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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  A Must Have - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lare Mitchum - March 9 - 10:06 pm

  I have often kept the VW name in the back of my mind over the last few years leading up to my purchase, my only concern in buying was that the Jettas I had driven (friends cars) seem to have poor power and marginal interior comfort. Since these cars are mostly built in Mexico and South America, I was also concerned at the initial quality of the VW. I spent one month looking for used SUVs in the $15,000 range and never really considered buying a new car. I had stopped at a VW dealership looking for a slightly used SUV or sedan, but I couldnt keep my eyes from wondering over to the 2006 Jetta. I kept thinking "boy I wish I could afford one of those." To my complete suprise the cost was only $17,984.

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  mediocre - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - March 9 - 7:56 pm

  The drivers door began to separate from the frame. The electronics in the door suffered from a short. Plastic parts on the interior break off on their own and are expensive to replace. My car may have been one of the first new Jettas, but some of these issues are unacceptable.

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  Sweet.......... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Maria - March 9 - 6:50 am

  I am absolutely in agreeance with all who have commented on how great this car really is. I have it for about a week now and everytime I get in it I feel like never getting out. My boyfriend & I were in it yesterday and we set up the Sirius radio. While listening, we reclined our seats and actually fell asleep!!! Guess you can call that comfort.

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  Check Engine light was on more than off - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tracy - March 8 - 6:13 am

  Worst decision I ever made was buying this cute zippy car. I experienced all the problems others mentioned and then some. Someone wrote these are simple problems? hahaha Never, as the simple problems always cost four hundred or five hundred dollars because the mechanic would have to pull the engine out to handle those "simple problems" like replacing the thermostat. I had no choice but to get rid of it as it was costing me five to fifteen hundred dollars a month to repair whatever would cause the check engine light to go on and it came on every month! Once I paid off the car, service became more expensive than the car payments. I will never never give the German auto industry another dime.

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  Decent for the price - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Rich - March 7 - 11:03 pm

  Good price on my VR6. Unlike the turbo (which I also owned) broad power range and decent torque. However, handling is pretty sloppy stock, with poor understeer. Suspension roll is also fairly iffy, and the stick linkage is loose/imprecise. Number one performance problem with GTIs is WEIGHT. They weigh too much for their size, and too much weight in the front. Just being realistic folks. That said, for the price its a good performer, and its the only performer of its class hatchback wise.

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  Dont buy a car because of its color - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Araxie - March 7 - 9:50 pm

  I saw the VW New Beetle one day in the the Harvest Moon Beige color and thought it was so cute that I had to get one. The car was purchased in early Sept., when the temperatures dropped below 34 degrees, it wouldnt start and would go in auto theft mode. The first of three months of ownership were a nightmare. The instrument cluster was replaced after the service dept. believed my story about the temp drop being the factor (after being towed there 3 times). A tail light burned out within four months of ownership. The dash board squeaks, moans and groans like it is going to fall off. There is a horrible blind spot when trying to merge into traffic with the top up. I wouldnt recommend this car.

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  Love my Little Tiggi - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By cpalafox - March 7 - 8:05 pm

  I bought this car with 20k miles, and have put 10k in the 2 months Ive had it. And im happy to report that I have not had any issues with it. Only problem I have is the squeeky/grinding of the brakes. or rattling when I suddenly step on them. It came with a navigation system that was installed by the first owner and it irritates me. radio wont come on when I want, cant hook up my ipod or hear music from my phone on pandora. And the fact that the radio shuts down and tells me "I am going over the speed limit kills me!! But overall Im happy with it..

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  My Last vw - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By murfsurf - March 7 - 2:43 pm

  Far too many trips to the shop -- always something! Bought it because of a really good deal, I thought. Thought it would be economic to drive in town. Big mistake. Plus I get better mileage on the road in my Sedan Deville

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  Go get an Atlas instead of a Toyota Highlander - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Robert Wessels - March 6 - 9:25 pm

  Not sure about why there are so many negative reviews. I give this car a 5 star. We have had it for a month now and it is AWESOME! I am 62" and I fit more than comfortably in the 3rd row. I did not fit on the 3rd row in the highlander. My head hit the ceiling and my knees where against the 2nd row. My wife just under 6 sat in the 2nd row between the 2 car seats for short rides without issues. I have been getting 18 mpg using the blue trainer app which is integrated into the SEL. All I can say for now is that I am so happy that I chose the Atlas over the Highlander. Also take in account the bumper to bumper People First Warranty for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Go get an Atlas (SEL) and forget about the Highlander period.

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  somone who likes their passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By vdub4life - March 6 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my passat in 05. i have always like volkswagens but if your are going to buy one you must get the previous service records. this car hs been great very fun to drive and great in the snow. traction control, abs and, 6 air bags. very safe. synthetic oil is expensive but cleaner and better and premium gas burns cleaner and is better for the car. i have had no problems or dislikes. if you take car of it it takes car of you. o yea if you use nicer bulbs, they last longer dont buy the cheapest its not always the beat deal