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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  Can be improved - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Walter - May 5 - 4:23 pm

  Have one ongoing problem, its the road clearance under car, you will bottom out on road dips (not potholes) just thoses waves and dips that you cannot see. This has caused the dust panel behind front bumper to fall off. You will hit this panel entering and leaving driveways etc. There is just not enough clearance under car. I estimate the clearance under my Jetta to be approx. 2 to 3 inches at most. Is this legal? Local mecanic suggested that mybe Volkswagon might have stiffer front springs to lift car a little higher, will check soon. Good fuel economy but you lose a little of what you save from the pumps when you pay high, very high oil changes.

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  3.6 w/Sports Package - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Randy V - May 4 - 5:06 am

  With sports pkg comparable with Audi A4/6 only faster, less money and isn’t seen at every stop light. Sports pkg has suspension w/ lowered ride ht, nice ten-spoke 18" wheels, paddle shifters, adj. sport seats (not made for wide bottoms). The 280hp VR-6 has a nice growl when you accelerate: 1/4 mi in 14.5 sec. at 100.2 mph, compare to others in R&T Mag test summary. It has a quirk: accelerator is non-linear and is tricky to master. Too light on the gas and you get a momentary blip of hesitation or if you step into it (no kidding) you light up the tires shocking your passengers. If you love car audio you must get the Dynaudio opt, exp at $1K but it rocks! Added bonus – insurance is reasonable!

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  Extremely Reliable - 2013 Volkswagen Golf
  By David Kay - May 4 - 2:35 am

  I own a 2013 Golf TDI. Bought it in Jan. 2014 with 9,000 miles. Its now March 2015. I have put about 13,000 miles on it in that time. Not one service call. Not one single issue. Not one broken part. Not one headache. Not one single problem. (i sure hope I dont jinx myself). The car just works and goes and goes. The car is well built. Super quality and tremendous build quality. Not one single nightmare, not one single issue. Nothing. The car just works. Its such a pleasure to drive. Im 61 about 250lbs and was considering on bumping up to the Touareg TDI , but I am so scared because this car just doesnt have any issues. Super happy with this vehicle. Highly recommend.

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  Will get another... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By evrywmn - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Moved up to the Passat from a Saturn SC2 when I decided I needed a little more "grown up" car. Really have enjoyed driving it but this car saved my butt, I believe, thanks to the 4MOTION. Was knocked across a highway median by a van and managed to stay under control until I came to a stop. After reveiwing the accident scene, the CHP officer offered me a job! He couldnt believe how well Id stuck to the road. I probably wont keep this one when my lease is up but Im sure to get another.

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  3 weeks and two problems already - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D_Money - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I’ve had my GLI for 3 weeks and it has 1221 miles on it. Here are my problems. First, there is a rattling noise in the car door whenever I have the music on. It is actually worse when I have it on low because I can hear it more. I took it in and they didn’t fix it the first time so now I’m taking it in again so they can fix it (hopefully). Second…my engine light has come on after 1200 miles. Coming from a Toyota RAV4 where I never had any problems, this is strange to me. It’s not the gas lid. When I take it in to get the sound system looked at, I will have them look at the engine light but why would a brand new car need service after 3 weeks?

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  For the young fans - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SPEEDRACER02 - April 30 - 3:53 am

  I bought my GLI with 6k on it from vw about 2 years ago. Its a great car, looks amazing, wish it had the performance to go with that. I have had several little problems with it, biggest was radio. Great overall car with little to improve on, but needs more power!

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  Definitely worth every penny - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dee - April 29 - 3:00 pm

  This car definitely has a very solid feel to it, especially when compared to other brands. We found the rear legroom to be plenty for people under 6. The downside is the 2.5L feels boring, heavy and slow, plus its mileage isnt that great in the city. Wish they wouldve kept the 2.0T, but they wanted better reliability, so 2.5L it is. Interior is typical VW quality, although its a little drab especially if you have the black interior. The quality of the V-Tex is very good, but it makes the front seats are a little too firm. Trunk is huge huge huge. Lots of features not found in other cars of its class, such as heated seats, heated mirrors, etc. Havent had any reliability issues so far..

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  Love It! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matt - April 26 - 8:53 am

  Going on 10 years with this car and I love it as much as the day in 1997 I knew Id own one. Ive always seen VWs as cars that require more than average maintenance, so im not surprised at having to have work done. The car drives great, looks great, and (knock on wood) will be with me for many more years.

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  FUN FOR THE FAMILY - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By vanman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  We have the Weekender package and have gone on several camping trips from 2 days to 3 weeks. Both of our kids (9&2) love it. Been to St.Augustine, FL and Death Valley, CA and lots in between. Great way to do things as a family. Van drives very well at freeway speeds and is quite stable, more so than it appears since it is tall. After driving a Chrysler van on a business trip, I really appreciate the VW, far better to drive, more room, more responsive. Overall very well built, machinery is very accessible after removing engine pan. (need to do that even for oil change) Tire wear is very good, looks like well get 55-60k on original tires.

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  Great car... if you have a sense of humor - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By Extensioncord - April 21 - 6:53 am

  Good and bad. Smooth power, slick shifting, excellent handling, great ride and Audi-level interior design. Unfortunately, insurance is high, rattles and squeaks intrude on an otherwise library-quiet cabin, electonic gadgets are prone to failure. OnStar inoperative from day one. Buggy alarm/central locking system. Wouldn’t start at 5,200 mi, was towed. As this is my fourth VW, I’m used to the quirks … bad electrical systems, squeaks, leaks (like inch-deep puddles in my ’02 and that windows iced up on the INSIDE), stereo replacements, windows that fall into the doors, etc. The only question is: can YOU get used to it? Better make sure you have a good dealer. Otherwise, two words: CIVIC Si!