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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  I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Will Smithhart - November 25 - 2:00 pm

  I am thrilled with my 6-speed manual Jetta GLI. The only negatives I can think of are the lack of a center console and the very short first gear that almost makes you want to start out in second. However, it is without a doubt the most fun driving experience I have ever had in any car, and I love hearing the turbo whistle after 2000 rpms. it looks awesome with the ground effects, 18-inch rims, and Recaro racing seats-all of which come stock with the GLI. The clutch is extremely smooth, the breaks are perfect, good air conditioning and easy-to use controls, and an excellent stereo system. I would definitely suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants a good blend between power and practicality.

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  HATE IT - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By cassie1988 - November 25 - 11:16 am

  I totally agree! I just got the car fixed and got it back two days ago and it already has a new set of problems. I have never had a car with so many problems or heard of any one having a car with so many problems. First chance i get im trading in this car and will NEVER EVER buy another VW again..not worth the time, stress or money! Anyone whos thinking about buying one...DONT!

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  A Great Car - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dennis C. - November 24 - 3:13 pm

  My wife and I both love this car, a 2010 Passat with navigation. We previously drove a 2007 Hyundai Azera, and the VW is quieter and handles better. I like the auto hold feature, bluetooth phone, and the Nav system is great (way better than the Garmin we used in the Azera). The seats are very comfortable, and the back seat has nice headroom. Ive only filled it up twice, I think Im getting around 25 or a little better mpg, mostly highway

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  AWESOME - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By khuckabee - November 24 - 8:03 am

  We have been looking at these cars for quite some time. I recently bought an 09 with low miles. The car lot gave me the story that some little old lady drove the car and just traded it in on a new one. I believe they tell that story to all buyers. I found an old insurance card in the car and found a number for the name on the card. When I called, it was an old lady and she was very nice. She loved the car and the only reason to get rid of it was she traded in on a brand new one that was the exact same model and color. She said no problems with leaks or oil and it was very dependable. I bought the car for my 17 year old daughter and I really like it.

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  The Eos is Awesome! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Yama - November 24 - 1:03 am

  I craved this vehicle for about 7 months, then finally bought one, 3.2, technology and sport package. I could not be more pleased! It is a sure crowd pleaser, and the styling looks "European". There is nothing I would change, nothing lacking for me with this vehicle. Ive had 6-footers in the back for short trips, and they didnt squawk. But then again, I didnt purchase it to carry folks in the back (I have a van for that!), I bought it to have a vehicle with style, good safety features, and a hardtop convertible.

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  Not too many bugs in this bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By phoebelyn - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  Overall a good car. Have had 2 occasions that it needed towing - mostly electrical problems. Handles well in rain and snow (Buffalo type!).

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  Nice car, when it isnt in the shop - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Werewolf - November 22 - 4:56 pm

  This is one of the best driving cars I have ever had. Fast, quick, and amenities up the wazoo. I love the nice leather, rain sensor, Monsoon sound, and tight feel of the car. Unfortunately, this is not ofset by reasonable reliability, and has been the worst car I have EVER owned for reliablilty. In the shop over nine times for major things, not to mention the minor ones. Transmission lock, coolant leak, two coils, three O2 sensors, window fell, fuel pump relay, and on and on. I guess the really bad part is that VW just doesnt seem to care...

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  Same transmission problem - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By costine1985@gmail.com - November 22 - 8:02 am

  I just got back from trip from Ohio to D.C. At some point I was not sure if the car will make it back. Cruise control actually wont control a car while driving down the hill (long downhill areas in PA state if you dont take I-70 toll). On up-hill driving the transmission is slipping (with and without cruise control). It was slipping this morning too while driving on flat surface. It didnt happen before. I took Jetta to VW dealer and "they will investigate it... but most likely this is nothing... ". This is third dealer. Two dealers didnt want to take a car and didnt want to "investigate" the transmission issue. So, Ive got "nothing" and I am just wasting peoples time? Another issue: Front Rotors are made of cheap metal and it will wobble. I am leasing Jetta because I wanted to see if they fixed previous issues. VW didnt. VW is still just a neat looking car with low reliability. I need to talk to someone with same issue! Random JettaTSI drivers Ive talked to, all had manual transmission because they did have Automatic transmission failures in the past. This is my first VW. Why would you buy another VW if it failed? Hope this car will break and Ill end up the lease and Ill get Japanese car. One more thing: do not use synthetic Mobil because it wont like it. Search for dealer with oil change coupons instead (here in D.C. its $46 - same you will spend at Walmart plus your time). Dealer has good oil. Good oil is important for these engines because VW has plastic parts inside such as chain tensioner. How long will this part last?

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  2000 Jetta great car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By M. Tabak - November 21 - 2:00 am

  So far this Jetta runs & handles Great. Love the VR6 engine.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lipstik - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for @ 4 mos. & although the car looks good and is fun to drive i have already had to take it to the dealership twice for repairs. Both complaints have been due to car not wanting to start & then when it decides to start black smoke comes out of the tailpipes & it sounds like it is putting. Sometimes, at a stop, the car just dies. The dealership said they couldnt find a prob? Makes me very suspicious. Since the last visit to the dealership, the car has been ok.