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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  Not Happy - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Anne Avidon - February 15 - 1:16 pm

  I made the mistake of not purchasing the extended warranty and it has cost me at least $6,000 to repair my car in the 6 years I have owned it. The mass airflow sensor has gone twice, Ive had problems with the doors, windows, pistons in the convertible roof, and I have just had to pay $1,500 for a leak detection pump, serpentine belt and starter coil. Each time the dealer has to run a diagnostic, it costs another $94. Although I really like the car, if I had known how much it would cost to repair at the time I purchased it, I would not have made the same decision.

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  Good job VW. - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By dads-R32 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 02 GTI-337 in for the .:R32, what an upgrade. The VR6 engine is smooth, great power. Love the leather interior. If you have the means - get one. My kids love it. Would buy one again.

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  Hitler Revenge - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Belvis - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Do you like to Visit the Mechanic and spend lots of $$ for repairs, then I have the car for you. I couldnt pass its first Emmissions Test, due to some electronic failure. The water temp gauge broke--another bad sensor. The the check Engine light comes on twice in 5000 miles. EAch time requiring a $90 diagnostic.

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  Absolutely Excellent till now - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By dechatts - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I never had to go to a shop to fix anything other than the standard 5K oil changes and maintenance. Given 90% of my mileage is highway, I havent replaced any part of the car till now except the front headlights at 42K miles. Well every time I go on trips and drive around in a lousy compact car, I realize how I value my car so much. I have driven this car at 100mph occasionally over brief periods although I would advice against doing it. A crash at this speed is a ticket to instant death. It is truely a autobahn car. Last time it was a little duel with a Audi TT roadster who finally decided to drive behind me for the next 30 miles.

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  a car to own - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By underwood - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had GMC, Fords,and Dodge vehicles. Were we live we have to have a 4x4 to get home during the winter. This is with out a doubt the best car we have ever owned. The traction can not be beat.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike33444 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Great gas mileage - 36 city and 48 highway. Comfy, yet not overdone with luxury items. All of the features you need in a wagon at a great price. New engine gives 100 HP and does make it move - for a diesel. Compared it to others - Suburu, Volvo, Audi - and they dont come close to value and price.

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  Jetta - mixed results - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Goldfarb - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car in early April 2004, and 3 weeks later it was in the shop for a look at the transmission, which was shifting hard between second and third gear (sometimes it would make a "clunk" sound, and the whole car would shudder). The shop couldnt find anything through their computer diagnostics and sent the car home with me. The problem continued, and the dealer ended up replacing the transmission. A 2003 car with only 4,000 miles. The "new" transmission is a slightly better but still has rather jerky shifting in the lower gears. I am very disappointed with my purchase, particularly since I traded my Honda Civic in for this VW.

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  I love my bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By laurenp - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My 04 bug is so much fun! I love the colors, Harvest Moon with a tan top. Now that its sunny in CA, the top is down whenever Im driving. This bug is great for any season. Ive taken my bug snowboarding in Lake Tahoe a few times with no problems. The monsoon sound system is great. Eveything about my bug is great!

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  What fun! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Wheeler - February 15 - 2:53 am

  Just bought the 2008 Rabbit. This car drives and handles like a much more expensive sports sedan. Corners flat and has super good brakes. The 6 speed tiptronic trans is flawless and will provide excellent highway miles. The Rabbit has to be one of the best performance buys for a small sedan on the earth today. Typical excellent VW fit and finish on par with BMW and Audi.

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  Looks Great------But Quality Problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JSN - February 14 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car for the warranty, its good looks and standard side airbags. Thank goodness for the longer warranty. I dont have to worry about the next thing that is going to break (something always is). Volkswagen has been great about repairing all the deficiencies and towing to dealer. It is just a pain to take the time to get things fixed. The transmission went kaput at 30,000 miles, alternator replaced, driver window broken, dash lights out, plastic interior parts broken. For the money, I think there are better alternatives out there.