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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  Very impressed - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mylasher - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jetta for four years with very few problems. I got the bottom-rung model and next time will get the power windows and seat, cruise control and sunroof. After about 80,000 miles the Check Engine light started to come on at odd times with no noticable change in performance. Its reportedly the oxygen sensor. After 105,000 miles, oil changes about every 5,000-8,000 miles, two brake jobs, one tire change and no other maintenance, the car is still getting its factory mileage and performance. Im very impressed.

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  Great SUV Great Value - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By T-regDent - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my T-reg for a month and have had zero problems. Premium Plus Pkg. is the way to go. Remote key range is OK 20-30ft, but I dont need it with keyless entry. Handles well for a big (2 1/2 ton) SUV and the V-8 has plenty of power. Ext & Int fit and finish is excellent. More standard features than MDX, LX 470 or Cayenne, for less money. Air Suspension has three different ride settings and three different ride heights. This is an outstanding SUV with a huge bang for the buck.

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  Very Happy with This Purchase, So Far - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jsefcik - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in November, 2003. Huge incentive from VW so the car was a steal. Ive been thrilled with it so far. The build quality seems far superior to the Mazda, Matrix, Impreza, Focus. No comparison really. My sis-in-law owns an Audi A4 Wagon that is a spitting image -- same exact engine, same interior --except the Audi has trip computer, leather and 4wd. If you think leather, trip computer and 4WD equals $17,000, then go for the Audi. My car was half the price of hers!

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  My 2005 TDI Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By paul - April 20 - 8:13 pm

  I finally succumbed, kicking and screaming, to buying a car that gets good mileage. Yes the SUV is killing my monthly budget. The Passat was an obvious choice, having owned diesel cars many years ago; I wasnt expecting that this car would be so great. The pickup is amazing it is very comfortable has plenty of room, the trunk is especially large and with the rear seats folded down cavernous. The body style still looks great despite the new design coming out this fall. I think this would be a good choice for anyone interested in a car that would be used mostly for highway commuting. I would not recommend this car for local driving; this engine is not well suited for this type of operation.

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  Love it!! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gyrlfr50 - April 20 - 5:30 am

  I love my Jetta, I bought it used with 50,000 miles, Its fun to drive and so far great on Gas! I have only had it for a week. So far so good!! Im very happy with it.

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  Excellent vehicle but read fine print - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By krs235 - April 20 - 5:26 am

  Only had vehicle for 3 mon. but very happy. Performance is better than expected - quick and responsive. Tight & nimble handling. 40mpg(combined) - 48mpg(mostly highway). Very comfortable interior but back seat too small even for 3 small kids. Premium 8 radio with sat but no nav. Bluetooth package NOT AS ADVERTISED. Learned I have lower grade Bluetooth - it only receives calls - no phone book and cant place outgoing calls. The literature is very deceiving. Bluetooth a waste of money if you cant call out. You can place a call on your cell phone, but expect a ticket sooner or later. Even more difficult with manual tran. Too early for build quality and reliability but so far so good.

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  Love this VW - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By jas0903 - April 19 - 7:01 pm

  I test drove everything from Kia to Mercedes before buying the Tiguan, and this was a stand out vehicle from them all. The solid build quality, quiet cabin and quick turbo engine sold me on this one. It has a "fun to drive" factor that most small suvs do not. There is plenty of cabin room even in the back seat which slides forward and back and/or lays flat for more cargo room. If it werent for the height and extra room you would think you were driving a GTI. Very sporty, quick and fun! Overall thrilled with my purchase!

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  Awesome and fun little hatchback - 2012 Volkswagen GTI
  By iisgenius - April 19 - 2:03 pm

  Got my red manual GTI last week. Put in 420 miles in 6 days. I love this car! It will give you power when you need it with no torque steer - considering its turbo with front wheel drive! Car is beautiful in and out. The interior is just beautiful with the interlagos seats - reminds me of burberry. Fuel consumption is also excellent. I averaged 28 mpg. 25% stop and go driving; and 75% freeway driving with speeds from 65 to 70 mph (trying to break in the car and havent gone over 70 mph). Handling is a hoot!!! Only complain is the ride - it can get uncomfortable on imperfect freeways but its a sport car!

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  GLX Wagon: A Benz in V-Dub clothing - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By J ay Devereux - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our 2000 Passat GLX wagon from time we drove it off the lot. The satin silver exterior with black leather is stunning. With the exception of a ridiculous cupholder design, the vehicle is terrific in every detail. It features everything you love about high-end German cars but at a 30-something price: power, doors that close with a teutonic thunk, handling, fit/finish, etc. Will probably trade up to the W8 Passat AWD next......

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  THE car for the college kids - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JamieG - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a car that crashed well and inexpensive. I found the best of both worlds after exhaustive research. The Jetta is definately the perfect car for any student headed off to college. My father loved the price and I loved the style and drive.