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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  Id do it again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By The T Man - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I was immediately disappointed that I leased and did not buy my Passat. It is a fine car. It has been reliable. I just find the car fun to drive. Had an 88 Camry and couldnt wait to get rid of it. Mileage has been ~28 in the country and 33+ on trips. Great handling. Love night inter. lighting. Suprising power from a four cylinder. VW got it right. I am buying the next one.

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  love the 2003 b5 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grad - February 14 - 10:00 am

  i love the 2003 b5, great vehicle. had the two recalls- engine coil packs and the rear wheel well. otherwise, i find that the car handles well, accel. decently, the manual helps out the 1.8t. good mileage.

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  unreliable car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By gurgel - February 14 - 4:56 am

  The brake & gas peddles are too small and too close. Lots of problems with these cars. Poor choice of materials. The interior scratches real easy. Lots of mechanical parts made out of cheap plastic (power widow braces) that are expensive to replace. Watch out for tie rods, control arms, mass air flow sensors, timing belts, and engine sludge. All very common problems. Expect at least $1,000/year in repairs.

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  Electronic Problems - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - February 13 - 7:50 pm

  This is the best driving car and most fun car to drive I have ever owned. Previous cars were Toyota, Ford vehicles. This blows them away. Great brakes and the ride is comfortable. I have never owned a BMW but I dont think they could drive better than the Passat. Car layout also great.

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  Pure Driving Fun - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thomas D. - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is so enjoyable to drive that I actually look forward to going to work! One of the things I noticed is this car stands out on the highway with its classy looks. Having the turbo kicking in for quick acceleration makes passing others so much fun!When I purchased my car the window tag said 22/30 MPG well for the first 3 weeks I wasnt even close because I realized I gained a lead foot? LOL But when driving normally and doing the speed limits my MPG was exactly that 22/30. I actually got 32 on a vacation trip. I have read other reviews about slight hesitation but I can say if you depress the fuel pedal slowly it takes off very nicely.

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  2008 Passat Komfort, 2.0, auto - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By gphin305 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th VW owned (3 Jettas, 2 Passats)since 2003. Owned over 30 cars overall. Had numerous issues with the 2003 Passat but it was very solid and fun to drive and put 105K on it before selling for $6500 last year. Looked at several options in May08 when decided to lease current Passat. Nothing else came close to overall value and pricing. I now have 27,500 miles to date and car has been perfect....no problems whatsoever. Very solid highway cruiser, roomy, quiet, good mileage (24 avg...28-29 highway), seats are very comfortable....feels like a solid German made car. Doesnt use any oil and runs great on regular gas. Will probably buy when lease is up next year....may look at CC.

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  Clunky -Awful Gas Mileage - Bad in Snow - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By PJ - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We have had this van now for almost 2- years. We are counting down the days to get rid of it. It all started the transmission clunking since day 1 and still no fix. It also feels like it accelerates without touching the gas when its cold. We can barely get up our hill in the snow and will not take it on road trips because the mileage is awful.

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  Hybrid & SUV killer - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jakes Dad - February 13 - 10:00 am

  When my old XTerra wore out I started shoping for a replacement and couldnt find a small-medium SUV that I liked and the fuel mileage was bad in all of them. Then I stumbled accross the Jetta sportwagon TDI. I liked the specs and the looks were ok, but it was the test drive that sold me within the 1st minute. After 3 months and 4500 miles I havent looked back once. The only problem is that my wife and I are always fighting for the Jetta. Her accord sits in the garge most of the time.

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  Love this car - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By neugoof66 - February 13 - 6:46 am

  Bought it last summer with pleanty of driving in my future. It turns heads. Fun to drive, the sport setting on the transmission is perfect. Ive driven this all over the country and loved every mile. It handles like a dream over desert hwy and curvy mountain roads. I upgraded from my second Jetta and couldnt be happier. I love this car as much as I loved my IS300.

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  Take a look at the Passat wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By rcassizzi - February 13 - 1:30 am

  After considering and test driving the Volvo V50, I ended up with the Passat GLX with 4 motion. Not only was the ride more fun, with faster pick up, the interior has more cargo space, and to me, has more quality materials. The Passat feels solid on the road, and has clean, classic style.