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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  2010 - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Brian M - June 26 - 12:23 pm

  At first skeptical, but after a few weeks I realized this is a great car that really fits my needs. The legroom all around is great. Truly a 4 passenger car, not 5. Unbelievably, fun to drive. Cabin is very quiet and when that passing power is needed , it really delivers. After the initial break in period, of 1000 miles, the car seemed to get even better. When compared to other small SUVs, I step on the gas and the Tiguan Wolfsburg really moves, not just engine noise.

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  Happy Since I Sold It.... - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SFborn - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Im so delighted I dumped this car. What a loser! I spent close to $9,000 to repair some suspension problem, the engine burned a quart of oil every 750 miles and Volkswagen would do nothing about it, and yup, I too had the pealing interior problem, the engine fan seemed to run all the time and the air conditioning vents broke. Got tired of trying to figure out what would go wrong next. Bought a Mercedes - smart move. I dumped this lemon while I could still get money for it - I suggest you do the same!

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  German Junk - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By philomela - June 26 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a reliable car, dont look at a Jetta VR6. This weeks repair--new catalytic converter. 2 weeks before that it was an O2 sensor and in the last year, trunk sensor, temperature gauge sensor, mass air intake sensor, and the window regulator. Things that still need repair: fuel gauge sensor, dash lights, and seat levers for both front seats are broken.

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  Enjoyed the car! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SilverStarC230K - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and finally selling it. I enjoyed the car. Wasnt quite as reliable as you might expect a car under 3 yrs old, but it is a fun car to drive. I had no major mechanical issues, just minor things. I considered buying a 02 TurboS, but instead bought a 03 C230K. Will be sad to see my car go, it was a lot of fun drive. The 2.0 (2.slow) has some pep, but you would expect better gas mileage. Roomy, fun to drive, and retro styling is very cool!

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  Not my wifes car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By - June 26 - 10:00 am

  When it was time to replace my 95 GTI VR6, much beloved for its power and utility, my goal was 4 seats and at least as much performance. My kids wanted a "punch buggy." My wife loved the snap orange New Beetle. I test drove the 1.8T but felt it was a step down, and had a rubbery shifter. Then I test drove the Turbo S and fell in love with the noticeable increase in power, 6 speed shifter, and great seats. My wife can get an orange one next time; mines a black Turbo S!

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  Please Save Yourself from VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jeff - June 26 - 2:30 am

  Everything started out fine with my Touareg. I have owened 4 VWs so I was excited to own a Touareg. I had read the reviews just like you and thought, OK there are a few bad apples but no problem VW will fix it. Nope they will not fix it, if you have the throttle or transmission issue they will tell you to sue. Check the web and read up, there is a class action lawsuit forming on the Touareg and VW couldnt care less. They would not repair mine after 9 times and refused to replace it or allow it as a trade in. This truck really gets only 8-16 miles per gallon. Please do your homework on this vehicle first. Check the web and see what is going on. If you have a good one be greatful... I thought my T-rex was good too. I finally sold it at 25,000 miles

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  Solid Buy - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By BlueVW - June 25 - 10:36 pm

  Ive had my VW Golf TDI (AT) for over 6 months. Its been everything I hoped for - reliable, fuel efficient, and really fun to drive. I live in Annapols, MD. This car is perfect for city living and highway driving. Small enough to scoot around small historic city streets (nimble handling). Plenty of power (great torque) for highway driving. The hatchback provides nice utility. This Golf is by far the best car Ive ever owned (Ive had a Toyota Celica, Honda Civic, Pontiac Sunbird, Mazda B2000, VW Passat 1.8T, Dodge Durango, and a Jeep Wrangler). Im going to drive this car for many many years.

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  Dont waste your money or time - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stella - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and within one month; there has been nothing but mechanical/electrical problems. At least every other month something else was and still is breaking and needs repair. The trade- in value is horrible; however after this mornings episode; I made up my mind to finally get rid of this piece of junk. The latest break was found when I went to get gas. The tank release button on the door broke and the gas door cant be opened. After looking throughout the car and trunk for an emergency release button; none could be found. I drove the car to a local station; warranty expired; so this cost will be added to the long list of headaches that came along with this car.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kristi - June 25 - 3:59 am

  Ive been going thru the reviews and have seen a lot of bad reviews. I actually love my 2005 New Jetta 2.5 model. I bought it used with 50000 miles in 2009. It now has 150000 miles. Last year I did have some costly repairs but it sure was cheaper than buying a new car. I drive my car for work and I feel confident that it wont leave me stranded and she never had! My Jetta has a chain timing belt, so no issues with the engine. With a rubber timing belt breaks can and do happen on every make and model of vehicles. If you have a rubber belt, check it periodically because they wear. Overall, I love my car! I love the leatherette material, the heated seats, the rain scenored wipers, the ESP for stability, comfort and good fuel efficiency even today.

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  My 2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By brueggemann - June 24 - 9:25 pm

  This is the 2nd 2003 Passt weve owned. My niece had a 2003 also and told me that they had to replace the motor once, and the turbo charger once, and recommended I dont get one. During the 2 years with our first Passat, we had it in the shop 6 times for engine lights. Finally they said it was caused by the turbo charger & wanted $4,300. We could afford the repair & traded it on another 2003 with lower mileage & extended warranty. Weve had the this second car for 3 years & the engine light has come on 9 different times. Sun roof opens on its own and the rear windows fall out of the tracks. The car is in the shop now for it 2nd new turbo booster and guess what? No more warranty. GRRRR