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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  Happy Fat Man - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chanman - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Beetle is a 2003 Convertible GLS with leather and a six-speed automatic. This past Fall my wife and I took our 2003 Beetle Convertible on an 18 day, 5000 mile excursion to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and most points in between. We packed a weeks change of clothes for warm and cool weather, plus a cooler packed with drinks, food, and cameras, ect. NO PROBLEM!! I am a big, big man, pushing 400lbs. Yet we were both very comfortable and the car performed without flaw. Let me tell you...there is nothing like the Rockies in a rag-top!!

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  reported to nhtsa - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jmbcorex - June 23 - 12:50 am

  Terrible problems with the transmission...shifted from park to reverse...depress brake pedal light came on, and gear indicator light (prnds) started flashing and car slipped into neutral, but re- engaged...lurched backward and almost hit pasng car...then next night...driving 50 mph in drive...car jumped to neutral, engine raced to redline... gear shift indicator light started flashing and depress brake pedal light before starting light came on...almost got rear-ended by car behind me. Dealer said i have to have transmission torn apart and some type of sensor replaced...done research...found this problem exists, along with flywheel and mechatronic module...sent report to NHTSA...

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  My Opinion is the EOS is Junk - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Ecartman1964 - June 22 - 6:53 am

  The EOS is a beautiful car and it has great performance and outstanding gas mileage. It ends there. Serious problems with engine, it burns oil, and leaks a little. I would not suggest this vehicle because I had it break down twice (only driven it 8,000 miles in the last year) and towed. Service is horrible because one must wait for a few days before they can even look at it and start the repairs. Ill never buy another VW again and will migrate over to Lexus, Infinity, or Acura.

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  Nothing but problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jessevitrone - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I really want to love this car, but I just cant. Its been nothing but problems for me. Ive been to the dealership 9 times for repairs in 16 months. Twice for engine problems, the rest for stupid stuff like cup holders that wont pop out, stuck glove box door, doors making noise while driving, etc. Its a great looking car, and has such a great feel to it. Like I said, I really want to love it, but everytime I start to, something else breaks. Judging from the reviews posted here, Im not the only one with these problem.

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  Seriously Consider before you buy!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J.A.W. - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I was so happy when I bought my Jetta! It was a great car until around 24,000 miles. The check engine light began coming on and every time I took it to the dealer they said they fixed it but several days later it came on again. This happened multiple times and the people at the dealership (Airport Auto, Santa Maria, CA) were extremely rude and made me feel stupid and tried to say that they couldnt find any problems, although the light was coming on!! BAD SERVICE! VW of America was much help either.

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  2004 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bill - June 12 - 2:16 pm

  Really enjoy the handling, the sound system and the performance of the vehicle. I had to relearn how to drive because it is not very hard to average 7 miles per gallon if you accelerate quickly often.

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  2014 Jetta S (Base, 5m) - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andrew F - June 10 - 2:22 am

  Performance: With an old-school 8 valve 2.0 naturally aspirated 4 cylinder, youre not really going anywhere with a zip. Important: If youre living in the mountains you should avoid this trim and opt for a turbocharged engine. At only 5,000 feet your power output will be less than 98 horsepower. Go up to 8,000 and youre at 88 horsepower. I drove the car from sea level to the top of Pikes Peak (14,100) and at max altitude the engine is bogged down to a MAXIMUM of 67 horsepower. Thats at its peak mind you. Youre not going to be happy if you live in the mountains, I can guarantee it. No matter, at lower elevations it is bearable but you still do a lot of downshifting when theres an incline. You do get used to it after awhile to a degree. Put 2-4 passengers in the car and/or a trunk full of items and it does tend to become a snail with wheels though. Also, when the car is fully loaded there is absolutely no pep or overtaking power to speak of. The mud-flaps tend to touch the ground when you go over large bumps while driving if youve got passengers. Steering is responsive and easy, the vehicle handles satisfactorily in all weather and conditions. The ride is of good quality. I have had to take the car to the dealership more than once because of rocks getting stuck in the brake components due to infrequent gravel roads to go to visit family. This caused an unpleasant rattling and grinding sound while maneuvering the vehicle. Hill start assist for a manual is a plus. Comfort: As previously stated the ride quality is good for an inexpensive car. It isnt a spongy ride like many economy cars have. The seats are decently supportive and manually adjustable for height which is a plus for a car like this and adds to the comfort. I have driven the car on multi-state road trips and have no issues with the seat comfort. A/C is efficient in 90 degree weather and Heat is HOT when you need it. Interior: Interior is cheap but well appointed. For a base car it does the trick. No frills, but there is an AUX port which is nice. Dash is hard plastic. The shifter and gauge cluster/steering wheel is attractive and tidy looking. The gauges are photosensitive during day driving and will dim/lighten up based on the ambient light in the car. The trunk is big for a small sedan. Folding rear seats too. 12v plug in the back seat. Car has MPG, Ext. Temp, and various other instruments that you can switch to with a small button on the wiper switch. Safety: Competitive and reassuring. Curtain airbags. Car traction control cannot be switched off. Previously stated, hill-start assist is a help with the manual transmission. Technology. The tech in this car is OK. The sound system quality is so-so if you like to jam out. If you have the window down and the radio up (not stupidly loud, but loud enough to hear over the wind) the sound can appear distorted because of the low quality speakers. No Bluetooth. The gauges do not have temp or oil gauges but offer MPG/Speed/Temp etc. which is good. Radio head unit is decent quality, offers AUX port and CD player. Heated mirrors are nice. Reliability: Brakes have lasted well, no warping after 40,000 miles. Vehicle has not had anything outside of routine maint. besides the issue with rocks stuck in the brakes from a gravel road which was covered under warranty (28,000mi). Value: Price point is competitive and a decent value. Car came with a full-size spare a road hazard kit (Jumpers, reflective triangles, first aid, poncho etc...). Also came with trunk dividers which often take up space instead of help create organized trunk area. It is nice when you have groceries though because you can corner the milk off so it doesnt roll around in the trunk. Warranty was not competitive (3y, 36,000mi) vs. many similar cars (Mitsubish Lancer, Kia, etc) Resale value is rock bottom so drive it until the wheels fall off.

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  Becareful - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Liquidsoul - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has great performance right out of the box. The torque right off the line is amazing. But VW should raise the reliability and stiffer suspension. The car has too much body roll. And with in the first year, my auto shift knob has jammed as well as both of my windows fell off track with in 2 days of each other. The service is always horrible, i have to wait a week and a half to 2 weeks to bring my car in.

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  New 2001 VW Passat - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By bp1020 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car with no problems for the first 18 months. Drives and rides great. Plenty of power without the extra cost of the V6. I have the leather package, but without power seats. Seats are still very ajustable and comfortable. I drive 4 plus hours in the car on a regular basis and find it to be very comfortable.

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  Highway to mountains - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By clemmy - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I spent months looking for the perfect blend of "go any where ability, performance handling and speed, towing capacity (business expense), front leg room, and all with a luxury interior. No other vehicle comes close in the price range. The Touareg is every bit the vehicle as the Cheyene S for about $17,000 less. Cant wait to trade mine in for the V10 Diesel.