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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  Corrosion on engine - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By lvanderlinde - March 17 - 6:28 am

  I purchased a new 2011 golf 4 door TDI on May 30, 2011 from a central coast dealership and when I brought it home and inspected it, I discover that the engine had moderate corrosion on all aluminum parts. Unsure how the corrosion occurred on a new car, but buyer beware. This car is shipped from Germany and the protection from the sea water may have been compromised.

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  Fun, but a few issues! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Danielle - March 16 - 12:23 am

  Ive seen a lot of people mention the tire pressure sensor light going off all the time. There is a small washer that sits against the pressure sensor. Sometimes that washer gets bent which will let air leak from your tires. Ever since I found out about that and replaced the washers, Ive had no tire pressure issues. The car is wonderful, fun to drive, comfortable, and solid. There are so many airbags and the frame is solid, the doors are heavy, etc. I love my Passat. There have been problems with the transmission jerking, electrical malfunctions, etc. Its a pain, but I still love the car.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Star27a - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Beetle new and Ive loved driving it from day one, but I have to say the first 10,000 miles were mostly spent at the dealership. Granted, most was covered by warranty, but what a hassle!

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  Craptastic Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LAR - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my VW in May of 2002. It was a great car for the summer, but once I moved up North the problems started. The doors squeak incessantly -- taken to the dealership 4 times, been told they were fixed each time, but still have a squeak. The only option they gave me was to tighten the doors, but then I would have to shut them harder, causing rattles down the road... Passenger side window fell into the door, followed by a giant (10") spring flying out from under the seat. The drivers side door handle is covered by some material that began peeling off the day I drove it off the lot. Im waiting to Lemon Law!!

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  cool car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jeff suttle - March 14 - 10:00 am

  geat car fun to drive and economical its a real blast

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  If your not a mechanic dont buy the Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Not a mech dont buy - March 14 - 9:06 am

  Windows failed out of warranty, rip off repair. A/C quit needed new compressor, condenser and expansion valve, I put them in. Front wheel bearing right side went bad, I put new one in. Lights fail alot hard to change both rear and front lights. Parking brakes cables stuck from rust, I replaced. Rear brakes wear way too fast, calipers go bad for no reason. Water pumps fail randomly, I replaced that. Beetle needs may parts redesigned for reliability. Simple things cost too much, center of hub caps emblems fall off cost 30 dollars way too much for nothing. Gas door gets stuck, adjusted alot to make it work right. VW engineers have no clue on design for easy of maintenance nor reliability.

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  Reliability does not meet expectations - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By MarkusK - March 13 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Passat in 01/08 as a Certified Pre-Owned with 15k miles and have driven it 18k since then. After the test drive, I was hooked by the performance and feel of the 2.0T engine. Also, the build quality appeared very solid. For road trips with the family, we often leave the other car (SUV) at home and enjoy the ride in the Passat. Gas mileage can exceed 30 mpg highway, even when fully loaded. However, a concern and disappointment is the lack of reliability. AC failed at 22k. A temperature sensor almost left me stranded at 26k. At 32k, an ignition coil failure resulted in the need for a tow truck. The warranty and my dealership have kept me and my wallet sane (for now).

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  My First Jetta or VW for that Matter - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TripVWowner - March 13 - 12:13 pm

  I really like this car, I think the exterior styling which is considered bland by some is sort of sporty and elegant and it shares the same large chrome grille feature as VWs luxury counterpart, Audi. The car handles very well and I have the base 2.5L 5-cylinder engine which may not be race car fast but does the job. I notice that the car is very heavy for its class and I like this as it helps keep the car feeling more stable at highway speeds.

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  Loved the car...Big problem - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kittykat35 - March 10 - 7:44 pm

  Bought the car new..loved the stick,turbo,diesel combination...handled like a proper German sedan..car didnt settle in till 90mph+. At 35K the high-pressure (32000psi) fuel pump failed and sprayed metal fragments through out the fuel system resulting in $5000 repair bill ! Covered under warranty for 1 time but the dealer claimed it was contaminated fuel. Had only used diesel fuel from a high volume station that has city and school district contracts. Come to find out these Bosch pumps are on their 3rd redesign and one of the failure suspects is the low sulfur fuel that has no/reduced lubricants. Owners manual says not to use additives but if you have one be sure use an additive.

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  Winkel No Ka Oi - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Newport Winkel - March 9 - 7:50 pm

  We purchased a used 2003 Eurovan Weekender in February 2008. What a pure joy as a family of 4 to own and drive. We are consistently complimented on our wagon. It has far exceeded our expectations in roominess, handling and ease of operation. Our kids absolutely love being in it. Go get one today!