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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  Volkswagen: KING OF UNRELIABILITY - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By netchic1 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought into the hype and really regret it. My 2001 NB Turbo is cute, but its in the shop about 1 time every 2 months minimum. Headlights go out within 2 months of buying the car, radiator hose broke w/in 1 month of being new, battery just went dead b/c alternator was faulty, check engine light has gone on twice, door lock on driver handle pops out - been broken 2x, the center console latch broke, and this is all under 24,000 MILES!!!! VW service at dealerships are not all that great, I had an awful run in with the Boardwalk Auto Volkswagen in Redwood City, CA. Most VW Service Dealers are backed up with all the VWs that have problems.

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  I Love My Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By catnip - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I to have had my windows fall in and my radio stop working, but it was covered under warranty and quickly fixed. I cannot complain about my Jetta, besides the few cosmetic failures, it runs great and is a fun car. The turbo is great to have, it gives the car some pep. I have owned 5 cars in the last 3 years and this is definitely the best.

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  I love it..but a little small - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By happy jetta owner - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my (2nd) jetta for over a year and put on a ton of miles. It is very fun to drive, Ive had no problems and my dealership is fabulous to work with. I just wish it was a little bigger for leg room in back seat. Hard to take passengers.

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  Performance and Utility - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Leaseman - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this vehicle and was impressed with the refinement and build quality of both the interior and exterior. Every little thing seems to have been thought of, including a little hidden hand crank to open the sun roof in an emergency. The performance and handling were smooth and nicely tuned, with only minor nudges as the gears shifted under acceleration. Its easy to see why people are willing to pay a premium for this car.

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  Cranky Transmission - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By leaseman - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this vehicle with great anticipation but was terribly disappointed by jerky, hesitating acceleration. The engine is smooth, quiet and plenty powerful, but getting up to speed is not the joyous experience it is in other $40k cars with automatic transmissions. Most everything else was marvelous, from the exterior styling to the look and feel of the interior appointments. My only other gripe was that the seats are so firm that its difficult to find a comfortable setting.

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  What a Wabbit! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Phoenix Guy - May 2 - 1:33 am

  This car is great fun to drive. The build quality is excellent; it has plenty of power and torque, and the manual shifter is butter smooth. I was looking for an economical hatchback that would serve as a city car and also be comfortable on long trips. A hatchback made the most sense, since the most usual passenger is a 100lb. hound. He doesnt mind that the rear windows dont open. Still, with the back seat up, the car has plenty of room for the grandkids. My only complaint is, having found the ideal seat/steering wheel combo, I cant seem to adjust the seatbelt away from my neck.

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  2003 New Beetle Turbo - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By iatros - May 1 - 12:51 pm

  I bought our 2003 New Beetle Convertible Turbo with auto 6 speed in June 2003 for my wifes birthday. We had to go to Arlington, TX, to order one of the first to come into the USA. My wife has loved this car! The handling and comfort are great, and she loves to leave the pickemup drivers standing at the lights. We dont drive it much, but one highlight was trip from Huntsville, AL, to Ashville, NC, in October. But I worry a bit. There have been several service issues, including one coil recoil. The latest service, with 57,600 miles, was the appearance of Service Engine light. Dealer wants only $2200 to fix everything!

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  Fun, Fast, and Furious - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jim - May 1 - 3:33 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a very fun little car. Sure its not meant to compete with exotics or sports cars, but it gives a lot for its price. I own a BMW M3 and I figured this was the perfect car for my son, and it is a very safe car.

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  awesome car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By babyblu766896 - May 1 - 12:16 am

  I bought a new Beetle as a gift for myself and i really love my car. Its peppy around town and gives me great mileage. I do have some gripes though (interior lighting) and automatic transmission. There are a few other gripes but they arent that serious. I do love the handling and the visibility at nighttime. Overall I love my car but i dont think i would buy one again.

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  Solid German Built Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BigDsB5.5 - April 30 - 11:46 pm

  I love this car, its my second VW, and after coming out of a GTI with the same motor, it did feel a little doggish, but the car weighs more, and also has an auto tranny. But its great, very comfortable cruising at any speed, and extremely smooth. Anyone looking at a 3 series needs to get over the brand hype. This is similar in size to a 5 series, but for a much reduced price, and you dont sacrifice too much by way of features. I wouldnt choose anything else.