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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  Best first car - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JourneyOfTheJetta - March 15 - 1:33 am

  My 2012 Jetta is my first car and I can easily see it lasting me all throughout college. Traveling 15 minutes to and from school everyday, then to work, then to friends houses, this car has been so reliable! Super safe with reliable braking and acceleration. Super sturdy and reliable in harsh weather and road conditions as well. I have had no maintenance problems with the car and it has been more than good to me. If youre searching for a first car or a good commuter car, the Jetta is the way to go! Once again, reliable, comfortable, safe, and easy to navigate!

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  great car, not so great service - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By kayakhow - March 14 - 4:12 am

  Love the car, I get mileage thats better than advertised. I had a hitch installed with enthusiastic encouragement from the dealer , thats when the fun began. I had a brake light issue, and although I was told the wire harness was properly installed they did not honor the warranty and hosed me good for the repair which was a labor only repair. So avoid installing any after market equipment on the car, especially where towing is involved. If your car is out of warranty, go for it, there are techs out there who work cheaper than the VW shop. Basically, the service experience soured me a bit, thery treated me better at the Chevy dealer when I had the truck.

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  Worth the Wait - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By jn - March 14 - 1:20 am

  I was set on buying a GTI until i found a dealer that was selling their last 2 R32s for $4K below the list price (including the VW rebate) instead of $4K over like my local VW dealer. I ended up paying $29.3K (without Nav.) which is only about $3-4K more that an optioned up GTI. So far the car has lived up to its billing. The power is more than adequate for in town driving, the handling is great and the exhaust note is pure magic. The gas mileage is even acceptable as long as you keep your foot out of it. It was the Readers Reviews on Edmunds that convinced me to got for it and i have not been disappointed.

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  Great Value, Great Ride, Great MPG - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Blkdog - March 13 - 7:53 pm

  I was looking at Volvo xc, Audi wagons, BMW wagon, and Subaru. I love the fact they all had all wheel drive but after checking out the VWs I decided that for the money it was the best value. This car has surprised me big time in terms handling and acceleration. I figured the front wheel drive w/snow tires would be almost as good as the4motion ¬ 40K w/bad mpg. I get solid mpg of 31 after an hour on the highway doing 75 and mid 20s in the city. The other wagons (Audi/BMW/Sub) are tiny in comparison w/no leg room for rear and meager mpg. To close deal I had dealer tint windows to state max and throw in oil change for 3yrs. I got selling price $500 below invoice. VW sign and drive is legit.

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  Great car for my money! Feature loaded. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RMccauley - March 13 - 12:26 pm

  Definately a poor mans BMW due to similar handling characteristics, features, and styling. The 1.8T GLS- auto is more powerful than one would expect from a 4-cyl engine. Although a 4-cyl, it drives and feels as smooth and potent as any V6 Ive ever driven, especially in Tiptronic mode. The car is downshift-happy in auto mode, which is why Tiptronic is the only way to go for gas-mileage savings and smoothness. Gas-mileage is good, but could be better for a 4-banger. Ive had the car for almost 2-years now...been in for unscheduled service 3 times (blown speaker, air- conditioning odor, trunk not staying up). Build quality is OK, but what do you expect for an almost fully-loaded $24k car?!?

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  passat gls v6 sedan - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By my hands are clean o - March 12 - 4:03 pm

  I ask myself why Volkswagens ads say "drivers wanted?" If your whole family is totally anal and carful with the cometics, you think youll never drive or live anywhere near deep snow and you have a a ton of extra money to throw away on outrageous repair costs then go for it! When your seat heater is on beneath the leather, the torque of the v6 is pulling back into the seats, you and your kid have two mountain bikes inside the fold down cargo space in your sedan and the monsoon is blasting, the negatives are tempurarily forgoten. Still this car has been more of a headache then it was worth.

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  Performance, comfort, and fuel economy - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By john - March 12 - 4:43 am

  I purchased my Jetta sans a test drive. I was afraid that a test drive would kill my determination to purchase a diesel. I can now say that I feel like a genius. With 6,000 miles on it I am getting 43 mpg average. I have been getting good dealer swervice. One problem a jamed glove box door. A replacement came at no cost. One complaint is the lights should "Auto off" or have a louder warning buzzer. Overall this is a super car with superior handling and super gas mileage. It is a great highway car, smooth, quiet, and comfortable.

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  So Happy! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By new CC Sport owner - March 12 - 12:13 am

  Proud owner of a CC Sport model. Was going to buy an Accord EX-L. Bought CC instead for less money and it is so much more car. Nothing at this price point rivals this car. The car is a dream to drive. Great acceleration at any speed and superb handling. The fit and finish is impressive as well. Such a simple, straight-forward dash design. Everyone asks what kind of car it is. No one can believe it is a VW. I set out to buy a practical family sedan (2 kids) and bought a thrilling sport sedan/coupe instead. Love the seats, front and back. Again, for this price, nothing comes close. Iron Grey is a great color.

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  Rocket ship - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fifthgarrett - March 11 - 6:53 pm

  Second Day with my 05 Passat GLS Auto 1.8 T. Love it. The car handles like a sports car, feels solid and is quiet on the highway. Interior fit and finish is high qualily. 17 inch wheels grip the road. Tip Tronic, fun to accelerate onto highway. High Marks all around.

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  Quality and finish - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Woof4u - March 11 - 4:09 pm

  I bought my car new. The back door kept making a popping noise every time it was opened and closed. Before I could have it checked I noticed the front door was bent. They point blank denied that could happen and flatly refused to repair it.