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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  My only regret was that it was leased not bought - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By Mollari 2261 - August 31 - 1:12 am

  3 years / 30 miles and there wasnt a thing wrong with it. It was actually heartbreaking to turn it in at the end of the lease. Everything I needed this car to do, it did extremely well. It was roomy, comfy, very stylish, practically luxurious, fun to drive, good on gas, and it never gave me a lick of trouble. Replacing this with a leased Jetta was like going to Arbys after dining at Mortons Steak House. While I lease that miserable car, Im saving up to *buy* another CC.

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  Too many issues have made me regret this purchase - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By mercuriciodide - August 30 - 8:59 pm

  The light cover wouldnt stay on on the drivers side door, so I had to take it in later for repair. They claimed it was repaired but the next time I brought it in for another issue, they replaced the entire door panel without asking. The new door panel was lower quality than the old one and flexes a whole lot, especially in winter, making considerable noise and giving the car a very cheap feel which is very frustrating since it cost $30,000. When I brought up the flexing door panel problem the service manager said he would bring up the issue to a visiting VW exec, get a resolution, and call. After months of waiting, I heard nothing. When I brought it in, another manager refused to fix it.

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  Best purchase. - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - August 30 - 10:03 am

  I had a Gray 06 Jetta 2.5 5-spd w/Package 1 (6 CD/MP3/Sat, leatherette, heated seats, etc.) which I purchased new. I brought it to the dealer in June for some warranty stuff (w/44k miles). As Im waiting for the verdict, I stumbled into the showroom. Of course the inevitable happened & the sales manager approached me. So, I ended up test driving a 2.5 and a 2.0T WE which I absolutely fell in love with. Got a fantastic deal, a lower APR, a fresh warranty & more. I like that Monster Mats & Gorilla Gear were included too :) Black w/Anthracite, 6spd...plus it has the features my 06 had, for less $.

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  Mines Not So Bad - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karen - August 29 - 5:46 pm

  Ive owned my TDI Beetle for 8 years. Arent the diesel Beetles built in Germany not Mexico? I have to say Ive been very lucky compared to some of the reviews Ive been reading. I did just have the timing belt changed at 100,000 miles, which was expensive! I owned a 318i which required the replacement of two air flow meters, so I sold it. Well, I had to replace my first one on the beetle in 2007 and Im now on my next one. Whats up with that! Its running crappy. Did have to replace the gas door, broken after 3 years. My mirror switch just broke. Headlight replacement, difficult but my husband figured out how to do it, not so bad, but $50 at the dealer.

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  My experience... - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mystry - August 29 - 10:45 am

  This was my dream car, but its expensive. I bought the car new in 07 and have loved it, but it gets a lot of small quirks that add up. I am on my 3rd radio b/c the buttons wear down, a battery costs $195 b/c auto shops will not install it you must go to the dealer, the door panels eventully wear down, and indicator lights are always coming on. I spend more time at dealerships and more money on this car than any other car ive ever owned. Ive not had as much trouble as some of these reviews, but ive had enough that my dream car is getting traded.... I am tired of spending money on a car that is paid for with less than 100K miles on it. PS, expect to get about 330 miles to a tank.

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  Never Again!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By saglugger - August 29 - 10:00 am

  If you insist on buying a Passat, stay away from the 4 cylendar. We have had more problems with this car in two years than I have had with my 96 corolla in 9 years. We had to have it towed twice for ignition coil failures. The passenger side seatbelt broke and it took 2 weeks to get it repaired. Then several trips to the dealer for the check engine light which dumbfounded the technicians. The final straw came on the 25,000 mile service when they told me the rear brake pads and rotors were 90% worn and rusted. AT 25,000 miles!!!. $350.00. The dealer did repair them on warrenty but only after I threatened to get a second opinion. Hmmmm.

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  R32 Uber Golf - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By mkenn123 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many different vehicles over the years from high performance to more sedate models. From my experience with the R32 it is the best balanced car I have ever owned. It takes the curves with authority while providing a firm but not harsh ride. The acceleration under hard throttle is impressive, although there are faster cars if that is what you are looking for. The brakes are nothing short of incredable, if you hit them to hard be ready to head for the windshield. If you are looking for a vehicle that does everything well, while adding the security of all wheel drive, then the R32 is it. Oh, dont forget the wonderfully supportive seats.

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  good one - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By driverone - August 29 - 10:00 am

  good one for everything

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  TURBO RELIABLITY? - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By TURBOS! - August 29 - 10:00 am

  i have a turbo gls golf and i have been in and out of the dealership. my car for some reason does not reach 8000 RPM my friend has a RX-8 and he reaches 9000 RPM. There is def. something wrong. when i drive i always see smoke coming from my car i drive 100 miles to work everyday and i need a reliable car i do my oil change every 3 months and it should be a good car from wheat my friends say. i need a more reliable car.

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  Customer Servie at VW :( - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Marcintri - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The car is great but costumer servie at VW is poor. Not aprpite with the Laxury type car and my expectations. I had 3 BMW before and never had these type of isses I have purchased my new Toureg not even a 1 year ago and had multiple problems with it 1.) Hesitation in acceleration when transferring from R to D 2.) Remote control would not open the rear hatch door unless you are in the front of the car instead of in the back 3.) Stereo has a glitch and projects electrostatic discharge into the speakers at 45mph 4.) The gauges signal indicators, oil level, gas level, engine temperature do not work at very low temperatures below 32F