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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  Horrible, simply horrible - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By admiral - August 12 - 2:20 pm

  This car is very uncomfortable and slow compared to what I want.

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  VW Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWBAD - July 18 - 3:50 pm

  This is my 2nd VW and it is a lemon. Before you buy a Jetta read all of the information on the internet. My car has had numerous electrical problems. The engine coils have been replaced. The transmission has been replaced...I could go on. I have alway loved the handling of VWs, but they are not reliable. To make my situation worse VW will not fix my car, because they claim I have broken it -- even though they have sent service advisories regarding the oil pump on 1.8Ts.

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  Horrible!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HeatherJ - July 5 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought this car before we were married. It has been a headache ever since. Our windows fell down 3 times, the check engine light keeps coming on for no apparent reason, the whole "protective", plastic parts underneath the car have fallen off, yellow goo is coming out the doors, and many other problems. Customer relations is horrible as well. It is not reliable, and we have considered trading it in. We were expecting it to last a long time, so this is all very sad and a huge mess to deal with.

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  LEMON, LEMON, LEMON - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lemon headache - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had the 4Motion clunk since almost the beginning. The dealership purchased from would not even acknowledge there was a problem. Volkswagen of Americas customer care is useless and downright rude to its customers. Finally able to get software update installed after 4 trips to another dealership. Now when at low speeds, barely tap gas and it hesitates and then takes off like a rocket. Not good if idling in traffic, could be a safety concern and cause an accident. Also has extreme wind noise on interstate. VW mgr admitted is prblm with all 2004 passat

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  Ill never buy another VW - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Piece of JUNK! - June 11 - 10:56 pm

  Where do I start? First major problem was the water pump went out. Son was driving and kept driving when it over heated. Had to get a new engine. Ended up buying a used engine and still cost over $2,000. Water pump went out in that engine. Another $800. Water pump went out again in less than a week. Was replaced for free. Water pump went out a fourth time after 6 months. Was replaced for free. The plastic interior is breaking apart everywhere. The paint on the hood starting chipping the same year I bought it (2006). Doesnt get good gas mileage. I got almost as good gas mileage with my full size truck. Now the transmission fluid is leaking and they want $4000 for a new one.

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  Recently leased 2015 E-golfs. - 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
  By george ivanov - May 19 - 3:13 pm

  Before I begin my review I want to say I am in the Navy and this is the first time I am writing a negative review about anything that I have bought in my life. I recently leased one of those 2015 Golf-e models. It looks great feels great until you get on the freeway. The mile estimate on the sticker is not nearly accurate. I drove only 40 on a fully charged battery and I was almost out of juice. Beware and avoid at all times if you commute on highway to and from work. Unless you want to see your wife crying and deal with all the head aches and range anxiety due to fact that the battery runs out so fast when you dont have the break regenerating. If you how ever like traffic and drive only in traffic by all means get it. The moment there is constant acceleration cross your finger since you will be looking for a charging station in no time. If you are lucky enough you dont have to pay and the charging station actually works. I will post a video on you tube to show the true performance of the Golf-e on a highway. I guess if you drive in town less than 40 miles a day this car is for you. If not I do not recommend taking your chances like I did. Now I am stuck with a vehicle I cannot use for 3 years.

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  Worst Car Ever! Avoid! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ling - May 17 - 10:33 pm

  I have a 2001 Passat(1.8T). Ever since I purchased it, I have never stopped sending it the mechanics. The problems so far: 1) Glove box broke 2 days after my purchase; 2) Air condition emit horrible smells two months after I bought it; 3) Vacuum leak; 4) Broken temperature gauge; 5) Malfunctioning headlight connector; 6) CV axile worn out after 2 years; 7) Brakes broke after 2 years; 8) Signal light handle broke when I was driving on highway! I couldnt give signal to cars besides!! ... (out of space) I cant bear it any more. It is only 3 years new. Plus the dealer charges exorbitant repair fees. The small and cheap mechanics my friends referred me to didnt know how to fix it. Avoid!!

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  Stay away!!! Has SOOO many issues!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By passathater - May 10 - 3:46 pm

  I bought my 2004 Passat GL in 2011 with 91k mi. on it for $7900. In just 3 years Ive spent over $3600 on it not including regular maintenance. Oil sludge, both front axle boots torn, both brake rotors, leaking coolant, new thermostat housing and new thermostat, and many, many other problems!! Currently at 130k miles the timing belt broke. Could cost me $900-$3000+ to fix depending on the damage done to the engine. Its current value wasnt even worth it to fix. I sincerely advise EVERYONE to stay away from this vehicle!!! I personally will NEVER buy a Volkswagen again!! Dont make the mistake I did... DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

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  nightmare in the form of a car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andrea - April 3 - 10:36 am

  This car is very unreliable. Its one bad thing after another. First, maintenance. Once one thing falls off, something else will, like an endless cycle. (i.e. plastic paneling,glove box handle, cup holder, and even door cover). then, the light indicators on my dashboard always pop up. like for the airbags, brake switch, and even the wind shield fluid. The epc light comes on constantly, and locks the car in park for hours, even days. It gets really really bad gas mileage. You can only drive about 200 miles until you need to fill up again. I think this car was put together with Elmers glue and chewing gum. not even sturdy enough to consider super glue. Dont waste your money and life.

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  My former dream car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Scott - January 22 - 10:46 am

  I wrote a review titled "my dream car" about a month and a half ago. Ignore it! I sold this vehicle last week because of the multitude of problems. I had it in the shop 17 times in 10 weeks. You read that right, 17 times in 10 weeks. I litterly had the car 4 days a week because the dealer had it the rest of the time. I am now $1,162.16 in debt just from fixing the car and I am 19 years old. It was my worst nightmare. I replaced 2 ignition coils, the alignment went out 3 times, spark plugs, window cables, oil changes, O2 sensors that "a squirrel ate" through. Oh and VW did not cover it because it was not a defect in the car. Just for the sensor it was $320.00!