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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  First Year = Bad Idea - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By megriley - March 19 - 3:56 am

  1998 was the first year Volkswagen decided to bring back the Beetle. I loved this car, but it had so many things wrong with it. Big things from problems with the fuel injectors and throttle settings, to little things like window control buttons falling off and the interior peeling. It was very frustrating. I love VW, which is why I recently upraded to an 06 New Beetle. It was probably our own fault for buying a car the first year they made it, but for a first car, it seemed like the right price and right "style" for a 16 year old girl. I would recommend that you DO purchase a VW New Beetle, but I would also recommend that you purchase a different year, as the problems associated with 1998 models are plenty.

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  Unable to resolve problems - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Unhappy - March 16 - 10:03 pm

  All new cars may have problems but, it is how the dealership and company handle these problems that show the mark of true concern for the consumer. I own a 2005 Jetta GLI which has been in the shop seven times in less than 7,000 miles and the problem is still unresolved. The Volkswagen of America claims the problem belongs to the dearship and the dealership state the problem belongs to the company. The only communication available to the consumer is a customer representive who regardless of the customers comments relies strictly on what is stated by the service manager. The service manager is basically in charge of all problems involving Volkwagen products.

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  This Car is for Suckers - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Graham25 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  After years of wanting a Jetta, I bought one and...well....be careful what you ask for. The car was great until it the 80,000 mile mark and then small things started going out and then big expensive things started breaking like the clutch. After only 3,000 miles, the clutch has gone out again and VW is refusing to guarantee their workmanship and pay to fix it. I will never buy a VW again and am filing a complaint with my states Attorney Generals Office.

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  What a mistake - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ValancyMeris - March 12 - 11:36 am

  This vehicle was purchased new in April of 2000. It has been back to the dealership for Check Engine light service an average of 6 times per year. I have had it serviced in April, May, June and have an appointment for July of this year. My father drove a VW Bus from 1978 until 1998 and it was still in good shape when he sold it, I thought VW was a vehicle I could rely on, but that has not been my experience. Ive spent over $1,000 on service so far this year. Oh, and by the way, when you take the car in for service be sure to remind the techs to check the oil; two different dealerships failed to do this when the vehicle was brought in for basic service.

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  Buyer beware - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By chunu - March 3 - 6:16 pm

  2009 vw cc sport 73k. Been to the shop at least a dozen times Ive only owned the car for about 2 years. Its one thing after another w this car. Im sitting here writing this review as my car is in the shop. The mechanic says their are so many codes hes having a difficult time finding the problem. Should I mention I just got it out of the shop 2 weeks ago to replace a rear main seal (for and oil leak). Price tag, $1300. I was on my way to trade this lemon in when I got to my car, turned it on and it idles so low it feels like its about to die. I should have just towed it to the dealer and cut my loss. Please beware if you are thinking about purchasing this vehicle!

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  Dont buy VW - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Liz - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I will never again buy a German VW. poor quality. If you like to replace parts a lot, this is thw car for you.

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  Avoid Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By hman - February 27 - 10:30 am

  This truck is a sluggish gas guzzler. It has a cheap build and the horrible VW dealer network that treats you like a pain instead of a customer. It looks great outside, but skimps on build quality. The interior finish looks great, but uses cheap materials. Stick to Toyota or if your ego demands, BMW X5 is amazing in comparison.

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  Up In Flames - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By insrtg - February 18 - 11:35 pm

  My Volkswagon Routan 2009 was serviced back in March 2013 - transmission & power steering. When the service was completed at a VW service center, I picked up the car, drove home the short distance, and parked in my driveway. The next morning while at a traffic light, the car started to go on fire from the engine and eventually burst into flames. Thankfully no one was hurt, but I dont believe it was a coincidence that it happened a few hours since the car was picked up from the service at Legend Audi Volkswagon in Amityville. Aside from that incident, the car had numerous issues throughout the 4 years, i.e. brakes, glitchy doors, glitchy radio, and recalled parts. Terrible car.

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  Piece of crap - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By staffyowner - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is nickel and dimeing me. If its not a wheel bearing, its a sensor, or its a headlight, or its a taillight, or its the headliner, or its the interior chipping and falling apart, or its the igntion coil failing. Yeah, as you can tell, I have been very disappointed in the VW Jetta. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY VOLKSWAGEN! And as far as EVERY ignition coil failing, and having repalced two out of pocket before they issued a recall for the last two...do not rely on VW of America making you whole. After spending over $250 in new plugs, coils and labor, they would only reimburse for $125. I will never buy VW again.

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  What a POS - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kandyd - February 13 - 5:45 am

  I bought my 2000 VW Jetta GLX automatic trans. about a year ago and have only been able to drive it half the time due to all the repairs it has needed. The alarm would go off every time I opened the door and the AC went out. A trip to the dealership cost $2508 to replace the door lock accuator, the mirror switch, rear trunk plate, and fix AC. Replaced the catalytic converter and O2 sensor at $890. Replaced serpentine belt and belt tensioner at $568. The EPC and check engine light are on and estimated fix is $1187. Expecting a baby and a car seat will not fit in the back comfortably. Time to junk it! I will never buy another VW!! Buyer Beware!!!