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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  Very unreliable - Unreliable Warranty - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eva - May 10 - 10:13 pm

  Since I have had my Passat, it has needed so much attention. I have had to get the check engine light fixed 3 times, the brakes adjusted, the steering needed to be fixed and now, my horn doesnt work. My horn has been failing for about 5,000 miles, but initially is would only go out and then come back on. The dealership couldnt address it, because they were unable to recreate the problem. Now at 54,000 miles, I took it back to the dealership, since the horn failed totally, and they need to replace the ENTIRE steering whell (at a mere cost of $850). Not covered under warranty! Even though, the issue was brought up while still under warranty!!

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  Avoid It - Traded Mine In - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By LR - May 10 - 4:23 am

  53 days in the shop in the first year, finally had enough and traded it in for another brand. Every imaginable problem with the electrical system, sensors, gas cap, abs, braking, fuel pump, air bag, among other problems. Every little repair required shipping in parts so repairs took forever, and nothing fixed right the first time by dealer. I owned the car for a little over a year and just took a huge loss on the trade, but it had to go. Had trouble even getting near blue book on trade due to the cars reputation. Did lots of research prior to buying and 07/08 models were well reviewed. 09 seems to be a disaster. After 15 years driving VWs, this will be my last. Very disappointing.

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  Great value - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By gester - May 5 - 9:23 pm

  Traded in my TT roadster. Love the power plant. Love the transmission. Love the roof. Got 20K on it now; no regrets at all (well, I wish Id gotten the three years free maintenance but thats about it). Oh, and I guess I wish id gotten the ipod dock instead of the generic input jack.

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  Loving my VW Tiguan Sport! - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Rich G - May 4 - 11:50 am

  Traded my VW Passat in for a 2017 VW Tiguan Sport in Black. I choose the FWD since I live in Florida and so far I have been very happy with the vehicle. My commute is 33 miles round trip which is fairly light and the Tiguan is averaging 21-22 mpg on premium fuel. I am not thrilled about the premium fuel requirement however the performance from the 2.0 TSI engine is great! If there is a downside to the vehicle I would say the ride quality with the Sport can be harsh over rough payment on the highway. Overall I am very happy with my Tiguan and I plan to keep it for many years. I think it is interesting how an 8 year old design still gets compliments from folks at the gas station etc. Great job VW and I will be back for another when the time comes!

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  Wonderful when running - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By OHdriver - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Good seats. Initial quality of VW is impressive but reliability has been disappointing. I recently sent VW a problem list 1)Engine revs high on start 2)Gas gauge only goes to 5/8 3) Door handle peels 4)Loud exhaust; 1 dlr suggested we replace all due to rust through 5) Window malfunctioned 6) Chk eng light comes on freq 7) Coolant light started to blink. Although just out of warranty (26K), VW fixed most except exhaust and handle. Other than reliability - fantastic car for the money.

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  One of the Best SUVs!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JKC - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I tested and studied many SUVs before getting this one and I have to say its the best value for the money right now and probably for a while. Its not the best in all of the fields, but it is either equal or better than the others. Something only a few can claim and prove. Performs similar to a BMW X5-on road, rides similar to a Lexus RX330, and performs similar to a Range Rover- off road.

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  my thoughts - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ragtimeAlex - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Smooth alternative fuel vehicle.

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  Ugh! Headache within 2 months! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - May 1 - 5:36 pm

  Truthfully do not waste your time with this car... I got this car used at 64k miles... Exterior and Interior was BEAUTIFUL. 2 weeks after I have the car my check engine light come on. Take it back to the dealership they check it... its the AC temp gauge. They replace it... 2 days later the check engine light come on again. Take back to the dealership and they ask me to bring it back when I can use give up some time... later that day my dies. every dashboard light comes on and my ac and radio stops working... its been almost 2 weeks and the dealership can figure out what wrong with this car. I had a friend with a year older model and the same occurred with his car...

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  Yellow car = less green wallet - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AJ - April 30 - 2:13 pm

  I bought my Beetle, in December 2008. I bought it with zero maintenance records, at night. Oops! I have been a Beetle/New Beetle nut since I could walk. Im 23 now, this is my 15th car. It was always my dream car and knew I messed up when I bought it. No service records took a big hit on my wallet. If you buy a Beetle, be smart, get it from someone who appreciates the car. Look for maintenance records. Id agree some people DO get a lemon. These cars are "particular" and require TLC to be right. I love my car. Dont buy this car thinking you can let things go as you would in another car. If you are reading this, know its a VW not a Toyota, and you have to maintain it thoroughly.

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  fuel pump failure - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steelyeyed - April 29 - 12:43 am

  While still under warranty, the HPFP failed and the whole fuel system has to be replaced as a result. AND VW will not pay for repairs which are $10k. VW developed a HPFP which is susceptible to lack of lubrication using the ULSF which is required by law, and it comes apart after 25k miles. VW blames it on bad fuel, but what reasonable person buys a car that one has to test the fuel on fill up? The Siemens pump is especially vulnerable and you should insist on the Bosch fuel pump.