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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  Dont waste your money or time - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stella - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and within one month; there has been nothing but mechanical/electrical problems. At least every other month something else was and still is breaking and needs repair. The trade- in value is horrible; however after this mornings episode; I made up my mind to finally get rid of this piece of junk. The latest break was found when I went to get gas. The tank release button on the door broke and the gas door cant be opened. After looking throughout the car and trunk for an emergency release button; none could be found. I drove the car to a local station; warranty expired; so this cost will be added to the long list of headaches that came along with this car.

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  A Dodge with VW emblem - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Kfry - June 20 - 7:50 pm

  Purchased for cross country trip and move to Hawaii. When the vehicle arrived at the dealership (we ordered it to our specs) we were excited. That didnt last long as the steering pulled left. Dealer tried to fix but unsuccessful and we were stuck with it pulling slightly left (dont take your hands off the wheel!) The drive cross country went well. In Hawaii we started have transmission problems. We took it to the dealer 4 times and had the trans replaced twice. It seems to work now. Horrible gas mileage. How can VW tout this van as one of their products. I have owned 2 other VW and loved them. This was the biggest purchase mistake I have made. If I wanted a Dodge I would have gotten one.

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  Erins review - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By erin - June 19 - 7:40 pm

  I have a love hate relationship with this car. Love the way it looks, hate the way it performs. Since day one, nothing but problems, currently working with vofa to try to get it fixed (cat convert anyone?). 10 y. O., just turned 60,000 miles because Im afraid to take it anywhere for fear I wont get there -- or back home. Cup holders, glove box hinge, arm rest: broken. Currently, bucking like a bronco. Do not buy VW.

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  Bad Decision - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By bauerinav - June 14 - 5:39 pm

  Bought a 2005 Passat in Nov, 2010 (less than 2 months ago). Its been in the shop 5 times already with the engine light on. Each time its supposedly fixed, yet within 2 weeks the light is back on again. Thank God its still under warranty - car only has 60k miles on it! Issues have been:misfire, MAF, oxygen sensor, computer update, and vacuum seal. Im beginning to think the car will need to be traded in before the warranty expires! VW has not been helpful at all. Wanted a vehicle with a great service department - have yet to experience that. Shouldve kept my Saturn - at 150k miles it had less issues!

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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cory - June 14 - 1:00 am

  This lease has become the bane of my existence. The car has broken down five times in two years (and thats not counting the small problems when I could still drive it). Bad enough it keeps breaking, but VW does NOTHING to stand behind their product. The transmission leaked when I drove it off the lot. No loaner cars, no concern for my safety. They kept telling me that they valued me as a customer, but what they value is my money.

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  Junk Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Schmetta - June 4 - 10:00 am

  2000 JETTA = Worst Car EVER! Problems since day one, it was a lemon. Within the first year i had to have the full TRANSMISSION replaced 2 times, the trunk replaced -would not shut, the two front windows replaced. After my warrantee ended the car fell apart even more: O2 sensors malfunctioning, Wheel Speed Sensors failing, etc. Most recently I took because my ABS/Traction lights flickered on, after 6 RETURN TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP in two months + $3,900 they ?fixed? my car. They had to replace the ENTIRE ABS BREAK SYSTEM, THE MASTER BREAK CYLINDER, 2 MORE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS, A Wheel ROD, and A BALL JOINT. The car rarily WORKED!

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  Worst Car ever owned - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Arash - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from The Autobarn VW of Mount Prospect by seller ViC. THIS CAR IS JUNK .IF YOU LOOKING TO BUY CAR STAY FAR AWAY FROM VW .from the fist day I got this car about 2 years ago till now I have problem with it. I almost Chang all part of the car and finally I trad a car this week with Honda and one more time This car is a piece of junk.Ill never get another VW and I never recommended to any one.

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  Listen to the lemons! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By queromare - May 23 - 11:30 pm

  Like many others, I couldnt list all the things that are wrong with this car. The most important one is it stalls constantly when its 100+ degrees outside. Completely unreliable, gas tank exploded one day and poured gasoline everywhere, numerous electrical problems. The car is adorable and pretty fun, but has no power, a terrible turning radius and is poorly designed for comfort inside. A vase isnt worth the hassle. I ignored the warnings, dont make the same mistake as I did! This stupid thing has cost me $6,000 so far! I now pay $500/month for it to sit on the driveway! I wont drive it past warranty! Doesnt even get good mileage ie 25/gallon!

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  Thank goodness for warranties - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By MacDaddy - May 23 - 1:06 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this van. I had the transmission replaced, air compressor, front steering totally replaced, wiper motors, engine computer sensors, and bad tires because of poor steering alignment. I am in the process of kissing this hunk of junk good bye. I will not buy another VW product. In fact I warn others against it.

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  THIS CAR JUST STINKS - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By LNS - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I HATE THIS CAR! NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. AC HAS BEEN WORKED ON TWICE, I GOT A NEW RADIO/CD PLAYER, THE WINDOW FELL IN THE DOOR, PROBLEMS WITH THE BLINKER AND I BELIEVE THERE IS A CLUTCH PROBLEM BUT VW INSISTS ITS FINE. PLUS OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAD A HEARING SET UP WITH THE BBB AND VW OFFERED THE 5YR/72K MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR FREE.THE WARRANTY IS A VERY SMALL TOKEN CONSIDERING WHAT A LEMON IT IS. ITS ONE OF THOSE CARS THAT THE PROBLEMS HAPPEN FOR YOU AND YOU ONLY. THE DEALERSHIPS CAN NEVER DUPLICATE IT. I WILL NEVER BUY A VW AGAIN. I WILL STICK TO HONDA!!!