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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  Enjoyed this wagon! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By collmm - July 31 - 7:36 pm

  I reviewed my Passat in Oct 04. I loved my car & was incredibly sad when I was finally forced to trade her @ 110K miles. I wanted to drive her to 250K! Smooth ride, quick acceleration, excellent braking, tight turning radius, style-a beautiful combination of performance & design. The exterior & interior still looked nearly new. Truly a well built car. So why did I trade such a wonderful car? Your cant license a vehicle in St. Louis with Check Engine Light codes. The dealer was unable to correct the emissions issue for 2 years. Additional repairs would START at $4000 (pre-cats, gas tank & lines). VW refused to help though some issues were under recall! VW lost a loyal customer!

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  Another SUPERIOR German product!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWKING - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 18th VW 2200 miles ago and I couldnt be happier. Its the GLI with 204 hp and a buttery smooth 6 speed tranny makes it feels like a Balistic Missile!!

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  2009 VW TDI DSG Tranny Update - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By adrenalinetdi - July 31 - 6:37 am

  Seriously folks, you must have to get this Dealer Warranty replaced. Our 2.0L TDI has a Mechtronic Controller Unit that sits atop the DSG Tranny. This Unit controls and puts a stop to the jerky and hesitation. Palisades VW in New York replaced mine last summer and WOW it has made a significant difference in the fuel economy, quickness, and safety. Now, when I press the pedal lightly, the TDI shifts smooooth and quick. Also, when slowing down, no more jerks. At 58 MPH I get 52 MPG with the AC blowing cold. In the city, at 45 MPH I get 60 + MPG. Seriously, do not let the dealers tell you otherwise. We spent extra money for the TDI for a reason. Make the call and beat the BMW driving uphill.

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  The Jetta SE Delivers - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettagirl - July 28 - 1:26 am

  This little beauty is fun to drive, attractive and stylish interior, the car handles turns and corners well. Slightly sluggish on acceleration at times but overall is a great value! I feel very safe with this vehicle. Fuel economy is about average. I think it will improve as the car gets older because that usually happens once you break a car in. I have the leather interior and I love it! Ive usually gotten cloth interiors but I love the fact I can just wipe it clean! Im so excited about the iPod port feature! I love my sun/moon roof and Im enjoying this car.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PMoscarella - July 27 - 6:30 am

  I got my 2003 Jetta as a three year lease and just switched to a purchase since the car is great. Its great low end torque coupled with the 1.8T turbo engine make the car a great performance machine. The 5-speed manual transmission is a must. I got the car with the sport package upgrade of 17" wheels and a firmer suspension. It could use a rear sway bar but it can take twistys confidently. While the back seat is snug the trunk is enormous and with the seats folded down perfectly flat the car can haul a lot of stuff. The cloth seats are a lint magnet, but all the little upscale Audi-esque touches make this car feel very sophiticated. Its gas mileafe is good for a turbo, I get around 25~30 mpg with mixed driving.

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  First Impression - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By vincevw329 - July 26 - 11:37 pm

  Turned in my 08 Jetta for a 11 GTI 3 days ago. This is a 2 door model w/sunroof and auto trans. Noteworthy features are the easy to use bluetooth now in all new VWs I think, cloth trim (GTI fashion), and touchscreen radio. Even the base GTI has an impressive list of features like heated seats, all power controls, and leather trimmed appointments. Exterior design is slightly updated for 2011 with a new horizontal grill and separated duel exhaust pipes which gives the back end a squatter look. Inside Im happy to say fit and finish is typical VW first rate. Quality materials put together well. Driving is wonderful, good road feel, excellent accelleration, and easy steering make it a blast!

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  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By axc4466 - July 24 - 7:43 am

  I have had the 2008 Jetta S for 4.5 months and put 5,500 miles on it. It is absolutely the best car on the market for the price paid. The interior feels luxurious. The drive is excellent - smooth and confident. Lots of power, legroom, headroom, ample trunk space. I have a base model, but I do not feel a need for anything that is not there. A true engineering marvel for this price.

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  One of the Best Buys for the Money!! - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kevin Riley - July 23 - 8:56 pm

  The car gets great gas mileage. I get around 37 on the highway. The car is fun to drive and has good acceleration. Ive owned the car almost 3 years now and have never had an issue. I think its the best value out there. The car is big. Big back seat, Big trunk. Great car for taller drivers too!

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  The Underated VW CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Michael Almada - July 23 - 2:38 pm

  This car exceeded my expectations in a host of ways - great value for the money when originally released in 2009. With the 2013 change of model, the price has risen to match the quality level of the car. Fabulous handing and mileage - I could reach 36-40 mgp highway on flat roads like NJ Turnpike; averaged 31 mgp all around. Excellent, durable materials in cabin. Superb styling and equipment. Excellent front leg room for tall drivers and left leg rest. Slight hesitation typical of this 2.0T VW engine on take off. I had NO mechanical issues whatsoever. Only 2 minor annoyances: odd spring loading on the doors; default setting - only the drivers door unlocks on exiting the vehicle. Also note the DSG maintenance is pricey at $400 every 40K miles.

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  Just a great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sanford12 - July 23 - 6:23 am

  I bougth this car new and have put 73,000 miles on it in 4 years as a daily driver to work. I have a combined fuel average of 29.5 mpg. The car has been in the shop to have the coils replaced (factory recall, all four at one time) never had one go out, replaced the garage opener, radio and divers seatbelt under warranty and the seat heaters recall. This is not perfect, but not bad for four years. Now Ive read about $75.00 headlamp repalcements, brakes and rotors that went bad at 25,000 miles and other such complaints and all I can say is change the headlamp yourself, easy once you do it and quit driving like a maniac a set of brakes should last at least 50,000 and will go 80,000 if you drive like youre sane. P.S. use Mobil 1 0W40 oil.