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:

• 

  How Depressing. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By c451 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought it in late 2001 and have put 26k miles on it in 3 year. COMPLETELY dissapointed. Bad coils, front end always out of alignment and unable to set to factory called-for settings, broken front and rear lighter outlets, rear window doesnt go up half the time, broken AC vent, handle broke off of glove box, doors creak, rear ashtray fell out and is broken. Just bad, so bad. Too bad, too. Im 41 BTW and regularly buy or lease new cars, and am not hard on them, so it isnt me. Id avoid it were I you, and Im staying away from VW from here on out.

• 

  new owner(4months) - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By johnwouters - April 15 - 10:00 am

  selected this model for price,style and fuel economy 4cylinder. after 2weeks you get a letter notifying you of the 4cyl engines problems with oil clogging. whats good is you are covered by and 8yr unlimited mileage transferrable warranty for this problem. whats bad is the need to use synthetic oil at scheduled oil changes (double the price) and the need to maintain documentation of all services should this problem arise. this was a disappointment for me becuase i think a 4cylinder engine should provide the lowest maintenance costs. i am averaging 24 mpg over 5000 miles. the car so far has been enjoyable, but i am coming off an acura tl

• 

  Hasnt let me down yet. Yet. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DougNC - April 13 - 10:36 pm

  I do love my Jetta, but its got its annoying quirks. First the CEL pops on for just about anything, especially with the AC in use. The front end makes loud thudding noises which no one can seem to cure. Lousy cup holder and cheap (and expensive) plastic interior parts. But the engine is still solid at 185,000 mi and its a lot of fun to drive. Has also been very reliable without any major breakdowns other than a water pump, starter, and brakes. Given the age and miles its expected. These cars are timelessly stylish, handle well, get great mileage (31MPG!), and can stand the test of time and distance as long as they are taken care of properly. Its overall a good quality car.

• 

  Love My Jetta - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kristen - April 13 - 7:20 pm

  This is my second Jetta and I have to say that VWs to me are better than my Toyota Tacoma and Corolla put together. Thats why I went back to driving a Jetta. I also feel much safer, than in my Toyotas.

• 

  Das auto !!!!! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lee - April 13 - 11:19 am

  If you like driving, than the Jetta sport is for you, if you dont like driving than go get a corolla. I also test drove the 2016 civic turbo, is still a civic, the Jetta can run circles around the civic, not to mention my local Honda dealers will not negotiate. But why believe me, go test drive a Jetta 1.8t sport and you will know what I mean, it puts a smile on my face everytime I get in my Jetta.

• 

  Zippy little ride - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By maverick1112 - April 12 - 1:30 pm

  All in all very happy with this new purchase, coming from a BMW I have high expectations but I was surprised with how much I liked this CUV. Has enough pep on the highway with the added turbo that I dont realize its only a 4 cyl. Interior is very classy and comfortable, definitely has a luxury feel!

• 

  Looks Good/Bad Mechanical Experience - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jumpman - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Did lots of homework.Mechanical nightmare. Poor warranty. Problems include replacement of $1,300 electrical part in 3 months, replacement of brakes in 1st year, engine knock and piston replacement in year, engine vacuum hose in need of replacement @ 36,000 miles, both headlights replaced and engine related recall. Everything done to manufacturer specifications, including use of more expensive premium gas.

• 

  A Very Good Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark-Boston - April 11 - 11:56 pm

  Overall, Ive been quite happy with this car (now > 2 years into ownership). I havent had any major problems and my dealer. This definitely is a very comfortable and versatile car, that is safe and can haul a lot of stuff - but is also quite luxurious. I drive approx 50 miles a day to work. The straight line traction is excellent (make sure you put on 4 snow tires on it and its very surefooted in the winter). VWs are more expensive to maintain than several of its competitors, but they really have a soul. I purchased an aftermarket warranty through a reputable source for added protection. The 2003 model appears to have been a good year according to CU.

• 

  excellent - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By adriannep - April 10 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2012 with 150k on it. When bought I did some front suspension work on it and replaced all oil gaskets on it as a piece of mind. With the miles on it I went through the entire car and perfected i. Clutch done cus I wanted Today this car reached 300k miles and it still runs like new. No lights on dash and still great gas mileage. Will never get rid of it until the tires fall of it. German cars are great cars for those who know how to take care of em. Theyre not for everyone and u cant go to auto zone and buy parts for it and expect it to last. U get what u pay for. I have never been stuck with it and I dont think I ever will. Safe and reliable and good looking car.

• 

  initial review and findings - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By gphin305 - April 9 - 10:53 am

  I also own a 2008 Passat 2.0T which I leased for three years and decided to purchase last year since it is such a great car. Just leased our new 2012 SE with roof last week and so far so good. This a totally different car from the B6 model (2006-2010), a good size family type sedan.....more conservative but still high quality and distinctive. Although now made in the U.S>, still has that German solid feel and look. We only have a 150 miles recorded so far and all is fine. No rattles, no wind noise. Will update at 1000 miles.