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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  Too bad! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By savage1 - January 5 - 10:23 pm

  Major repair problems. Tried 2 different VW dealers and an independent mechanic - no one can fix it right. Had head gasket replaced ($1200), water pump, and themostat (twice) - still overheating! No temp gauge - only a red light when its already too hot. Front license plate holder fell off. Everything about this car is expensive, so make sure you get an extended warranty! Dealer service is terrible - will keep car for a week for any repairs. Oil change took 3 hours.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tony - January 4 - 5:30 pm

  At first I really liked this car. Sure the Value Edition limited my choices, but the car came with a lot of standard features anyway. For the price, it almost seemed to good to be true. Unfortunately, it was. Its been downhill since I drove it off the lot. A sensor problem with the door locks required VW techs at corporate to help diagnose and fix. Then there was the recent recall due to fuel line problems. But the real clincher for me is the ride. I cant believe someone described it as "smooth" unless they just got the car. Up to about 1300 miles, it was smooth. But once the suspension got broken in, it now rides like a horse-n-buggy. I would not buy this car knowing what I know now.

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  Do Not BuyThis Car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fromaustin - December 30 - 4:43 am

  Snappy handling, looks good, decent mileage, assembled in Mexico: good looking junk. Repairs, repairs, more repairs, car disintegrating. This car is extremely hard to work on, stuff is difficult to get to, increasing repair costs, and very, very cheaply made.

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  Disappointing After Warranty - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By trainsam - December 29 - 10:52 am

  Drives great. Love the mileage. Functionality is outstanding. Carries three bikes on top, three young kids, lots of luggage. But, AC compressor replaced under warranty 14 months ago, and is out again. VW knows they have a problem with this and wont deal with it. Nearly entire fuel system replaced under warranty. Another problem VW is aware of, yet wont do a recall. Car has been in shop numerous times for fuel system and AC issues, particularly after 25,000 miles. Now has 59,000. Was hoping to get 200,000 or more with a diesel engine. Not looking good. First VW. May be my last if they dont replace this second AC compressor. Would consider VW again only if there is proof of improvement.

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  NIGHTMARE - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike/Linda - December 28 - 7:06 pm

  Water in tank in aug. "flushed" at dealer. Air compressor bad/replaced in sept/20,000 check. Car died on road. Towed. Fuel system needs replacing due to aug problem:$6500 in parts excludes labor. Progressive only replaced parts 1 at a time. "ok" per dealer. No power 1st day used. Turbo now bad/replaced under warranty. Diagnostics done at dealer couldnt be interpreted. Had to call corporate! Fuel sys warranty void now. Dealer wants to replace fuel sys even new parts. Ins. Co. Says no totals car. We are out $2500. Paid cash for new car for 1st time. Car not used from sept 22 to nov 10 (minus 1 day on road) when we received check from progressive. Worst car experience ever. First and last VW.

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  Poor Volkswagen Service - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By futbolclub - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Dublin Volkswagen in Dublin California provides the worst possible point of service in a vehicle with a factory defect and damaged the replacement equipment. The Volkswagen National Customer Service while stating they were empowered to satisfy our complaint has still not returned a call. I would suggest never buying a volkswagen product if you are considering their product line simply POOR POOR Serivce.

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  Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dfalasch - December 28 - 10:00 am

  The top broke within the first three months, stuck open, less than 2,000 miles. It took 3 tries for the dealership to fix it, and still not sure if it is fixed for good. The windows were part of a recall (clamps loosened so they added adhesive post production). Never got the recall notice, but the windows rattled so bad it sounded like it was falling apart. The last time I got the car back they misaligned the driver side window so that is hits the stops and makes a clunk. In addition, the windows still all rattle like the car was put together with Elmers glue. VW has a history of window problems. The sound system makes a loud hissing sound.

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  2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robert - December 26 - 8:46 am

  My 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T is average. The interior, when new and extremely well maintianed, is quite nice. However, the performance of the vehicle, along with the high rate of wear and tear the vehicle shows leaves much to be desired.

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  The Car Sucks - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NeedaNewCar - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a jetta so of course my I had to get a jetta. The first year was great. By the time the second year came the problems just would not stop. Theres this gross stuff coming from the door that hardens. Theres obviously something wrong with my transmission and it chuckles backwards at times. Dealership insists theres nothing wrong with it everytime. Each snowstorm the guy has issues with traction even after changing to brand new tires. The velour seats are horrible with everything sticking to it. I cant wait till I get rid of this car.

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  Got the Bad One Off the Lot - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lemon Boy - December 20 - 6:36 am

  I purchased my 2006 Jetta in September 2005. The car spent over 60 days total in the shop until February 2006. It had a fuel injection problem with intermittent loss of power. VW bought it back in January 06. I noticed the new car had more power and drove nicely (except for the clutch was very light and required a little bit more gas pedal.) The shop that services my car checked out everything on my car and said everything is OK. I took it to another dealership and they were amazed that I could drive it because the clutch was not engaging properly. I told them that this cars clutch was exactly like the first one I had and that I was told that this was normal. I drove a new 2007 TDI and it was much better. I traded it in for a Rabbit.