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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  Back to the drawing board - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Babs - July 14 - 1:53 pm

  This car is NOT what I expected. Lots of wind noise drowning out the nice stereo system. Creaks, rattles and groans (mine). This car is going back to the dealer and some other fool can try and enjoy its poor build quality.

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  Some hitches in its get-up - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Suzanne03 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  First off, I love this car - comfortable, sporty, great speakers (Monsoon) and gas milage about 22 in the city. However, it has not been without its issues and I hate to say that after a year, I may be selling it. Having owned it for 13 months, its been in the shop 3 times. Twice now for an engine "miss" where only 3 of the 4 cylinders are firing and once for a high pitched, very annoying, whiring heat/ac fan noise that they are unable to identify and fix.

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  Driver Found - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By OhioNavyman - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Passat just about a year ago, and I enjoy driving it more each time I sit in the cockpit. I was close to buying a WRX before I saw this. The 1.8T engine provides plenty of pep. My 65" father could sit behind me. Theres enough cargo space in the trunk to fit even my wifes hefty packing habits. The ride is smooth and quiet, but I love the sound of the turbocharger when I floor it. The interior is the definition of luxury, and the blue and red instrument lighting is sweet! I tested Accord (no 5 spd w/V6), Altima (ugly inside), and WRX (a bit too racy). Ill never buy another Japanese car again.

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  Only minor problems so far... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By tcjack - July 8 - 10:00 am

  have read a lot about the ignition coil failures but I havent had a problem yet. Sure wish they would recall all the defective lots though, would sure be POed to be stuck by the side of the road.

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  Great Performer - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DCIFAN - July 8 - 2:20 am

  The Touareg combines the road handling characteristics of a well-engineered German car with the attributes of a mid- size SUV. Like its smaller German counterparts, the Touareg handles brilliantly, despite its size and weight. The six cylinder provides sufficient power when needed, particularly when entering busy NJ highways from a standing start.

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  Drivers car - 2012 Volkswagen GTI
  By foggnm - July 7 - 2:30 am

  Because I drive so little (4000 miles/yr), I wanted something sporty, stylish, and most of all fun! So after trying several other cars the past 2 years, I found exactly what I wanted in a GTI. It has the perfect balance of sport, economy, and adult-styling. It is quick, but not gas-wasting fast. It is nicely outfitted on the inside, has a wonderful exhaust/turbo sound, and looks sharp from the outside. This car is a bit pricey new, but I found mine one year used with 6000 miles for an awesome price. Got the model with navigation which also has the attractive and functional bi-xenon/LED lights. Im sure there are longer lasting, more reliable cars, but lifes too short not to enjoy your car.

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  Re Knock Sensor issue - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By derblederb - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  I was looking for a little hatchback. I picked the Rabbit over the Mazda 3 and Imprezza because it was more fun driving, cost less, and is supposed to get a little better mileage. It also got great CR ratings. Ive had four people in it a few times and there seems to be enough room. The car reminds me of the civic hatchbacks from the early 90s.

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  No Problems at all, fun to drive! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PJW - July 5 - 7:56 pm

  Having a ball with this car. The redesign is/was very nice and while is may look somewhat bland, the lines are nice and compared to previous Jettas, a very nice upgrade. Peppy, fun and much bigger too. Like the ride a lot.

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  Problems - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By frank - July 3 - 11:03 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T has been in the dealership for a total of 14 work days to fix problems with it. The check engine light went on and I cant lock the doors or the alarm will go off. The interior lights go on while driving and the doors unlock and lock while driving. The stereo volume goes up and down (told I have to live with that according to my dealer). They still cant figure out what is causing the problems.

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  1999 Passat GLS 1.8T. Just the facts. - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By OnTheFence - July 2 - 1:43 am

  Bought used with 40K miles in Feb 04 Sold with 115K miles in Aug 09 Control arm link. $700 Computer replaced. $600 ABS failed in 06 but never fixed. Rear Axle went out of alignment. With the B5 frame, the entire axle must be replaced. I never replaced it because it would have cost $1.2K. Leaks 1 quart of oil per month. Heated side mirrors failed in 05. Timing belt never changed. I loved my Passat but never felt confident to take this car on long trips with the family. It is a nice car but the repairs are expensive. My new ride. 2003 Passat Wagon with 73K miles.... :) As I said, apart from the reliability, I love this car. Enjoy, this is just my facts.