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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  Sprinter with an Achilles wheel (tire?) - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Stranded in IL - October 31 - 10:06 pm

  I would have been happier with a GTI VR6 – and $8000 in my pocket! My third VW, the R32 seduced me with its exhaust rumble, and impressive fit and finish. The Koenig seats are comfortable but awkward to get into and difficult to fold. Considering the 400 hp Vette gets better mileage, Im disappointed. Worst of all, Ive already ruined two $200 tires by hitting minor highway imperfections! The dimwit who eliminated the spare tire should be fired – or better yet, shot! After spending an extra $1000 for A/S performance tires (and a spare that takes up trunk space), Im still not happy. Looking for potholes gets old. Anybody want a slightly used R32?

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  Didnt Think I Would Own a VW - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By esells - October 31 - 4:36 pm

  I have had the car for a week now and still love it, I have to drive to kids to every event and my SUVs are gathering dust along with my motorcycle. After hearing the horror stories about the A4 quattro and BMW electronics I decided to give this car a try. Driving SUVs for over 10 years, I forgot what it is like to have a car throw you against the seat and the Eos does it in spades! I am going to look at the fall colors today since the Broncos play tomorrow.

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  Great Kid Car - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jerome - October 30 - 11:00 pm

  I recently purchased a 2005 GTI 1.8T w/ the 5-speed manual transmission. This is an awesome car. Im 21 yrs old and this is the best car ive ever owned. I previously had a 2000 VW Jetta, but this doesnt compare at all. I ordered this car with the 17" rims, luxury package, heated seats, 6-disc CD changer..etc. Nice package. I has good pickup, but the turbo needs to spool, but this car seems to love premium gas, because it consumes more than I would have thought...but thats ok, its worht it. The reverse on VWs have always kind of hard to engage, but it gets better with time. Handling is great, expecially with my 17" rims on it. All in all, its a great kid car to have!

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  No more VW - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By NomoreVW - October 30 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased from neighbor 2 years into 3 year lease. All Ive ever owned are VWs. Passat is a pleasure to drive. However, over 8 years, Ive had many problems even with only 77,000 miles. No AM reception, trunk doesnt open even manually (i.e. without keyless entry) due to a faulty latch, water leaks into the trunk lid and then drips into the trunk when the lid is opened; air conditioning stopped working - dealer said the vent system needed to be realigned, the power windows stopped working and the entire control box had to be replaced, first clutch replaced at only 30,000 (other VWs Ive owned were at closer to 70,000). No more VWs for this driver.

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  Near Perfect car - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JR - October 30 - 1:26 pm

  I looked at Camry and Accord when deciding to purchase this car. Other than lack of center console storage the Jetta is a clear winner in every category. The fit and finish is superior to any car under 30K and the car is very quiet/solid. I am 63 and was more comfortable in this car than anything else I looked at. This is my first German car and I feel like I have really missed out with my past purchases.

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  10 Years & Still Goin! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Edi Mac - October 30 - 5:46 am

  My husband bought me a 2000 "Bug" in 2005 for Mothers Day, had 32,000 miles. The turbo power is awesome, it hugs/grips the road like you wouldnt believe, the 6 disc cd/speakers will blow you outta there, let the back seat down & youd be surprised what you can haul around, great mileage. After 5 years: new gear shift, timing belt, tires, inside roof. Mileage today: 69,888. The door panels have come loose & finding replacements is almost impossible. The engine light just came on yesterday, not looking forward to whatever this may cost. Husband says to trade it in. I dont wanna. The bottom line is: its a great running lil car. Gonna hold on to it as long as I can afford it.

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  A Luxury at an Economy Price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LindaG - October 29 - 8:00 am

  I got the black, and feel like Im in a luxury car. VW gives you lots of bang for the buck. I have an 04 Jetta, and all my research I did, I couldnt find anything better then another Jetta. The performance is second to none. You cannot go wrong with a Jetta. While I was shopping, we talked to one dealer who was looking for the same exact car that I got for an executive for a local large corporation. Does that tell you something or what. You will not go wrong with the 2008 VW Jetta.

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  Not so happy, happy, happy - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By c_j_l - October 28 - 10:16 am

  Purchased brand new, great deal on price at $1050 under invoice. No cost tint and other extras. Sales process excellent. But am very disappointed. Took car out for first drive still using the "free" gas provided at delivery. After driving just over 100 miles out town in southern Arizona heat, the car stalled. Happened five times. Engine malfunction light came on steady amber. Four times the engine stalled in stop and go traffic. One time it turned itself off on the highway at 55mph! Car has 242 original miles on it. Got it back to the dealer where they are checking it out. Have to say that I do not trust this new car at all. So far, the dealer has been very responsive, will provide updates!

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  Saves a marriage - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By samron - October 28 - 9:13 am

  My husband hated my Z4 - too small and uncomfortable. He wanted a luxury car; I wanted sporty and convertible. Our 3.2 EOS fits the bill perfectly. We test drove a 2.0 one day; 3 days later tested a 3.2 loaded - bought it in 20 minutes! We both love this car, though I drive it more...t hought I would never drive anything but a BMW having driven them for years... who would have thought VW would come up with such a fabulous car. Price was right, options all there - just wish I could figure out the NAV feature a bit more. By the way, I am well over 50 and love to drive with the top down!

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  THIS CAR SUCKS - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By REZO - October 28 - 2:00 am

  1. 8 SEPERATE TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR THE IGNITION COILS. 1 EA. FOR DIAGNOSTIC 1 EA FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE. 2. 2 TRIPS BOTH FOR VACUUM LINE PROBLEMS. 3. 3 TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR A SECONDARY AIR PUMP PROBLEM 4. 2 TRIPS FOR AN EMISSIONS SENSOR THAT WAS PROBABLY RUINED BY THE NEXT PROBLEM. 5. NEEDED NEW ALL NEW PLUGS BECAUSE THEY WERE FOULED. YES, I USE THE CORRECT OCTANE, THANKS FOR ASKING. 6. ABOUT THREE WEEKS AFTER THE AIR PUMP WENT BAD, I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK AND HAVE THE COMBINATION VALVE REPLACED. 7. AND MY FAV THE UPSTREAM O2 SENSOR. IVE HAD 3, YOU?