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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  Will Never buy it again - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rodger47 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad I got raid it this car. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER PASST, this is by far the worst car I ever had, in 1 year and 2months of ownership I had to take it in many times, to the dealer and a private mechanic. Problems includes: one recall, on electrical problem (left me on the road), steering, AC, Battery, cup holder, brakes, and windows. Everything is stupidly expensive and it is very hard to find. After that I had more problems with the windows both sides and had to had it repair twice, also started to have some problems with the power steering before I sold. It is very had to re-sell this vehicle.

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  5000 miles later - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By dlunny - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After 5000 miles and one 1500 mile trip ( three 10 hour driving days)I still enjoy every minute of being behind the wheel. Its comfortable, responsive, stabil and solid. The six cylinder engine has plenty of power.

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  Surprisingly Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By n1128q - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for less than 2 months and 2100 miles but it is one of the best cars Ive ever had. Peppy engine, great handling, lots of room inside, clean outside style, lots of safety features. Ive been very surprised about how much I like driving this car...I never expected to. Much more fun than my wifes 2003 Accord EX, although less features for the money. The Accord has more "toys" but the Passat has more "heart"...Ill take heart every time!

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  Cheap Light Bulbs - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By CCgirl - July 10 - 4:33 am

  Im also having issues with the tail lights, like someone else who has talked about it in his/her review. My car is now 6 months old, has 6000 miles on it, and Ive had to get three tail light bulbs replaced. They keep going out one by one. Its a waste of time having to go to a dealership frequently to get them replaced. I still love the way this car looks, but Im disappointed with its quality and performance. Road noise, wind noise, bumpy ride on potholes is all too annoying.

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  I will never get a VW again - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SALESCG - July 9 - 10:43 pm

  Bought 2004 Jetta 1.8T, it has been nothing, but a financial burden, almost driving me to the edge of bankruptcy, this car BREAKS ALL THE TIME and VW does nothing for you, Ive spent over $5000.00 in repairs, have receipts to prove, one thing after another, its very depressing!

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  My TDI Eats Hybrids For Lunch - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pgallagh - July 9 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car!! Been driving a 94 Honda Accord forever (231K miles), and finally decided to treat myself to a newer car. Love my TDI Loyal edition. Bought it one week ago used w/31K miles and it has been fantastic. First day on my 120 roundrip commute got 46mpg and have avg. 41.6 since owning it. Youd never know it was a Diesel. Too bad USA automakers are too stupid to realize the DIESEL is the future!!! When I see Toyota, Ford, Honda advertise their cars get 32mpg (which is good), I shake my head knowing that I consistently beat that by 10mpg regardless of where I am driving. And no darn haz-mat battery to replace with a Hybrid. GO GET ONE WHILE THEY ARE STILL AROUND!!!!

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  Luv my Phaeton - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Richard - July 9 - 1:13 pm

  Have 31,000 miles on auto. Have not had one thing which I could ask the dealer to fix. NOTHING. Service has been beyond excellent. They say VW dealers dont know how to sell or provide customer service to luxury buyers. My buying and customer service from my dealer has been better than my previous Mercedes, Lexus and BMW dealers. Last two cars were 740-ils several small problems with each. Loved my 740s but my Phaeton will be remembered more than my first car. If I can ever part with this W12 my next car would be another one. It is too bad that other luxury car owners are afraid or maybe embarrassed of saying I own a VW. They are missing a great driving experience.

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  Do your research before buying! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nick - July 9 - 11:46 am

  Have to say I was pretty disappointed with this car. It caught my eye right away with its European design characteristics, but I have found that this is one of only a few highlights of driving this car. My Passat has been plagued with electrical problems, from a finicky headlight control switch to internal shorts in the heated seat switches that drain the battery, both which have high repair costs due to diagnostics and labor. Also have had 4 O2 sensors go out, with the replacement parts alone costing $160+. Have also had issues with coolant temp sensors and problems with front end alignment, not too mention a couple rounds of recalls. I really expected more from German engineering.

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  Nice design but poor quality - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nwr - July 8 - 12:33 am

  I decided on the Jetta 1.8T because it provided a nice list of features for the price, and I thought the 4cyl-turbo engine provided a decent compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. The car has great ergonomics and is comfortable to drive, but Ive lost faith in the cars build quality and reliability. Ive had the car for 5000 miles. Here are the problems Ive encountered so far: 1) A/C did not work out of the box. Broken seal on the compressor had to be replaced. 2) Vacuum line "fell off" the intake manifold. Caused loss of power brakes and engine stalling. Had to be towed. 3) Very poor gas mileage--18mpg (2mpg better than my SUV!). Dealer is investigating...

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  GTI vs. 325i? No Contest - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By dgb - July 7 - 10:23 am

  The VW GTI is more fun to drive than the BMW 325i and it holds four comfortably with room for the dog in the hatch. It even costs about $15,000 less than a similarly-equipped BMW. It is larger and cheaper than the Audi A3. It is almost as much fun to drive as the Mini Cooper S, but sized for non-hobbits. It has the best transmission available - period. I have had it for only one month and 800 miles, but it has no rattles, squeaks, or problems of any kind. Its gas mileage has been 27 mpg combined using manual shift/sport mode and a heavy foot. It gets 30+ on the highway.