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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  New to VW - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By malter - January 7 - 2:13 am

  Have owned the car for 2 weeks so far I am impressed. Gas mileage is great. The performance of the engine is very impressive . The transmission and clutch operate like butter (the best FWD manual I ever drove). The handling of the car is a little strange at hi-way speeds, on lane changes with the DSC on, the frt. end bobs and sways a little.With the DSC disengaged (off) the car is neutral and reacts normally, strange for a safety feature. My MFD display has started to fade in warm weather the dealer has ordered parts, hopefully this is a one time occurence.

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  The car I wish I didnt buy... - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Unlucky Owner - January 7 - 2:03 am

  At first we loved the car, looked great, roomy and drove nice. However, during the first year we developed Nothing but problems with no help from the dealer. Suspension problems, engine noise, cd changer was replaced 4 times, window broke, rubber coating in the interior is peeling, thermostat went bad, plastic console broke, seats have mysteriously stained. Service has been horrible. I cannot recommend VW to anyone. See www.myvwlemon.com - I am not affiliated but they helped me solve some problems. Do not buy this car.

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  Faulty Engine and Transmission - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Tallihessn - January 6 - 10:23 pm

  Buyer beware, the EOS is a faulty model. The 2008 EOS has engine and transmission problems, and VW is hush hush about the problems, with internal bulletins that they do not share with the customer until many "tests" and until the consumer brings it in again and again. This car has serious issues, do not get it. I have had five rental cars since June 09. The problems started with evaporating oil and bringing it in for early oil changes. Then, jumping gears. New seals and the mechatronic repairs did not work. Needs a New engine and who knows what else. BEWARE

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  All Hype and Big Let Down - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Gnat - January 5 - 10:06 am

  I bought the 05 Touareg off a dealer lot thinking I was saving money on a loaded Luxury SUV with 6,000 miles on it. The first night in my garage the battery died and the key was stuck in the ignition. Then a couple of weeks later the sunroof leaked. Then I noticed moisture in the rear tail light. The SUVs engine sounds rough at low speeds and the disc brakes grab to a startling stop. Oh, and the tires, be ready to replace them at about 15,000 miles. Now for the worst part, the gas mileage, LOL. You better be prepared for a shock there. I averaged 10.75 mpg city and 14 Hwy! Now you ask, why did you buy it? All impulse and the ride is nice, but VW has a sub par product here for a lot of money.

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  If youre reading this I already feel sorry for you. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By katwoj - January 4 - 10:15 pm

  This car is a piece of crap. I have had two VW Jettas that were both maintained well by previous owner. I bought my current one with 87,000 miles on it and it currently has 103,000. In that period of time I have literally purchased the car over again in repairs and went into debt. The only thing I havent repaired thus far is the transmission, and I have reason to believe that is on its way out. The water pump was replaced before I bought it and yet it went out again at 100,000. Destroyed my engine ($3,000). Also had to get all new axles, tie rods, wheel bearings. Drives jerky, erratic acceleration. Not to mention it smells like a box of nauseating melted crayons. NIGHTMARE. DO NOT BUY.

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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettalover - January 4 - 3:56 am

  I once read this car was built for girls... Let me tell you: they were right! Its so easy to drive, but it has muscles! Lovin my jetta! And guys dont be offended, even if it was meant to be for girls.. Ill let you drive it! I promise you wont look girly in it. Gas mileage is not bad at all, I trade this one in for an American car that was supposed to be 30 mpg... Big lie! At least this one gives me what they say and its super reliable, perfect car for winter even in the 12" of snow optional snow tires required.

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  My 2002 GTI - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Karma girl - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 GTI has been a car that Ive been wanting for a long time. When I first got the car, I did have some complications with the 02 sensor. Ive had some problems with the windows as well. At first I thought I had purchased a lemon, also the wheels (the coating started to peel off on the inside of the rims. My dealership gave me grief about it at first. But after I put up such a stink, they fixed it, Ive had some difficulties like Ive stated before.

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  Golf Lover - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By rsoreo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 4dr VW Golf! his is my 3rg Golf and 4 VW in my driving history.I love it, After shopping other makes ie: Toyota, Honda, I found that for the money VW gives you the most bang in Standard features for the buck. From the heated side mirrors to the folding back seats that give you comparable room to the Subaru Baja this vehicle signs. Precise handling, cruise control and a quiet cabin that touts an 8 speaker Monsoon CD/cassete player makes you feel as if you spent much more on this ride than the under 19,0000 asking price.

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  1.8T over any other small car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sparkie126 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car now for 2 months. It has been great, I have had no mechanical failures, etc... I bought it used and it had 30000 miles on it. My dad says it is just as fun to drive as his BMW 330 and it get milage!

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  Big Truck, Small Feel. Drinks Gas - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RedDog - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my new V8 Touraeg for about 2 weeks now an love it! Lots and lots of power. Good looking interior with attention to detail. Quiet and smooth ride (my old truck was a Ford Explorer). This truck is a lot larger than it looks.