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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  it is a shame VW doesnt care - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By scarabo - March 15 - 10:00 am

  none

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  Chrome Oxidizing All Over Body - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Debra - March 8 - 2:50 am

  Volkswagen is using junk chrome on its exterior. The chrome all over my car began to oxidize at about 5,000 miles. Dealer said that they had never heard of this problem, although VW had developed a special creme to buff out this problem theyve never heard about. Buffed once, reoxidized, regional manager is telling me I have to take off work to have it buffed out again. Why? Just replace the faulty chrome. Shame on you, Volkswagen! I love the car otherwise, but I am souring on the company after what Ive been through. Initially, they were not willing to do anything. Too bad, so sad. Disappointing gas milage. You can do better, VW...

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  Dont do it............ - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kozso - March 2 - 4:30 pm

  Looking to buy a VW Beetle? Dont do it! We have had our Beetle for 1 1/2 years. We bought used with 60,000 on it. Shame on me for not doing my homework. It has been a nightmare. OK, it is fun to drive, gets 43+ mpg and we have put 50,000 miles on it. But the frequent costly repairs out weighs the savings at the pump and the fun of driving it. VW has an electrical issue. I get the thing fixed, and try to sell, but another indicator lights pops on: check engine, ABS, brake pads - you name it, it has been broken. At this rate I will never get rid of it.

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  Disappointing for a VW--Caviat Emptor! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ryancal - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Buyer Beware!I have a 2000 Jetta GL and Sadly,I must say that this will be my last!At 24K miles,the temperature gauge stopped working.When I asked the dealer about it,they said it would cost $90 bucks JUST to hook the car up to their "computer" to see WHY it was happenning!Also,around 20K miles,the cars suspension(they think)started making a loud "sqeaking/crunching" sound whenever I turned right,or took a corner while breaking.My rear breaks were shot at 22K, and after only normal driving.My check engine light and ABS light go on and off for no reason.The radio controls are inconveniently located too low to the floor.

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  This car SUCKS - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By juniper - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had a lot of repairs, so I will simply list them: Front and rear Oxygen sensors, Mass flow meter, Spark plugs and wires twice (30,000 and 70,000 miles), Brake light sensor, Coil pack, Catalytic converter, Rear brake pads and rotors twice (nothing done to the front brakes...seems strange), Serpentine belt, power window motors...these include the major repairs that were NOT covered under warranty, but then again not much is when VW only offers 2 years or 24,000 miles. I will never buy another VW ever!!!

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  The best and worst car you can buy - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By treploe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  My Jettas check engine light is always on, it stalls every once in a while, it eats oil and the dealer hasnt been able to pin point the problem. My car is a lemon. However, as weird as it sounds, I love everything about the car. If mine wasnt a lemon it would be the best car I have ever owned.

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  unreliable car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By gurgel - February 14 - 4:56 am

  The brake & gas peddles are too small and too close. Lots of problems with these cars. Poor choice of materials. The interior scratches real easy. Lots of mechanical parts made out of cheap plastic (power widow braces) that are expensive to replace. Watch out for tie rods, control arms, mass air flow sensors, timing belts, and engine sludge. All very common problems. Expect at least $1,000/year in repairs.

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  Clunky -Awful Gas Mileage - Bad in Snow - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By PJ - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We have had this van now for almost 2- years. We are counting down the days to get rid of it. It all started the transmission clunking since day 1 and still no fix. It also feels like it accelerates without touching the gas when its cold. We can barely get up our hill in the snow and will not take it on road trips because the mileage is awful.

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  Need deep pockets for repair/maintenance. - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By norsechild76 - February 10 - 10:45 am

  110K miles on 2006 Jetta TDI, original owner. Had to have both front axles replaced under warranty in 2008. Just had to have the dual mass flywheel replaced and another axle...$2,400.00 out the door. 100k mile maintenance, another $1,200.00. Headliner is falling down around our ears and has been for several years. Dealer experience is great as long as you are willing to right big checks and not question anything. Very disappointed overall with the value of this vehicle...will NOT buy another. Next car will be a Subaru or Honda.

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  VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By kittylala - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is car is pretty nice however, un reliable, and I found Japanese made to be a better value and beter quality.