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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  2004 Jetta GLI VR6 "Pocket Rocket" - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By txbillsfan - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I call it my "Pocket Rocket" because its the smallest car I have ever owned and one of the fastest. Its fun to drive, comfortable, well built, and not too hard on the eyes. The chrome moldings and the alloy wheels really dress it up. It corners like a dream with almost no roll and the 6 speed is the easiest manual tranny I have ever used. Like the commercial says, "Drive it youll get it."

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  Rattle Bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buzzbuzz93 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car in the shop three times for rattling in the interior. The hatch has been removed twice to fix it. When the car was built a screw was left in the dashboard which started to scratch against metal. After they removed the dash to fix it, they failed to hook up all the vents properly. There is still rattling in the doors, but I have given up that they will fix it. This will be my 1st and only VW. Where it that quality German engineering VW boasts about? Not in this car. Buyer beware!

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  Better than the Rover! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MaryLee Hollis - July 25 - 6:20 am

  I had two Land Rovers, first the Discovery, then the Range Rover. There is no comparison between them and the Touareg. Ive had this truck for two years and with the exception of regular maintenance, I have had NO problems. Its a smart, sexy vehicle that is great to drive. I also dont feel like Im in a "mom car." I would love a few more amenities, like in BMWs, such as the trunk closure with a button, etc., but overall, this truck is a a 10.

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  One Week - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By KirkyMD - July 24 - 6:26 pm

  After almost a year and a half of research, I finally decided to go with the VW Tiguan. Moving from a Ford Explorer AWD V8, this is definitely a change. The Tiguan is lower so its height is somewhere in between a mid-size SUV and a car. The ride is great considering the wheel-base, yet still offers plenty of room for four adults to travel comfortably. The 4 cylinder has obviously less power, but itll move when its needed. I was initially worried about cargo space, and while it is certainly smaller than what Im used to, it allows for most common trips the store without having to put the seats down. All in all, very pleased. Im hoping this vehicle lasts for a while.

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  Great car for the money - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By corvusnex - July 24 - 7:13 am

  I just got my 2009 Jetta TDI [DSG] and I love it! Its a great little car. Even brand new Ive been averaging over 50 mpg on the highway during my commute. The styling is nice, not great, but nice. The interior is very well laid out, with controls in easy to access, but not necessarily see, locations. The DSG, although an "automatic" transmission, shifts like a manual and it takes some getting used to if you have never driven before. The degree of engine braking as the car downshifts back into first was startling the first few times. Im looking forward to getting even better mileage after the engine is fully broken-in.

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  Getting Worried - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Henry Spencer - July 24 - 3:53 am

  This is a fun car, an inexpensive convertible. Ive owned it for almost 5 years and thank goodness I bought an extended warranty, but Im getting worried because it expires in a few months. First the window fell out. Then the door locks went and the check engine light went on. One was covered, the other was not. They did cover the Mass Air Flow device last week for second problem. Also this week, had a bill for over $1,300 for the A/C evaporator! This should have lasted for the life of the car! The whole dash had to come out. Luckily the ext. warranty paid for $1,100 of it! My car has the same problems as some others do too... door handles, etc.

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  Reliable Solid 2001 v6 5M 120K miles - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Raj - July 23 - 7:56 pm

  Solid Build Quality Quiet, decent performance. Feels secure at highway speed compared to my Sienna 10 Major expense CV Boot (axle replaced), ABS controller, timing belt.

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  WISHING FOR MORE - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By rjtrepanier80 - July 23 - 2:07 pm

  My biggest complaint about my passat is seat comfort. Terribly supportive seats uncomfortable for trips longer than 4 hours and unbearable for anything over 8. The resale is the worst of any vehicle I have ever owned. I love the gas mileage and the tech on the car. It is quiet and I do enjoy the manual, although I wish it had 6th gear but thats my fault for purchasing the 5 speed. So far its been very reliable. I have put on around 15,000 miles and the car was used when I bought it. So its now over 60,000 miles. I pile the miles on. All in all not my favorite car but not my least favored either. Def worth consideration if you find the seats comfortable.

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  Vdub - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kevin - July 23 - 11:16 am

  First European car, super fun and super safe to drive. Bought it for pregnant wife and she fell in love with it. Certainly wont be last VW we own.

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  Still going strong - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By attaymik - July 23 - 11:03 am

  Ive had my CC almost a year and overall, Im extremely satisfied with my car. I had an issue with the AC compressor and it took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the part in (from Germany no less), test and repair. I was annoyed by that, but more at the way it was handled by the Dealer. During that spell, I limited the amount of time I drove the car because it was hot and no air! The iPod adpater works great w/my iPhone but has to be constantly plugged/unplugged with my Nano, might be the Nano. Other than that, Ive had no other issues. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and I still receive compliment after compliment. I still love my car.