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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  R32: Incredible Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By tgrundke - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Start this car up and the exhaust note on ignition will blow you away. Move the tach up past 3800 RPMs and the growl is beautiful. This car has sickening amounts of torque and traction and body lean and roll are very well controlled. The ride is stiff, but never uncomfortable and it is wonderfully balanced. The shifter on this vehicle is the best that Volkswagen has ever placed in a standard production vehicle and compares very well with those from BMW and Honda. In short: this car is too much fun.

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  poor performance - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By David Bos - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Turned car back in to many problems.

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  LEMON, LEMON, LEMON - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lemon headache - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had the 4Motion clunk since almost the beginning. The dealership purchased from would not even acknowledge there was a problem. Volkswagen of Americas customer care is useless and downright rude to its customers. Finally able to get software update installed after 4 trips to another dealership. Now when at low speeds, barely tap gas and it hesitates and then takes off like a rocket. Not good if idling in traffic, could be a safety concern and cause an accident. Also has extreme wind noise on interstate. VW mgr admitted is prblm with all 2004 passat

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  Our first Diesel - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Newlyweds - June 12 - 10:00 am

  We recently moved out of the city and were looking to reduce our monthly gas bill. We test drove a Jetta TDI and were immedieatly impressed with how solid the car was. The interior was well appointed and the ride comfortable. The mileage was what sold us ulimately!

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  Ill never buy another VW - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Piece of JUNK! - June 11 - 10:56 pm

  Where do I start? First major problem was the water pump went out. Son was driving and kept driving when it over heated. Had to get a new engine. Ended up buying a used engine and still cost over $2,000. Water pump went out in that engine. Another $800. Water pump went out again in less than a week. Was replaced for free. Water pump went out a fourth time after 6 months. Was replaced for free. The plastic interior is breaking apart everywhere. The paint on the hood starting chipping the same year I bought it (2006). Doesnt get good gas mileage. I got almost as good gas mileage with my full size truck. Now the transmission fluid is leaking and they want $4000 for a new one.

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  Love my jetta - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kris - June 11 - 5:13 pm

  Just bought a new 2008 jetta se. My first one and so far I have enjoyed the car. Great ride, enough power to get me where I am going and fast if I need to. The interior is comfortable, the access to all the controls is handy. The handling is great.

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Engine is Garbage - June 11 - 9:46 am

  Purchased this car CPO from a VW dealership. Have had it maintained at dealers, check ups, synthetic oil, etc. The water pump busted on my way to Cincinnati less than a year after I had the car, Ive had numerous problems with the engine that have been covered under warranty... but in less than 2 years this car has left me stranded on the side of the road 3 times waiting for a tow. Most recently the ignition coil went about a month ago and then the same thing happened this morning. Im actually waiting for a tow truck now and as soon as they fix it today Im driving to another dealership to trade it in for a Subaru.

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  This Truck is Awesome! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Joseph - June 10 - 10:46 pm

  Ive had my Volkswagen Touareg for about a year now and I love it! Before I purchased it, I was thinking about the Lexus RX 330. But, then when I look at it, Lexus RX was not macho enough and the T-Reg was more "manly" looking. I love it, its the best SUV out there for the money.

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  Jettas are UNDERATED - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ed - June 10 - 6:00 pm

  This is my second VW, I had a Passat in 95. So far I am loving it really for the money it is a steal, when you look at the interior fit and finish, engine performance! And the driving experience? NICE, I love the euro feel handling and electric assist steering is great feel. It also has a very tight turning circle which no one has mentioned. I have yet to hit 1K miles but am averaging 24 MPG combined...I would think that will get a bit better when the motor breaks in.

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  2014 Jetta S (Base, 5m) - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andrew F - June 10 - 2:22 am

  Performance: With an old-school 8 valve 2.0 naturally aspirated 4 cylinder, youre not really going anywhere with a zip. Important: If youre living in the mountains you should avoid this trim and opt for a turbocharged engine. At only 5,000 feet your power output will be less than 98 horsepower. Go up to 8,000 and youre at 88 horsepower. I drove the car from sea level to the top of Pikes Peak (14,100) and at max altitude the engine is bogged down to a MAXIMUM of 67 horsepower. Thats at its peak mind you. Youre not going to be happy if you live in the mountains, I can guarantee it. No matter, at lower elevations it is bearable but you still do a lot of downshifting when theres an incline. You do get used to it after awhile to a degree. Put 2-4 passengers in the car and/or a trunk full of items and it does tend to become a snail with wheels though. Also, when the car is fully loaded there is absolutely no pep or overtaking power to speak of. The mud-flaps tend to touch the ground when you go over large bumps while driving if youve got passengers. Steering is responsive and easy, the vehicle handles satisfactorily in all weather and conditions. The ride is of good quality. I have had to take the car to the dealership more than once because of rocks getting stuck in the brake components due to infrequent gravel roads to go to visit family. This caused an unpleasant rattling and grinding sound while maneuvering the vehicle. Hill start assist for a manual is a plus. Comfort: As previously stated the ride quality is good for an inexpensive car. It isnt a spongy ride like many economy cars have. The seats are decently supportive and manually adjustable for height which is a plus for a car like this and adds to the comfort. I have driven the car on multi-state road trips and have no issues with the seat comfort. A/C is efficient in 90 degree weather and Heat is HOT when you need it. Interior: Interior is cheap but well appointed. For a base car it does the trick. No frills, but there is an AUX port which is nice. Dash is hard plastic. The shifter and gauge cluster/steering wheel is attractive and tidy looking. The gauges are photosensitive during day driving and will dim/lighten up based on the ambient light in the car. The trunk is big for a small sedan. Folding rear seats too. 12v plug in the back seat. Car has MPG, Ext. Temp, and various other instruments that you can switch to with a small button on the wiper switch. Safety: Competitive and reassuring. Curtain airbags. Car traction control cannot be switched off. Previously stated, hill-start assist is a help with the manual transmission. Technology. The tech in this car is OK. The sound system quality is so-so if you like to jam out. If you have the window down and the radio up (not stupidly loud, but loud enough to hear over the wind) the sound can appear distorted because of the low quality speakers. No Bluetooth. The gauges do not have temp or oil gauges but offer MPG/Speed/Temp etc. which is good. Radio head unit is decent quality, offers AUX port and CD player. Heated mirrors are nice. Reliability: Brakes have lasted well, no warping after 40,000 miles. Vehicle has not had anything outside of routine maint. besides the issue with rocks stuck in the brakes from a gravel road which was covered under warranty (28,000mi). Value: Price point is competitive and a decent value. Car came with a full-size spare a road hazard kit (Jumpers, reflective triangles, first aid, poncho etc...). Also came with trunk dividers which often take up space instead of help create organized trunk area. It is nice when you have groceries though because you can corner the milk off so it doesnt roll around in the trunk. Warranty was not competitive (3y, 36,000mi) vs. many similar cars (Mitsubish Lancer, Kia, etc) Resale value is rock bottom so drive it until the wheels fall off.