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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  Two major repairs under 2,000 miles - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Andrea - May 27 - 3:31 pm

  First, I love this car, its comfort, style and maneuverability. It fits my kids and I perfectly and we have really enjoyed it. I also have nothing but great things to say about everyone we have come in contact with at VW. They all have been very helpful. I am however extremely disappointed in the fact that our car has been in the service department twice already. The first time was for loose bolts on the sway bar which caused extreme front in knocking/grinding sounds and rough handling. The second time was for a check engine light that came on. The diagnostic report stated that it had something to do with an air leak to the engine. Currently it is at the dealership for this and I dont have more information yet. I was hesitant to write this review as I generally dont like to comment with negative feedback but thought it would be worthwhile if it helps someone else in making their decision when purchasing a car. My dad purchased this car for us with the hopes that my kids and I would be driving something reliable and safe and unfortunately so far that has not proved to be true. Im very bummed out about our purchase for this reason.

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  Nice but expensive to maintain - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By tsantsa1 - May 25 - 11:30 am

  I have a 2009 CC with the 2.0 and a 6 speed manual. It has a beautiful car to drive over 40K miles, BUT, it is a female dog to maintain. Just before it went out of warranty, the dealer where I take it for service (not where I bought it) replaced both the clutch pedal assembly and the intake manifold under warranty. Since then the clutch pedal has come loose twice. I just took it in for the 40K service. The service mgr said its supposed to be loose like that. It was not loose before replace, and they tightened it once after service. Which brings me to the 40K service. VW covers service through 30K. At 40K they make it up with a $400 plus service charge. Lease dont buy it.

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  My 1st V-Dubb - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dennis - May 24 - 11:40 pm

  Waited 4 months for an 08 Accord coupe. Walked into the v. W. Dealer, drove the auto and made the deal for the 6 spd. Love driving the car; feels like a lot more expensive car. There should be more creature comforts on this quality of build. Just picked the car up on 7/28 so havent really "driven" the car yet. The couple of time Ive gotten on it a bit lets me know the car surely feels a lot stronger than I thought it would. By the way, my reliability rating of 5 is because I havent had the car long enough to rate it fairly. Oh, how I wish I could "rate" the dealership too!

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  Smokey the Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Flameout - May 24 - 12:03 pm

  My wife and I test drove the vehicle and made our deal on this used Passat. The Carfax looked clean and required maintenance was accounted for. We signed a drove home. We then took our daughters for a ride and returned the vehicle to the drive. Fifteen minutes later we started the car. Smoke poured from the hood. The car died. Towed to the dealer and fixed. Not an auspicious start. We had it less than 1 hour. At any rate, it was repaired and runs fine. Coil burned out. Other than that debacle I like the vehicle. For now it has to prove itself to be reliable. After that flame out in the driveway that might be hard for this buggy to do. She does fly though with the Turbo!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bretthurt - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We love this SUV. Although a bit pricey, it drives great and looks good.

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  Full pump issue - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By kidtaxi1 - May 20 - 5:47 pm

  I have 66,220 miles on my car and the fuel pump went out. The vehicle started loosing power and when we came to a stop it died and wouldnt start again. The warranty runs out at 30k and if they would have worked with me it was going to cost $2100. The dealership told me that pieces of metal were seen and would need to do a full system flush also.

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  The best unreliable car I have ever ownd - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By djtomek2003 - May 19 - 1:56 pm

  I loved this car but I could no longer afford the crazy maintenance costs. AT 60.000 miles the water pump failed - Timing Belt needed to be replaced - AC system started leaking and eventually ran out. ( after 3 trips to the dealership they finally found out where the leak was ) 2200 to repair I changed the break lights as often as I changed oil.

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  Three weeks of ownership, Three Times Being Serviced - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paulj - May 19 - 8:50 am

  The air conditionint in my new Passat went out after 400 miles and the emergency brake got stuck at 1,000 miles. The dealer needs to replace the switch ( 2 weeks waiting time). Also, my car has rattles in the dashboard and as of today, drivers door as well. It has loud wind noise. I guess they dont make them like they used to. This is the last VW I will ever buy.

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  Fun Porsche Cayenne Substitute - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Larry - May 19 - 7:16 am

  I had a Porsche Cayenne S for a day and the Volkswagen Touareg V8 was every bit as good for a lot less money. The power is amazing and the aggressive sound of the exhaust compliments the styling very well. Other than the poor gas mileage and the tires wearing out after 19,000 miles, this is a great vehicle!

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  VW Beetle ~ Still Alive & Kickn - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Azure - May 19 - 5:56 am

  Its simple. In the 60s and 70s I loved my various VW Bugs, so why not try an updated version? I really feel at home in this car, and I suppose at least in part, that has to do with the fact that my comparatively free-living past is elicited in the experience of driving the new convertible Beetle! (This is also my first VW convertible!) Great gas mileage and most of all the front wheel drive is a welcome change, which at first I feared would ruin it. Also, I strongly suggest spending a little extra for the *turbo.* I have had it with & without. Trust me ~ the extra cash spent is well worth it!