jnp16 - May 9 - 2:42 am

  The reviews on maintenance costs are spot on. In six years, Ive reached double digits in calling a tow truck to come pick me up. x5 alternators, x4 window regulators (3 driver/1 passenger), cat converter, multiple hoses/wires seemed to have disintegrated or melted without known reasons, interior wood paneling is falling off (even double bubble wont keep them on and I used that fixing air planes). Also my black paint job began to fade shortly after the factory 10 year warranty. Now my black car mirrors a dalmatian, which I have begun to explain as it is a "custom fade" paint job. 700 words isnt enough to explain how many problems Ive had since 2009.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ali - May 8 - 5:03 pm

  We have had this car as our family car for a little over a year and it runs and handles great! It is 10 years old and has 138,000 miles on it and we have only ever changed a tire and the oil. I agree that the cup holder is cheap and ours is broken too. Our emergency break is not working but it is I guess an easy fix nad the washer flid doest work, leaky hose. The sound system is great. We took it on 2400 mile round trip amd it did great. Very peppy! Love this car!

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  Great German Wagon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By robpsdhs - May 8 - 2:06 pm

  This car replaced a 2000 Beetle (I loved the Beetle but needed more useful cargo space). It has very few negatives: its mileage isnt great. Ive used regular gas for three years. The mpg actually improved from when I used super. It has no knocks or pings. I had a problem with the coolant system when I moved to the desert. The coolant evaporates in this intense heat. Now, the positives: the car is great. Its handling after six years is still crisp and responsive. Its fit / finish are excellent. Even using regular gas the acceleration is excellent. I also have a 04 Mustang Convertible. My Jetta wagon is so much more fun to drive. I love this car.

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  My First Toureg TDI w/lux package - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By aakdeniz - May 8 - 2:51 am

  I have been driving BMWs for the last 25 years including an X5, I was on my way to get a 2012 X5 and decided to checkout the Toureg on my way to BMW dealership. I am well aware of the latest technologies especially on BMWs. Well guess what? I was so impressed with the Diesel Toureg with Lux package that I ended up buying one that day. Gas milage, technology options, safety features, interior room and the feel of driving is impressive (i am getting 30mph highway, 24 city and 26.7 combined). Make no mistake- for almost $18k less than a comparative BMW X5, this car is the best buy from every perspective. Dealer experience was as good as a BMW dealership. The car is perfect after 2k of driving

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  Ended my winter worries - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Buzz - May 7 - 12:26 pm

  We exchanged our 2008 Mazda 3i in because as fun as it was to drive, it floundered on even the shallowest hills if there was snow on the road. My spouse was terrified getting to work, so our New Years resolution was to drive a safer car. We bought this pre-owned Jetta to replace the Mazda. WOW WHAT a Difference! This car is solid and we now realize what "hug the road" means. The stability of this vehicle is complemented this winter by the toasty-warm heated seats which almost makes me reluctant to get out of the car. Volkswagen clearly takes Pride in their Jetta and its design. Inside and out it is a wonderful choice. It could stand more storage space up front for CDs and such.

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  2003 Volkswagen GLX Turbo Coupe (Betty) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stephanie - May 7 - 11:33 am

  We bought this car when a car of ours was stolen. It has been a really fun and reliable form of transportation. We are planning on keeping it in the family, since it has been so reliable. I would recommend this car and would make the same purchase again.

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  What a bargain - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By brandineu - May 7 - 8:06 am

  I was dissatisfied with my 09 Accord Coupe 4cyl-auto and wow what a surprise the Jetta Wolfsburg turned out to be. Excellent performance from a 4cyl. engine and very good fuel economy as well. The fit and finish is well above average for this price class vehicle. The sport suspension is firm, but not overly so. The leatherette seats are supportive both around town and on longer trips. The appearance of the interior suggests a much more expensive vehicle. Throw in a roomy trunk and fold down rear seats, I dont know what more you can ask.

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  Massively Underpowered - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By GettaroundDriver - May 6 - 3:38 pm

  I have read the reviews and theres a lot of applause for VWs 1.8 engine. However in the Passat is much too heavy for the engines up and down power. This problem is also hampered by a lazy transmission. The first time I took it out, I thought the parking brake was on. But it wasnt the case. By the tested numbers, the acceleration seemed decent but it doesnt describe how "wonky" the engine is. At times it seems like its dead and at times its going mad. My girlfriend laughed at how the gas pedal would be floored and nothing would happen. And her previous car was a slow Prius. I think the transmission is part to blame irregardless that its a dual clutch 6spd. Lastly the brakes were simply too grabby. It was so hard to modulate. Total tested miles - 780 miles, 6400 miles on the odometer. Glad it was a rental.

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  10X better than the Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By redsox13 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Passat is a lot nicer car than the Jetta- roomier, comfortable, and a lot more trunk space. I will probably purchase another one but maybe th GLX V6.

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  Beware! - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By JoeA - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle performed very well after my purchase. But after maintaining this car it diminished in performance to the point where problems could not be solved. I believe it is a good vehicle but being a diesel may be its downfall. If you buy one, BE CERTAIN there is a certified mechanic that can service it. My performance rating reflects this.