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 still like it - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anna - July 26 - 9:06 pm

  At 65k miles I still think the Passat is a great car. I bought it as a family car and what sold me was the solid quality feel, excellent crash ratings, well designed little luxury features (eg. one-touch up and down front windows, one-touch rotary dial sunroof control). Many Audi features at a VW price. Sufficient power to blast along at 80+ with full load, yet decent gas mileage (low 20s around the burbs, 30 cruising @ 65, 27 cruising @80 with a full load). Fairly reliable – problems have been: dead rear washer, dead rear speaker(s), faulty temp gauge sender, oil leak at valve timing chain cover (common prob); all were fixed under warranty although the rear speakers are now all dead.

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  Best purchase we ever made - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDotten - July 26 - 9:16 am

  Our Jetta TDI has been incredibly reliable. The 40 miles to the gallon is reason enough to buy one, I figure we have saved roughly $1,500-$2K in gas in the couple of years we have owned it. In addition to that, we havent had a single problem with the car and have only had to replace two break pads at 50K miles! The manual transmission also makes it fun to drive, and the TDi has plenty of power. I strongly recommend this car.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmciii - July 25 - 9:52 pm

  First off, let me say Iv only had my 2013 Passat S for about three weeks, so dont expect any reliability reviews. But as regards my driving and build quality, well, read on. Yes, mine is the base model. Do I feel underwhelmed? No. The Passat S drives and handles just fine for basic family driving. Plenty of pep, smooth ride, and the "S"port gear when you need the extra oomph. So smooth is the ride that its easy to speed without knowing it. The interior is laid out cleanly and with all controls easily reached. LOVE the Bluetooth capability. Front seats are every comfortable. Huge leg room in back. And wow, what a trunk. I dont know how VW did it. Just wish the gas mileage were better.

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  Sound car but...... - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By arled - July 24 - 11:42 pm

  Gave it high marks. Positives: Solid gas mileage. Light. Sporty and fun to drive. Nice interior. Excellent value. Cons: 4 seater w/limited head room. Engine lags when stepping on gas Needs more power. Gas and brake pedal are to close to each other. Very limited 3 year maintenance plan. Lots of plastic in engine compartment.

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  My Wagon - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By SWharton - July 24 - 2:00 am

  We have a 98 and experienced the same mechanical problem with both; at 45,000 miles something happens to the catalytic converter, the idle was way off (super high) and the car shakes. In California it is covered, but in any other state it is 450$ to get fixed. One other thing when you get your timing belt replaced its $850 bucks. Not sure if I would buy another one. I think leasing might be the way to go on these cars as they get costly the more miles you put on them.

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  fun to drive - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By huskerfan - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jetta about year and a half ago. I have not experienced any problems with it thus far. One thing i do question is the build quality. It may be my imagination but when i go around corners i do hear a noise (no in the suspension) but in the door frame area. All in all it gets great gas milege and it is fun to drive.

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  VW FROM MEXICO JUST NOT CUTTING IT - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TENNISBUM - July 22 - 2:00 am

  VR6 POWERTRAIN IS GREAT. HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, ON THE THIRD YEAR, IRRITATING THINGS STARTED TO HAPPEN. BOTH REAR POWER WINDOW MOTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ($600). AFTERWHICH, THE EXTERIOR SIDE DOOR MOLDINGS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY PEELING OFF. REPLACED ONE DRIVERS SIDE MOLDING ($120) AFTER IT COMPLETELY CAME OFF. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE? MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A HONDA ACCORD!

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  The next Chevy Vega - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tennessee - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Warning!!! Do not buy this car. In the first 37000 miles I have had the starter replaced, the flashers, 3 oxygen sensors and both power windows have failed, leaving the windows all the way down. Both times I was hours from home. My relationship with VW is over forever!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Car for your MONEY - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Installs + Plus - July 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is like a wolf in sheeps clothing.Lets just put it this way I surprise alot of drivers when they have to take a better look at the trunk emblem and see that its a VR6.I purchased this vehicle with the 17" upgraded sports package and also modified the suspension by replacing with neuspeed. When I first bought the car I loved it but it was to high. It looks like a SUV until I changed the suspension (night and day difference.) Overall the car is great. I truly recomend this car if you want something practicality and understating. I personally love the 330ci bought I want to sleep at night. ENJOY YOUR VW THEY ARE GETTING MUCH BETTER THEN THEY USED TO BE!

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  Sharpest Looking Compact on the Street - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golfrisk - July 22 - 2:00 am

  When I was considering by my first VW, I was a little concerned about their reliability track record. Im now happy to report my 2002 (2.0 L) Jetta has run almost flawlessly for its first 30,000 miles! It is an absolutely fun car to manuever throuogh heavy Atlanta traffic.