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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  Engine Sludge/Awful Quality - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By GT - October 3 - 6:56 pm

  I have 8 2007 Passats that I use as TaxiCabs. 3 engines and 4 transmissions have already gone. Granted, we put alot of miles on it, but the turbo engine just does not stand up. Computer requires multiple visits to the dealer for reflash and these cars are absolutely draining the company wallet. Ive always owned Audis and VWs and never had so much trouble. Absolute money pit.

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  Poorly built - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By andreas2000jetta - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has tons of tech bulletins for costly repairs. Our problems in the first 25k miles include: **Bad Clear Coat, damaged first week of ownership - fixed after complaining to vw a few times. **Engine knock/tic that is reduced with an oil change every 2-3k miles. **Musty Smell coming from padding under carpet - told it is an $850 fix related to this poorly built car **Sway bar link came loose at 22k miles. **Rear brakes on this stick shift down to 10% after 18k miles. Front brakes are at full padding.

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  Poor Choice - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By LX470 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After years of driving a Toyota Land Cruiser I opted for something different. Given the generally glowing reviews of this vehicle, I decided to try my first VW. Bad decision. The LC performed above expectations while this vehicle typically disappointed. Ive sold this vehicle after four months & bought a new LC (actually a Lexus LX470).

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  German - engineering, Mexican assembly - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GregN - September 20 - 10:00 am

  After having three Hondas in a route, it was time for a change. And Jetta seemed to be a best bang for a buck, how stiupid I was!! This car is a disaster, windows constantly falling in, gas tank leaking, engingne light coming on and off. I have never had these kind of problems with any vehicle!! I wont even compare this vehicle to Honda because this would be insulting for any Honda out there. I had CRX with 210,000 miles that was far more reliable than Jetta with 55,000. Save yourself a pain dont even look at this vehicle - I know it looks great and handles good, but if youre looking for a good looking RELIABLE commuter this isnt it.

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  Where do i start? - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gianni - September 13 - 3:11 pm

  The good: great performance, power, interior build quality, MPG. The bad: .......Expensive maintenance, engineering flaws abound.... HPFP not engineered to USA diesel tolerances. 7K $ repair, DPF (filter that once clogged under 150K miles cost several thousand dollars.) How do you engineer a car with known issues that are so expensive to repair? intake manifold went around 120k. Then the EGR problems and limp mode. I unloaded the car with 160k miles once the wastegate actuator went on the turbo. Oh yeah, good luck if your turbo goes..it will....another several thousand dollars. I know 2 others whose turbo blew before 150k. That is why i got rid of this money-sucking headache. Shame on you VW ! Lawsuits, and building a car just shy of a lemon. VW ...NEVER AGAIN

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  atrocious brakes - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Brian Randall - September 12 - 3:50 am

  In less than 20,000 miles of city driving it is necessary to replace front and back brakes at a cost of $1800.00. This is considered normal according to the service department. I have driven SUVs for 20 years and have never had to replace brakes. Volkswagen offers no assistance and only warranties for 12,000 miles, which is useless. I would warn any potential buyers of the Touareg that they can expect a $1800 brake expense every 12-20,000 miles.

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  Stung by the bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By humbug - September 8 - 12:16 am

  Oh the beetle and its quirky electronic issues. Yes, that is the joy of owning one. You never know what light will come on or when it will just quit-even when it is brand new. An adventure in driving! A leaky sunroof, a dead transmission, faulty cluster gauge, bad starter, vac leak, oxygen sensors out. The list is so long. I grow weary of it all. Suffice to say just dont take the VW trip unless you want to spend $$ and time at the dealership. P. S. They told me not to worry if the check engine light was on-only if it flashed. A great comfort indeed.

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  Run, this is not for you! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cindy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  With only 42,000 miles on the car it has been in the shop 5 times for the transmission. Talk about a lemon and YES I am checking on the lemon law.

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  Piece of Junk! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Krista - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car so that I could have something reliable to get me from point A to point B. So long with reliable part, the first month I had it the car was in the shop. Since then it has been in 15 other times. First it was both oxygen sensors, 4 spark plug wires, my cadilitic converter, my serpentine belt, the passenger side window and other things that I cant remember. Now the transmission is going out like several other peoples Jettas. Do not buy this car! You will regret it!

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  DO NOT BUY, VW - very streeful - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By VwSucks - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased BRAND NEW 04 VW golf and within 10 miles I drove from the dealer ship , i started getting ENGINE PROBLEMS. OUT OF the last 18 DAYS since i bought the car, 15 DAYS car was in SHED. Never expected that buying a brand new car with VW is this STRESSFUL.i filed an official complaint with VW-America, they are dead slow in responding. their Customer service is comparable to the cars engine problems. New car should be problem-free atleast for the first 10 miles. VW buyers, READ as many reviews as possible before you decide on buying this crap.