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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  Dont Buy One - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mugsy - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Too many problems---prone to engine failure& electrical problems--I had to replace 2 front axels all 4 coil packs (got stranded twice after the warrenty expired). Complained to VW. They sent me a recall on coil Packs 2 years later. I had thrown out receipts & already gotten rid of car because I didnt know what was going to go bad next. Repair bills are very costly at the dealership. VW is a car I will never buy again. I now own a Nissan Rogue.

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  Looks great but unreliable - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sean - October 3 - 8:26 pm

  This was our first (and probably last) VW. Loved the car until all the electronic problems started popping up (too numerous to list). The last problem we had was the well-known defective steering column that needed to be replaced (just last week). How does this common problem not warrant a recall? I love driving the car when it is working, but have no faith that the car will last (and it still only has 26k miles on it!). Just waiting for the next problem to arrive. Ill stick with Acuras/Hondas from here on.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajpeters - October 2 - 9:38 am

  We bought this car mostly because of the efficiency and I like diesels much better than hybrids. From what I hear Im glad we got a 2010 and not a 2011. With just over 9000 miles we could not be happier with this car. It handles nicely, is comfortable to drive on long trips (we have driven it back home to Montana twice from Iowa since we got it), has plenty of trunk space, and gets phenomenal fuel mileage. We average 43-45 on the highway when the temperatures are above freezing and 36-39 when below. The standard Sirius radio is nice and the interior noise level is great. The transmission takes a bit getting used to as it shifts down when decelerating and slows the car down unexpectedly

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  Keep it simple - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By kathonic - October 1 - 1:52 pm

  I purchased mine with 190,000 miles prominently interstate and highway mileage. The car is lumbering around town, but can really move when you need it to (Ive already avoided a few accidents because of it). Mechanically everything is easy to replace yourself, and often much cheaper as well, so if your considering the 5-speed V6 I would definitely invest in as much repair materials as you can. If youre good at basic repairs and replacement this car responds well to them. A word of warning however, do NOT skimp on seals and gaskets, make sure they are in good order before buying this car, because they have the most potential to do the greatest harm.

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  jetta gls - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dcave - September 30 - 2:00 am

  surprisingly i have found this to be a very smartly designed car. without a bunch of high tech gizmos, this car delivers reliable and economical transportation. with the turbo and sport package, it delivers performance to equal cars costing twice as much.

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  Close to Ideal Convertible - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By theorn - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Cabrio is a well designed contertible. Specifically, the GLS covers all the features that you need to get the most use out of your convertible (see below). There are some problems: The radio is dated - there is no in-dash CD player available - and Ive noticed an occasional buzz that doesnt appear to be speaker related. The lock system has given me troubles in the city. The key- fob is designed terribly, its easy to set off the alarm. You can feel the frame flex in a way that a car shouldnt. The car is great at its current price point. I sure wish VW had given it the redesign that should have happened years ago. Now it looks like the Bug will replace it as VWs Cabrio.

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  Good so far - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By carnut - September 28 - 2:03 pm

  Have 13k miles on it and so far no problems. Its our first VW and was a little hesitant with other bad reviews of corky problems with VWs. Early on had the tire pressure light come on with no tire pressure problems. Also, started it one cold morning and ran really rough, turned it off, let it sit 10 min and no problems since. Did a lot of shopping and this was the best lease out there. $406/mo - zero dollars down out the door, 10k mi/yr 15K dollar residual 36mo lease. Looking back I would go with the sport package (different seats, climate, wheels & brakes).

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  Great Car, Terrible Service! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By dave - September 22 - 11:56 pm

  I test drove the car and fell in love with it. I really have no complaints over the car itself, the only complaint i do have is the dealership. I have to agree with everyone else that says this, VW has the worst costumer service ever. They dont want to deal with you after they get your money.

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  a foreign junk - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By screwedup - September 22 - 10:00 am

  this is a piece of foreign junk. Just drive it for not more than 24000 miles, got quite a few problems. Bad luck? dont think so. VW should do better job on its qulity and customer services.

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  What a joke - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Clown - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Loved it the day I bought it. But I know its going to leave me stranded. Obviously the warranty is only 2 years... cause these sexy cars are crap! Every 2000 kilometers with the 2.0L 5 Speed, I add half a litre of oil and yup, 3 dealers say thats normal. One dealer said it was because the pistons are oval and they change shape while they warm up. But the other 2 dealers didnt say that??? The interior door handles peel front and back (they recognize the problem but wont replace them all - just one by one). The fuel door solonoid sucks... carry a toolkit and oil. Do I ever miss my Honda Accord.