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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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By txjules77 - August 30 - 11:36 pm

  Im just waiting for my lease to end. This is my 2nd VW (I leased a Jetta previously, similar problems). I refuse to take it to the dealership for oil changes bc it would cost me $80+/oil change! This car has lived in the shop. Ive had constant electrical problems, including the traction light staying on (and waiting a full day for the new part to come in), the seatbelt light coming at random (they said they "couldnt duplicate the problem" so they couldnt fix it), back latch doesnt work. Im fed up with VW in general. And customer service sucks. With all the repairs, they dont offer a free rental car. The only way I got on with the last repair is the guy who drives you home was not in.

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  Love the Car, Hate the Issues - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ashort - August 26 - 1:04 am

  We purchased our Jetta off the lot, but I think we choose the wrong one. We had issues right out of the gate. Noticed that left side speakers did not work. Took it back and discovered that when the dash was installed at the factory they smashed the wiring harness. Second issue: clicking sound from drivers door trim. That took over 4 months to get it diagnosed and corrected and to get window controller fixed because tech damaged it while fixing the trim. Third issue: Had to have the manual transmission replaced at around 48k. Interior seals failed. I think this Jetta was made right before siesta time (made is Mexico). Tires side walls blew out around 35k

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  1st class little car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Will G. - August 23 - 12:40 am

  Great car. 59500 trouble free miles. Would like more MPG however anything this fast wont deliver that.

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  2012 VW CC Sport-Own the Road..! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By samforay - August 20 - 9:33 pm

  I leased a 2012 VW CC Sport Automatic last month when the dealer offered a deal after the credit check and history..He didnt let me move out of the showroom till 10pm and handover the car to me..Ever since i got the car, the parking lot looks old fashined. It definitely draws attention of the people in my neighbourhood now. I use it for everyday commute to work and gives me a confidence and style quotient. I hardly see any other CC on the highway and its definitely a head turner.. "Neighbours Envy, Owners Pride" hahahah

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  This Driver Not Wanted - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Driver Not Wanted - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car 1 year used. For the first year I owned it, the car was a dream. Good acceleration, great handling, comfortable ride. In the second year (after the warranty expired), the wagon averaged 1 shop visit a month! Some things were minor recalls/repairs. Others were major malfunctions in my opinion. Decarboning valves, seatbelt issues, oil leaks around the cam seals, etc... This was the top of the line model, only 3 years old with 50k miles! So unreliable, I had to trade it in. Give serious thought to purchasing....try leasing if anything!

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  Not so thrilled anymore. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By gotoknow - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has occassional acceleration hesitation and may lurch forward uncomfortably when moving from a stop. Passing can be dangerous, too...I can not always get effective acceleration when I need it to safely pass. I feel like Im about to be run over. I smell a mild burning rubber smell from the engine compartment after driving a couple of hours.

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  My first VW - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By Gtoast - August 16 - 6:10 am

  Pretty nifty car compared to the Corolla I came out of. Bought used certified. I think the dealership didnt actually do the inspections they were supposed to: I found most of the problems myself but they were all fixed under the warranty. Anyways, great little car with lots of umph in 5th at hwy speeds, fantastic maneuverability, great traction in the snow. A few squeaks and rattles that are irritating, but oh well. I wish the electronics were easier to set for individuals though.

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  My Wifes Supercool Dunebuggy - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By semaj422000 - August 15 - 6:46 pm

  Bought the Tig about a month ago for my wife. The only thing she knew she wanted was a SUV or a lux feeling car. I wanted good quality and a sub 30k price. The Tiguan met all of our criteria and then some. Its quite small, but we dont have kids so that wasnt a big deal. The interior aesthetic and material quality feel quite good and it comes standard w/ bluetooth and an easy to use touchscreen radio. Although more pricey than most of the comp, this feels and looks far superior inside and out. We get around 20 miles per gallon w/ mixed highway and city driving. Should be a little better IMO. Also, the partial power seat is really weird to me. It should either be full power or manual.

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  Wolfsburg Edition - Best Value - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SleepyDoc - August 15 - 11:40 am

  The Jetta Wolfsburg is similar to the 2.5 trim, but adds a sunroof, convincing faux leather seats, rear center armrest, alloy wheels, and floor mats in addition to the cold weather package. It is available in black, white, silver, and gray. Its understated exterior styling belies the quality of the interior. Its even more impressive at night. Soft touch materials are used extensively, and even if you find hard plastic, it has a solid, quality feel. The exception being the paper-like shift boot. The ride is firm yet very compliant, excellent road manners. Its acceleration is acceptable from stop, but highway passing is effortless to a flaw - watching for flashing lights is compromised by rear visibility.

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  Nice car - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By corral - August 14 - 4:30 pm

  This car is far better than any lux car that is not a "exotic" Some small improvemonts are still needed. a touch screen dvd nav system, xm radio, better gas milage, blue tooth phone system and make standar the technology package. It needs parktronic it is so large. The power trunk seems like a toy but there is no way to close the trunk with out leaving hand prints on the beautiful finish. Also an improved keyless acess system like the one in an audi with touch stare and mabey head up disply and sonar cruise control. Vw has done a great job just some fine tuning is needed.