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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  Beware VW Fans!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By iblackwell - December 3 - 11:25 pm

  After owning VWs for years this will be my last. I actually traded the Passat today for a BMW and I couldnt be more relieved. The problems and repairs have been unending from the start. Under 3 mo. old, the sunroof leaked and all of the carpet had to be replaced, I have replaced (3) Front axles, a valve cover gasket, numerous sensors, the thermastat, (3) window regulators, motor mounts, Both headlights because they turned white after three years and wouldnt pass inspection. I even had to replace the antenna and the oil dip stick because they fell apart. Lastly the interior trim peeled off (VW sprays a coating over plastic - ???) All this at 75000 miles! The services every 5K are COSTLY!

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  Buyers BEWARE! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Anders - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Reliability of this car STINKS!Mine completely broke down after 2 weeks ownership.A friend had complete electrical failure after 1 month.They do not have the quality testing measures and facilities to make this car reliable! VW customer service is HORRENDOUS.The car has been stuck at an LA dealership for 2 weeks now!Not 1 customer service representative has contacted me after I have made 10 calls.Calls to headquarters, the dealership, etc have all been ignored.Trust me, pay a little more for a BMW 4.4. This car is not proven and will be plagued with unreliability and poor customer service- 2 traits you dont want together!

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  Horrible....Dont ever buy these - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Corey - November 15 - 10:43 pm

  Nothing but trouble. Have had engine problems forever. The radio emblems even wear off. How pathetic is that. Then, Volkswagen people try to give us the run-around all the time. And the warranty wont even cover it. Worst vehicle and company ive ever been associated with. Period, Never buy a Volkswagen. Ever.

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  Hacked 2x - Can be driven REMOTELY - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Kelly Gable - November 12 - 2:22 pm

  1. Hacked via lane assist, and adaptive cruise control to 85mph. Remotely controlled by hacker. City mpg 14.3. The oil temperature gauge is non-working and dealership support and service is non-existent or supportive.

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  I will never buy a vw again - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By No More VWs - November 5 - 5:06 pm

  Got this car at around 18,000 miles and had no problems until 50,000 - right after it was no longer under warranty. Since, I have had the back breaks replaced three times in four years while barely driving it, the front breaks replaced, the rotors replaced, four oil leaks in 6 months, couple coolant leaks, broken keys, seat belt doesnt retract, lights in dashboard starting to fade, two different belts replaced, the whole thing groans when I get into the car, wheels squeak... I am at the mechanics so often they give me a hug when they see me! Im sure there were more repairs but Ive lost track. Bought this car bc of great reputation but too many friends have since had VW lemons. Never again.

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  Car showing pollution control problem - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Amar - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in May, 2003, Passat GL 4-dr.Drove nice for two days and then see a funny warning lite. I took it to the dealer and they say this is pollution control problem. This car is there for eight days now and the dealer cannot figure out what is the problem. They reap apart the brand new car and could not fix it. I dont know what to do. I have to see lawyear soon.

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  Very disapointed VW Owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By K.Walsh - November 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car (2002 VW Passat) based on great reviews. Unfortunately, we encountered coil problems, as did all 2002 Passat owners with the 1.8 Turbo. We remain very bitter and disapointed in the manner in which this problem was addressed. VW would only replace the faulty ignition coils as they failed. So for a four cylander car, that was four occassions for the car to completely lose power and break down. Dealing with VW was an aweful experience. Now, my cars rear breaks need replacing @ 15,000 miles and the radio does not work. Additionally, the rear cigarette lighter refuses to stay shut and now does not work altogether. Good luck.

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  Bug of my dreams? - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bob - November 1 - 12:43 am

  Ive always wanted a bug, found the one i was looking for but as soon as i took it home everything went wrong. electrical problems, engine problems, right window wont roll up. to think this car is cute your totally wrong. major regret

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  Review of VW Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Blendermix22 - October 28 - 1:16 pm

  Bought car upon college grad drove it four years. Scotchguard did not prevent staining of water spill on passenger seat or fading from sunlight. Timing belt problematic from beginning, dont expect good or adequate service from Kingston VW. Went in five times before they actually agreed to fix it. Brakes replaced twice in four years, check engine light was on most of the four years due to faulty O2 sensor that was never fixed properly. Space is deceiving- not much room in backseat, trunk is big but opening too small to fit items. Revs too high (when in 5th on the highway, sounds like its in 3rd). Once ownership ended (returned vehicle) all communication from VW ended as well(no follow-up).

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  Fun to drive when the car works. - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hombeboyfu - October 23 - 10:26 pm

  The TDI Beetle has some nice characteristics to it like great fuel economy, reasonable amount of torque produced from the 1.9L engine, and overall fun to drive. The down side is the car is almost completely plastic. So expect thing to randomly break apart on it. These cars is riddled with electrical problems that doom every VW owner to spend massive amounts of time and money at repair shops. In conclusion, unless you have plenty of money, time, and want to become a good friend of your local VW/Audi Tech avoid this car like it was an ex-spouse with the plague.