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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  Highway hazard - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By raediem - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Headlights burn out very quickly. Brakes replaced at 30K. Alternator replaced at 24500-of course out of warranty. Less than 500 miles later the battery died. At 37K the alternator needs to be replaced again. Door to gas tank is now manual. While driving car will jerk, electrical system dies at any speed then resumes. This is very traumatic on the highway!!!

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  Shattered Dreams - Poor Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By ahedin - December 2 - 2:00 am

  As a child I always dreamed of driving a VW Golf. However, my experience with my GTI has shattered my dreams. The car has been in the shop four times in less than one year. That is unacceptable, but VW does not care (Once the car is sold you will be lucky to get a sorry). The GTI feels faster than it is. The ride is harsh and it does not go through the corners well. The back seats still rattle and my fear is the catalytic converter will go next.

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  Disappointing - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By Don Fox - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Upscale features are nice, but great mileage is meaningless given purchase premium & $750 glow plugs/relay/harness replacement; may as well have gas engine & avoid the extra noise, sluggish response, & noxious exhaust. Electrical problems: rear window defroster, seat heater, errant break warning light, air recirculation button. Glove box broke at only 15 mo (but 30,000 mi, so no warranty help). Annoyances: wide turning radius, clunky shifter, low radio & climate control placement, useless clothes hanger hooks, small sun visors, low side placement of the trunk light, flimsy 12V receptacle in the trunk, & lint-collecting seat fabric.

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  flawed - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By flawed - November 21 - 3:16 am

  after 3900 miles, my EPC warning light appeared on the dash. Acceleration was lost and the car sporadically regained power, only to lose it again. A few days later the Engine Malfunction icon also appeared. The car is now destined for a few days in the shop.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sandy - November 14 - 11:56 pm

  I have had the car for three years now and it has been towed four times and back to the dealer for repairs ten times. My history of problems with the car started a month after purchase with malfunction of minor parts (hoses, the window...) and is beginning to escalate into larger problems. The car is completely unreliable and not worth the amount of money it cost me. It has been extremely inconvenient to have the car (since VWZ does not provide loaner cars)and I have regretted its purchase since the first towing at 60 miles.

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  It is a junk car - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jasmina Zigic - November 14 - 6:59 am

  Bought a brand new car. DSG transmission never worked properly, car was jerking and leaping forward after complete stop. Owned it for 7 years. In the first month, VW dealership replaced the clutch, mechatronic unit, transmission, auto-hold button, antenna module. After warranty expired, I had to replace break pump, some valves, coolant pump, tires, and fuel pump, rear shock absorbers, and mechatronic unit again. Antenna module/radio is not working again. Front sway bar needs replacement. Car was maintained and service per manufacturer recommendation and has driven less than 15,000 miles per year. This car handles the road very well above 60 miles/hour and has a disante milage. Has awful acceleration, that is a big delay at lower speed.

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  This car is rubbish - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ben - November 13 - 12:30 pm

  Bought used in 2003 w/ 32,000 miles. First day off the lot vacuum hose broke. Like many others who reviewed engine sludge problems. Had to replace timing belt at 75,000. Car has been in for work 12 times in 36 months even with manufacturers suggested maintenance. Dont ever buy a passat!

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  Dont buy a Jetta! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lrm80 - November 9 - 1:53 am

  This was the first "new" car that I ever purchased and I thought I was buying something reliable! Instead I spend most of my time at the service department. Ive had a laundry list of problems including needing all four coil packs replaced, a new transmission at only 30,000 miles, the drivers side window falling into door three times, both coolant fans needed replacing, the seat heaters short circuited and I still have trouble with the Tiptronic gear shifter! I would never buy another VW again, it has been nothing but a waste of money and when you buy a new car you expect reliability!

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  Dont Do It!!!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ryan - November 7 - 6:16 am

  I had heard what reliable cars VWs were, at the time I was employed at a Buick dealership and a Jetta came in on trade. I bought it, HUGE MISTAKE. Car is expensive to maintain. Emission control problems, Interior parts I.E. Glove box door, lamps, cup holders, all complete junk. Car uses excessive amounts of oil, window regulators break, replaced catalytic converter twice. Parts are way overpriced..a new ignition key is 200 dollars. Customer service and support are as unreliable as the car.

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  Nearly 80k miles, and a new issue everyday. - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By wscott1 - November 7 - 5:21 am

  I bought the car about 2 years ago as a commuter vehicle, and after putting over 50k miles on this car, I can confidently say this is one of the worst cars Ive ever owned. The speedometer is 5 mph off (something VW told me was acceptable in their vehicles), the trunk opens when putting the car into gear unless you lock the doors before hand, the car idles incredibly rough when first started, the small engine paired with a turbo makes pulling out into any sort of traffic a game of roulette (due to the lag before the engine responds to the gas pedal), and the air conditioner sensors have gone out twice. The list continues, but the point is this is my first and last VW.