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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  Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bumbear - November 2 - 9:46 am

  I purchased my Jetta with 6,000 miles. It now has 170,000. I did have to replace the water pump at 80,000. I replaced the Catalytic Coverter (warranty) at 100,000. Coolant temp sensor at 130,000. I have had some driver side tail light issues too. Overall, when I add up all Ive spent on repairs, this is one of the most dependable cars I have ever owned. The only complaint is the seats are too hard. Reading some of the reviews makes me think I am lucky. Sorry to those of you who were disappointed.

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  One for the road - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ray - November 2 - 4:40 am

  This was the Jetta IV. I bought it new with a sunroof, VR6, 5 speed manual, mag wheels. It was my third VW. I expected a well constructed, reliable, German automobile with fair service at the dealership. It is reliable, but something is always in need of repair. Service at a dealer is a killer... $700+ to replace an alternator. Problems: the alternator, springs keep falling out of the front seats, cup holder breaks easily, glove compartment door broke, AM radio has never worked, regulators on two front windows broke, motor on right rear window shot, both water pumps repleaced, MAF sensor replaced, O2 sensors in cat replaced, antenna cracked, headlight covers have fogged over, surge

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  Love that Turbo! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dadrad - November 2 - 12:33 am

  I switched to Volkswagen after driving Hondas and was a little nervous about reliability. Ater 2 years and 25,000 miles, no problems whatsoever! I love the turbo power and styling of the car. Much more fun to drive than a Honda!

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  Perfect Fit for Family of Four - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael D - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a Jetta 1.8T with a manual. I love the DSG transmission because it really does act as a manual, without having to row a clutch. Of course, my wife doesnt like it because it doesnt have the slushyness of an automatic. All the features I wanted without all the unnecessary excess... I mean really - who needs an auto dimming mirror, can you really not reach that? Very sporty - make sure you get APR to add 50 more horsepower.

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  Sadly, it was a lemon - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Fred P. - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought car and at 900 miles it went into "limp mode" where the turbo would not work. Took car to Dealer who replaced MAF sensor despite there were no fault codes at all. At 1200 miles it did it again. Dealership put us in a rental for 3 months as they waited for VW of America to release a computer update that needed EPA approval before applying. After 3 months, we worked with dealership to trade in the Golf TDI for a 2010 Jetta TDI.

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  do not buy a jetta with navigation - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jetta owner - November 1 - 10:00 am

  the car runs well and gets great mileage, but the navigation system does not have all the maps and does not connect to the phone (despite phone buttons). i am most annoyed because all VW customer service says is to talk to navteq and buy new, several hundred dollar, map upgrades. very poor customer service in my opinion. minor gripe, but there is a noticable delay with the horn.

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  I love this car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettalover14 - November 1 - 9:20 am

  This is my first VW and I have to admit Ive always dreamed of owning one. I went into the dealership to buy a rabbit but saw the deal on the Jettas and fell in love with this car. Her name is Annie. Yep, I named her. I love everything about this car. Its functional, holds insane amounts of my stuff (I moved three times this spring in it), the gas mileage is just awesome, I have everything I want. Cup holders, easy to reach radio and CD controls, a beautiful blue glow at night, bright headlights, I cant say enough about the steering. This car is just fun to drive!

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  Thank You, Can I Have Another - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chefbob - November 1 - 4:16 am

  I have this car for eight years now. 227,000 miles later and I am still getting 45 - 50 mpg! I love the car but I hate the dealerships! Even though I have had minor problems...glow plugs, hoses, batteries nothing is ever in stock and takes weeks to get. I have found a local mechanic who works on the diesels and Im very happy now. Change your oil, timing chain, and get your manifold cleaned at around 100,000 miles along with the innercooler and you will love this car. Im trying for 300,000 miles as long as I can stay away from the dealership.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Joe - November 1 - 2:46 am

  Dealer delivered on all promises. Car came with zero delivery defects. Handles great, fun to drive, looks good, and gets great gas milage. Its a blast to drive and I look forward to going places in it. With the reliablity rating from Consumer Reports, I was a little worried, but it seems as if all the "bugs" are out of the New Beetle with the 2005 model, and so far its 100%. Get one, youll love it, especially the convertible!

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  HappyTrails - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Dick Scott - November 1 - 12:23 am

  This car has made my parting with my 17 year old SAAB 9000 Turbo 5M a lot easier than expected. The looks, sport ride, electronics, etc., etc., are outstanding. Its so quiet I have to watch my speed!! The 4 banger with the 6M is a great match. The thought that has gone into the interior lay out is impressive. I am quickly bonding with my "baby blue".