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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  I love my Jetta. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael - October 24 - 8:50 am

  Ive had really good luck and a good experience with my Jetta. Ive had three issues which werent recall issues and of those I was without my car overnight only once for 3 days. Since my dealer gave me a loaner, I wasnt without transportation. It has run like a champ. Im almost at the 80k mileage limit and the last issue Ive had has been an upgrade to the catalytic converter software; my extended warranty covered the cost and I walked out without paying a penny. The s/w upgrade actually helped the performance a bit which was a nice benefit. Its been good value for the money and has stood by me well.

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  VW #4 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dave - October 23 - 7:06 pm

  What can I say? My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 is much better than all of my previous VWs. I traded in my 03 GTI for it. I bought the 2.5 with Pkg. 1. The car is a blast! Its comfortable, handles snow VERY well, has good get up and go (with the 5-speed manual transmission), and the interior materials are MUCH better than in the past. The trunk is huge, and my neighbors look at me like Im driving a Mercedes. I get stares everywhere I go, Im not sure how they keep saying the cars stying is bland. I like the lines, and the chrome grille area. The leatherette is great, and easy to maintain, and the controls are easy to use - except for that cruise control stalk. this is a great car, especially to lease! I am loving it so far, 3+ months and 3,000 miles into my ownership experience.

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  I LIKE MY JETTA WLFBRG, BUT....... - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By knickfan - October 23 - 10:00 am

  First i think is agile, easy to park (i live in NY). For a compact car is very roomy and have a big trunk. Now as most of the owners i have a problem with the power windows(fr.driver side , and rear pass.side)they both broke down bet. nov. and dec. of 2002, to get it fix $350 each(ouch!)one of my headlights broke and a used one cost 180dollars. My point is that if you have a problem with this car youll pay more than any other car (in the same category of course). Im switching to the Mitsubishi Outlander.

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  Now I know why they say - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By necat - October 23 - 10:00 am

  this was one of the biggest mistakes i have ever made i had traded my 2000 civic for this Jetta that was made in Mexico . i have 36000 miles on it since then the car has had its share of brake problems, window problems i.e. fallig down and electrical problems i.e. dummy lights coming on, radio problems blinker problems. I would advise people to understand that they will have plenty of trouble with this car.

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  Art - evokes past, foretells future - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bicho - October 23 - 10:00 am

  VW seemed to solve lots of early-model assembly glitches. This 2001 virtually problem-free, compared to first problem- prone 1999 model. Mileage great - too bad diesel fuel often priced same as premium gas.

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  Best Value on Market - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Luigidk - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We drove Camrys, Accords, Solaras, Saturns, Volvos, BMWs and just on a whim decided to drive the Passat. No other car for the money touches this car. Why anyone would touch an SUV over a Passat wagon is tough to imagine. Safety, performance, fun, economics, storage space, handling, not one of these features comes second to any SUV out there. Dont bother with the V6 or W8 - the V6 only offers 20 more HP and worse economy - why spend the money? If you want the W8 - you are looking for performance - get a vette! If you drive this car and appreciate car value at all - it will be a done deal...

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  Jetta GLS TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Very Happy VW Owner - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This Jetta TDI has the most supportive seats of any car I have owned. I log a lot of miles in comfort and style.Oh yeah...did I mention the 50mpg with the TurboDiesel. Dont be fooled by the Diesel name, it has plenty of power and will cruise with the best of them. This is the first VW I have ever owned.....but not the last.

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  Great fun car and economical - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By JD - October 23 - 8:06 am

  I have only owned the EOS for three weeks, but I am impressed. I traded an Audi A4 and the EOS is superior for much less money. Convertible/sunroof combination provide great flexibility in Florida. Acceleration and handling are outstanding and build quality is nearly perfect. I would only add the Homelink feature to open garage door and allow some more aggressive accessories to improve sporty appearance.

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  2005.5 Jetta VE - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mikey - October 23 - 7:56 am

  The least "VW like" VW I have owned. It has been near stone reliable for 38K miles. Interior finish weak. Soft touch finish blistering off leaving white plastic. Switches breaking or pushing through dash panel. It does not have the Euro aura of its predecessors and looks and feels more plastic. Excessive oil consumption, in my opinion. Changed every 5K with synthetic and have consumed 3-4 qts. between changes since new. Though not as much fun as previous models, the chassis is superb. Great handling combined with great ride and on 15" wheels. It is roomier for passengers and storage as well as quieter. Its just not as spirited or visually pleasing as past models have been.

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  I chose a 2010 CC over a 2009 Lexus IS250! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By mizzmolly - October 23 - 7:23 am

  I bought a 2010 CC sport turbo last week with 17,939 miles and I absolutely LOVE it! I keep coming up with reasons to leave the house just to drive it. I compared it to a 2009 Lexus IS250 that I test-drove and the CC hands down won. Great price for a slightly larger sedan with luxurious qualities and better gas mileage than the Lexus! I test drove the CC for an entire day and honestly lost count how many heads it turned!!