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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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By MCHINxMD - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Just got my car on new years eve 2002. man I love this car so much. The GTI 1.8t has lots of power, very agile handling and a very luxurious interior. My car in particular has every available package and the car is still reasonably priced around 22k. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty yet luxurious 2 door.

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  AboveAverage - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Grommit - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is mechanically sound and fun to drive. The VR6 engine is peppy and smooth. The car handles well and is good in the snow. When you shift from a stopped position to Drive or Reverse, the automatic transmission takes a couple of seconds to engage. I had a couple of electrical problems with the motors that operate the sunroof and the windows, they were covered under warranty. There are many features the Jetta comes with that I dont see on some expensive European imports and the car has a solid feel. I purchased one of the very first Jettas with the "new" design and attribute the minor problems with it being a sort of prototype.

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  My VW rush :-) - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWKidd82 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my WB Jetta for a little over six monthes now. Its a blast to drive. I been in the shop for minor issues. (squeeks, rattles, dash bulbs). My only major problems was my brake lights were stuck on at 17,800 miles, only 3,000 after taking delivery and Ive had one window regulator replaced under extended warranty. No engine problems.

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  Great German Marvel - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jey - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Except for some reliability issues and improperly trained technicians at services, this is a great car. VW must ratify these issues before they become out of hand.

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  great car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By never again.... - June 14 - 2:00 am

  MUCH BETTER THAN HONDA CIVIC!!! I drove a civic, a lancer, a cavalier, and volvo v40, and they dont match up to the jetta. I have had this for almost a year and i have had no problems and i have 48000 MILES!! I drive around 50000 miles a year and i hope to keep it for a while.

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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cory - June 14 - 1:00 am

  This lease has become the bane of my existence. The car has broken down five times in two years (and thats not counting the small problems when I could still drive it). Bad enough it keeps breaking, but VW does NOTHING to stand behind their product. The transmission leaked when I drove it off the lot. No loaner cars, no concern for my safety. They kept telling me that they valued me as a customer, but what they value is my money.

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  A great Volkswagen - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RYCsailor - June 12 - 8:26 pm

  This vehicle replaced a pickup used for boat towing and general transportation. It has proven to be an outstanding choice with its great towing capacity and comfortable ride. Contrary to earlier reports of excessive problems, the 2005 model appears to have resolved the problems. While the acceleration is not blinding, it is adequate, the seating comfort is first rate as is the design and workmanship. The winter performance was a non-event with no problems encountered and no indications of impending difficulties. Highway travel is comfortable and mileage is acceptable at 20 mpg, 16 mpg around town.

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  Theres just something about the wagon. Its sexy - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By john john - June 12 - 4:09 pm

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  Dont Pass This Car Up - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Erik - June 12 - 3:40 pm

  This car is amazing! I have had over 48 mpg on two tanks of diesel. It is solidly built, quick, and fun. This car is worth every penny and should not be passed up if its available. I am not sure how it will do for winter driving, but I suspect it will be fine. For me this car is better then any hybrid and compromises nothing in quality for fuel economy. I hope more car makers look toward turbo diesel technology, it is truly awesome.

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  Way too many small & stupid problems - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Vik - June 12 - 10:10 am

  I have had so many problems with this car in terms of rattles that its not even funny. In terms of engine, driving, fun factor, etc., its great, but when you have to turn your stereo on every single time you drive just so you can drown out the sounds of the rattles, that stinks. I really like the way this car looks, handles and drives, but I have had way too many little problems with this car, noises, quirks, weather strips coming off, to ever want to buy a VW again.