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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  Worst Car Ever! Avoid! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ling - May 17 - 10:33 pm

  I have a 2001 Passat(1.8T). Ever since I purchased it, I have never stopped sending it the mechanics. The problems so far: 1) Glove box broke 2 days after my purchase; 2) Air condition emit horrible smells two months after I bought it; 3) Vacuum leak; 4) Broken temperature gauge; 5) Malfunctioning headlight connector; 6) CV axile worn out after 2 years; 7) Brakes broke after 2 years; 8) Signal light handle broke when I was driving on highway! I couldnt give signal to cars besides!! ... (out of space) I cant bear it any more. It is only 3 years new. Plus the dealer charges exorbitant repair fees. The small and cheap mechanics my friends referred me to didnt know how to fix it. Avoid!!

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  Bittersweet! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RLomeli - May 17 - 9:13 pm

  I purchased my jetta in oct of 07. Ive had to replace a cooling sensor water pump radiator hose and thermostat. I commute 60 miles daily so it doesnt surprise me that ive done this. I wish I had gotten the 1.8t for the horse power but that gets me in trouble. I am overall happy with the car to this point. I firmly believe if you take care of it it will take care of you. Oooo my radio stopped working but I was thinking of purchasing something different anyway. This is as I like to call it a cheap luxury car..... This is as close as Im gonna get to a BMW or Mercedes so yes I love it. And VW has a history of being diff which I like.

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  Amazing Safety - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Will - May 17 - 2:11 pm

  At a complete stop in traffic and was hit in the rear bumper by a 2012 Jetta travelling at 45/50 mph. The Passat amazingly absorbed the impact and there was only superficial damage until the body shop determined the internal rear impact bar had done its job but needed replacing. The Jetta was destroyed but the occupant walked away. The VW dealer told me they were not surprised as the Passat is built like a tank.

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  Never Again - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Never Again - May 16 - 1:16 am

  This is by far the worst car I ever owned. Since I got it, every month I have to take to the mechanic. Too much money invested for nothing. I just trade it in for a Toyota RAV4 which I love. I wouldnt felt comfortable selling it to someone else, even thought many people wanted to buy it. Beware of the Jetta 1.8T.

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  Simply Fun to Drive - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Peter Steininger - May 15 - 7:33 pm

  I bought my Jetta GLI two weeks ago. From the first test drive it stole my heart. The car is very responsive and handles incredibly well for a "compact sedan." Its almost like a true sports car. The car looks great inside and out, and it trully feels like a solid fun German car. Though it may not look this way, the trunk is simply huge. Another thing is that there arent many of those on the road, so it make for a unique ride.

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  Its like a beautiful woman :) HIGH MAINTENANCE - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By lovetodrive1 - May 15 - 12:36 pm

  I love my passats looks but sadly it ends there :( It drives like a dream when it is not in the shop. If I can say one thing it would be to find a mechanic who knows something about a VW. That has really been my problem. It has been one expensive thing after another but I am hoping now that I have got all the bugs out it will take me on down the road. I did find a good mechanic finally but seriously this thing has had issues at only 80K that cars with 200K dont even see. Motor mounts, oil pressure problems, AC problems, I have replaced every single hose on the thing some even twice and I keep up on the service faithfully. There is a reason rich people own these cars!

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  been lookin for a year - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By parksi - May 15 - 10:00 am

  11/7/10 - For the last three months I have been test driving every mid size SUV from Toyota to Porsche. I test drove the new Touareg last Thursday and drove it home that afternoon! Its like you know when its " right ".... and it was. Its everything that I have been looking for and more. Luxurious appointments, comfortable, and a perfect vehicle for the mountains and city driving. I bought the Lux TDI in Gallapogos Gray with black interior. Its awesome.

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  BIGGEST MISTAKE! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By mmackey - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Passat in 08 and had to bring it to the shop after only 2 months. Check engine light has come on periodically since purchasing the vehicle. Gas tank build up that had to be cleaned (out of pocket almost $200). Breaks had to be replaced and rotars within 5 months. My key has been stuck in the ignition several times. We are already experiencing turbo lag. Also, knocking sound coming from the engine. We apparently blew a gasket that was spraying oil all over the engine. We have owned the vehicle for less than 2 years and have brought it to the shop 13 TIMES! We are looking to trade it in and are completely upside down! Pretty to look at but VERY UNRELIABLE! This will our last VW!

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  Entry level luxury Hatchback - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By auto-enthusiast - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 months and its a capable daily commuter. Ride is comfy and balanced. 200 hp is not all that overwhelming but it is enough to get you in trouble if you dont watch it. The interior design is clean and feel luxurious like the Audis. The cargo space is plenty and the rear passenger leg room is excellent. The car is fun to drive and it gets a very good gas mileage. I drive 70% freeway and I average 28mpg. The only mechanical problem I have had is the rear window washer nozzle drip. I am not sure if VW has come up with a permanent fix for this because the first repair didnt get rid of the problem.

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  Fun little car - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By etomic - May 15 - 10:00 am

  After test driving many cars, Honda Accord Coupe, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Civic, Fit, Toyota Corrolla. I settled on the 2011 Golf because I appreciated the lavish interior, I loved the drive, the insurance wasnt killer, and it had a four door option. I really couldnt find anything that was quite as fun to drive as a Golf in this price range. The Surge/Lag effect that was noted in earlier reviews looks like the effect of the normal drive mode up-shifting out of 1st gear to get the best fuel economy. If you truly cant stand it drive it in tiptronic. I really wanted a small compact fun to drive 4 dour and I believe the Golf offered the best interior and most fun to drive for the money.