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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  My jetta wagon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rasool - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is joy to drive.Great handling,braking(though ABS cylinder has a manufactuer defact that fails in first hard braking).Good warranty coverage and company that care about its image,will respond to your complain right away.Overall, proud to own this car.

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  Crap - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By kyra.herman - March 10 - 7:03 am

  This was my dream car now its my nightmare. Its possessed. The Windows never want to do what you want them to do. The car sometimes turns on with out the ac working then you have to restart it. The horn honks itself when its too hot out and its just nickel and diming me. Its cute and I can put the top down and I dont owe anything on it so thats the only reason Im still putting up with this car but as soon as I get my promotion its gone.

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  4 Door Golf - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By danjv - March 9 - 5:24 am

  Ive owned this car for just a couple weeks, but I can already tell this is the great car I hoped it would be. It doesnt come with the most features, it doesnt get the best gas mileage, and it doesnt have the most back seat room. But if you want a car that makes you say "Ahhhhhh" every time you get in and cant spend $35k, get a Golf. Think of it like the iPhone of the car world: the best designed, most well executed, solid-feeling car you can buy for the money. Drive this, then drive something else - youll be frustrated. The engine is smooth and surprisingly powerful. The transmission is good, but regular mode is a bit economy minded - Sport mode is where I leave it most of the time.

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  200,000 with my 06 Jetta 2.5 manual! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dave - March 7 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my Jetta new when I was 24 with the intent to keep it a minimum of 10 years/200,000 miles. I almost bought a manual loaded Mazda 3, boy I am glad I didnt do that. It now has almost 201,000 miles on it and I have mixed feelings. The headlights burn out far too often, the rear brakes get locked up after getting new pads/rotors EVERY time because dealers and non dealer shops have no idea how the Germans designed the brake system in the 06-11 Jetta lol! New brake lines every time will solve the issue usually. Squeaks and rattles come and go randomly, the AM radio gets terrible reception (in Vegas anyway) and there is some road noise and engine noise, both of which I like actually. The inline 5 cylinder engine sounds great to me especially around 4-5,000rpm which I visit quite often. Gas mileage is a decent 24-26/mpg combined. I usually see about 30.5 on the freeway and right at 22-23 in city. The manual transmission allows this. Speaking of my manual, Ive only replaced the clutch one time at a dealer(never again as it cost way too much!). Normal fixes during my cars life include the water pump replaced once, fuel pump once, cooling fans once, radio system once due to wear on the dials, and a few other small things. If youre lucky enough to live in a city with a good VW non-dealer mechanic youll save lots of $$ as the dealer prices for ALL work is just ABSURD!!!! Overall I have loved my vehicle. Its not perfect but I plan to keep it at least 5 more years unless repairs cost me more than 1,500-2,000 a year as a new car payment would then become logical. My headliner is still attached, my car still tracks straight, its not a Mazda 3, and it still starts the first time every time. This is due to absolutely 100% strict maintenance being done, all oil changes, filter changes, lubes and tunes done at manufacturer recommended intervals. Its been a little pricey but well worth it. My interior is in like new condition except for some tears in the pleather seat that I got while moving (a pic frame stabbed my seat 😕) and my stearing wheel is super corroded for some reason. I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy my Jetta!

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dksbatch - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love our wagon and I test drove a lot of wagons before we bought this one. It is reliable, sporty and perfect for someone downsizing from an SUV (we had an Explorer) It is the safest car out there and you are not limited to a trunk. The back opens up and the back seats lay flat giving plenty of room.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By marson - March 6 - 12:56 am

  I have loved my Jetta since I bought it but it seems like too much is going wrong to make it worth keeping. I have had to replace almost 10 sensors on it, adjusters are breaking, and check engine codes are flying out of it like crazy. In the last month I have had to put close to 2,000 into the motor because of problems and there is only 90,000 miles on it. I take very good care of my cars and I have never had to go through this much of a headache with a car. I would never buy a VW again and if I could go back I would buy anything else.

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  It depends..... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By BH - March 5 - 8:26 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Touareg a few months back. Having read the posts from people, it does really depend how you want to view the reliability of this car. The interior is wonderful, the exterior looks very sleek. The handling in general is very good, except when you want to accelerate. It tends to take a while. Right now my car is having its ignition coil replaced, nothing super big. My advice is to buy a used or pre-loved Touareg. Let the previous owners deal with the issues and recalls while I soak up the benefits. Granted I havent yet had to replace the tires or even had an oil change, so Im sure my time will come. Still, it was worth my money.

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  Youre Kidding Right? - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Donner - March 5 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this car in January 2009. The first 5 weeks, the signal lights clicked randomly. Then the car would stall out of nowhere. I got it fixed and everything seemed fine for about 4 months. Now, Im being told I need a new transmission, a new fuel regulator (whatever that is), and 4 new fuses. Youve got to be kidding. I only have 64,000 miles, I cant possibly imagine the car being on the road another 40,000 miles.

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  Do Not Buy A Used One - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Taken for a ride - March 1 - 9:53 pm

  Purchased for my daughter thinking it would be a safe reliable car.Had 90,000 miles drove great and took dealers recommendation "it will be a great car for her" In the first year each month we averaged $500 in repairs.I have a 1990 BMW for the past 5 yrs its only cost me $500 in repairs. Now a sludge problem that could cost over $2000 to repair Would never buy one again. Loved my bug in the 70s but VW has to work on reliability and reduced pricing for parts before I would buy another.

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  Cant go wrong - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Damian Ward - March 1 - 8:53 am

  This vehicle will do everything you ask of it onroad or offroad. Safe, reliable, and plenty quick between traffic lights. Stops really well. great vehicle for long road trips. SatNav system is last generation CD instead of DVD. Air suspension works like a dream. No complaints in 1st year of ownership. This vehicle is the full deal.