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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  TDI and loving it - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Shinkster - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Have almost 100k on this car. Its been very reliable, with only a few minor repairs here and there. Just had the timing belt changed (which has to be done at 105k miles). Im expecting to drive this for at least another 100k!

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  Love It or Hate It - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By adhemar - April 21 - 6:36 am

  After changing the 15 inch rims and tires with 17 inch all season performance Falken tires, this car can corner fast and not miss a beat. It has incredible handling, even without the sport suspension. It could use a little more power, but then again if it had more power God knows if it would stay on the road. I wish would have gotten the GLI VRS or GLS 1.8T. After 4 years though Im going for the EOS in May 2007.

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  Couldve been great - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steph - April 19 - 12:10 am

  Purchased with approx 60 000 km and have since put 20k on the car. It has been in the shop about 9 times. Parts replaced: Turbo (3 separate visits); some clutch parts; throttle body (left me stranded); trunk latch; driver door electronics; coolant warning light issues. The dealership knows me by name. I think I got a lemon ... too bad because I like the car & have purchased a few aftermarket items for it (winter tires, roof rack, tail lights, floor mats worth about $2500). Good thing for warranty because repairs wouldve cost me a fortune. Will be trading it in for a new TDI soon.

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  Great car, annoying problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jim D in VB - April 18 - 3:00 pm

  Great driving experience, great handling (w/17" wheels). Fuel economy is great as well. There a are NUMEROUS small problems and quality details, and most dealers as well as VW do little to back them up. Anything plastic on the inside you can count on deteriorating, or breaking at some point. Not enough to make me sorry for owning, but VW and their dealers should do more in the way of good will for their customers. Despite being a great car, their sales numbers are sliding because of the issues, although they are small.

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  German Engineering and Performance! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don Ho - April 17 - 9:13 am

  I purchased my Passat new in 1999. It is OK. The cup holders stink, but other than that, this is an impressive car. It has a solid build, outstanding performance from the V6, and the 5 speed just adds to the fun. Traction control really helps (this feature is tough to find with a manual transmission). Getting over 30 MPG highway is also nice. After 7 years, the only major problem was a bad water pump replaced under warranty. A couple of hard starts taught me not to leave the car sitting for more that a few days with a nearly empty fuel tank. Do-it-yourself mechanics like me will find major maintenance items a bit of a challenge, but routine stuff is no big deal (oil, filters, plugs, etc.).

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  This car was a dissapointment - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By SILVERADO1 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for 2 1/2 years and 13 visits to the dealer. Everything that can go wrong with a car has gone wrong. From interior trimming coming apart, the built garage door opener breaking in pieces, electric locks replaced, throttle body replaced, electronic dash console, faulty seatbelts, 2 recalls, power window failed at last minute before trade in. This car was a nightmare, couldnt wait to get rid of it.

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  Great car, poor quality control - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mixed feelings - April 16 - 3:46 am

  Have had GTI for 2 weeks now. The air conditioning compressor "detonated" after two days requiring a complete system replacement and 5 days in the shop waiting for parts. Have had check engine light go on and off for no apparent reason twice since then. Other than that it has been great, good power and handling, great ride, nice, thoughtful features, though with room for improvement. The radio is great, as are the seats, front and rear. The power is nice, though there is a bit of torque steer. The DSG gearbox works best if you let it do it’s thing. Sport mode is best for hills when engine braking is needed. Incredible brakes. Lovely headlights.

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  good for small family, icy roads - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By acahalan - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Unlike the typical 4wd/awd vehicle, this is one that always smoothly applies power to all 4 wheels. It doesnt rely on a slow-responding multi-plate clutch ("computer" systems) or viscous fluid. The even power split prevents slipping from starting, and recovery is easy. Getting a 4-wheel alignment makes a huge difference with this car. The back is roomy. Visibility is great but for the rear head rests sticking up.

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  Love it ,But - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jak54 - April 12 - 3:33 am

  Ive owned this Touareg for about 4000 miles now. Its a great SUV as far as the the ride and handling. Im not going to complain about the terrible gas mileage. I mean someone else already mentioned this, ITS A 5500 LB SUV! What bothers me is the cheap plastic they used on in the interior! The decals on the radio presets and on the fans, etc. The supposedly buttons for a garage door opener do not work. Took it to the dealer..he said "use your own opener"...and the stereo controls...shouldnt they be on the steering wheel? Bells and whistles dont mean much if they dont work. Oh, and the VW logo in the center of the wheels, is glued on!

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  Nice Ride - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sheela - April 11 - 6:40 am

  My Jetta is great, minus a few things here and there but I love it. Its faster than I had expected, showing me that I could surpass many higher end cars, it has a nice kick to it. I havent had any engine trouble but I did by it used and havent had it for too long so we shall see. I love a lot of details in the interior like the lights in the dash, the stereo system, sunroof, and heated seats. Unfortunately, it was poorly built Im finding out. The interior rubber-like paint peels off and I have now just peeled it all off and it looks better. I learned quickly not too pull up on a curb because it basically pulls your bumper off which was surprising to me. Other than that though, I love it!