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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  Dead at 66.000 Miles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rick - February 8 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased my Beetle for 4 years in 2003. It was in the shop 6 times the first year! Now at 66,000 miles the engine has lost all compression. My local mechanic could not find a reason so I had it towed to the VW dealership to see if they could tell me what happened. They did not have a clue, but said the engine is definitely dead. I had the oil changed every 4000 miles. The power train warranty expired at 60,000 miles (before 2003 it was a 100,00 mile warranty. I am through with VWs! (oh yes, and I still owe money on this pile of junk)

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  TDI Horror - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John - February 7 - 10:10 pm

  My TDI was great until I hit 60000 miles then a check engine light came on. Replaced sensors, cooling kit, thermostat and the intake flap motor 3 times. Check engine light still on and VW wont take any responsibility for faulty design on flap motors. Ive spent over $2,000 already. Owners of TDIs beware!!!! Sell your car before it goes out of warranty because VW will not stand behind thier product.

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  What was i thinking.... - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Emmaly - February 6 - 1:30 pm

  I love VWs I really do. And then I got one. It has been nothing but problems. I have finally stepped out of denial. The check engine light has been on for three years. You name it, Ive had it done. The warrenty has more than paid for itself! I think Ive had $8,000 worth of work done on it. I had the infamous window drop problem, faulty locks, peeling rubber/leather, a constantly broken cup holder, console, seat adjuster. It is time for this car to go. Maybe one day they can get me back - I hope so.

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  Before you buy - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By drad - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car 11 days ago. Took it back after 24 hrs w/ ignition coil issue (I was merging onto the highway and lost all power) Took it back again today and had all 4 spark plugs replaced. I have had check engine lights coming on and off everyday. The gas cap light keeps coming on as well. I really like the way the car looks and drives but Im nervous about the cost to own it. I did buy a power train warranty which unfortunatly does not cover electrical issues. I would recommend having a mechanic that knows VW look at the car very closely before you buy it. Lots of little problems equal one big headache.

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  Fuel Injectors - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tiguan - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car, needing a small SUV for work and had a lot of problems. Since January, its been in the dealership 6 times with fuel injector problems....all under warranty but its getting really frustrating. The last time it was in the dealership, all the fuel injectors were completely replaced and we were hoping that the problem would be solved. Earlier this week- it was the same, driving and the check engine light comes on, then it shakes and acts like its choking, then it dies and gets towed into the dealership.

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  Poor Quality/Bad Deal - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Scott - January 31 - 3:43 am

  This could be a great car if it did not require some much time in the repair shop. This time it broke down, because a tumbler in the ignition switch failed. Therefore requiring a seven to ten day stay in the repair shop. They advised me that the part would have to come from Germany. Before purchasing any of the VW products sit in the service department and listen to the customer! Please! I implore you!

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  Less Quality - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By OK Wagon - January 30 - 4:13 am

  Traded my 2003 VW Passat GLX for a 2008 VW Turbo Wagon. The 2008 does not have the same quality feel as the 2003 had. The sheet metal seems much lighter and the hinges seem lighter. Hood padding is very light. Im sorry I didnt buy the loaded version but at around $41,000 I thought I should just buy the cheaper one. I miss some of the bells and whistles. Radio sounds good but the controls are small and the display hard to see. Cruise Control lever too close to Turn Signal control which causes you to hit by mistake.Having trouble with fuel gauge,been back for repair twice and still not fixed.

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  Could ANYTHING else break on this car??? - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By T. - January 27 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I was under the impression that Volkswagon made reliable cars. Not the case. I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs in the last six months. I have had a new oil pan, power window mechanisms, power lockes replaced, air flow something or other, fuel injector corrected, exhaust system replaced, vanity mirrors light mechanism had to be replaced, on and on and on. Just when you think you are past the repair slump, something else happens! Now, I am dumping this car and buying a Toyota again!

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  CHECK IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mcjp - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY JETTA. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD IT FOR A YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. IT TENDS TO BURN OIL VERY FAST AND LEAVE A BURNING SMELL. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF TIME GETTING THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED AND LESS TIME ENJOYING IT. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS WHICH ARE ALL SIMILIAR TO MY OWN. I DO RECOMMEND TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT YOUR GETTING YOURSELF INTO AND (HINT) WHERE EXACTLY THIS CAR IS REALLY COMING FROM! REMEMBER LOOKS ARE NOT EVERYTHING, YOUR SAFETY IS!

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  Be carefule - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dgo - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in 2003, immediately had to have the entire transmission replaced, rear window fell in and wouldnt go down, gets 13 mpg, brakes suck...