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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  2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Haklitch - April 3 - 4:03 am

  This car has great handling and gets excellent mileage, averaging 44 miles per gallon. I have only 1,000 miles on mine so its not even broken in yet. I expect to average 47 mpg city and 50 highway.

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  Very impressive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By blue25 - April 2 - 4:43 pm

  Recently bought this car to replace our Volvo V70 wagon which broke down. Wow, is this car great. In hindsight I wish I would have never bought the Volvo. The feel and drive of this car is great. It seems to be well designed and engineered. The interior is luxurious, and the car handles great. The 4Motion system which is really the Audi Quattro system is very responsive. I look forward to many great years with this car.

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  Sold, thank god! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - Atlanta - April 2 - 4:26 pm

  This car is junk. I have been waiting to sell/trade the car so I could write this. Do not buy one unless you like going to the repair shop. Also, since the car breaks frequently, they have taken loaner cars away. Please note that I work on cars and took immaculate care of this vehicle. These items broke due to poor build: Antilock computer system, front emblem fell off (700 miles), heated seats, door lining, radio, 2 rear speakers, brake lights, cv axles, cat. converter, fuel pump, seats wore. Also this car has a timing chain, do not buy around 100K since you will be out 700-1400 $$$$. Buy something else for your own good. Also, be leery of the VW dealers around Atlanta - Scammers!

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  Love this car! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gadgetklm - April 2 - 8:06 am

  I traded a 2005 Avalon Touring for a Sportswagon TDi. I got a good deal on my trade-in and $1300 tax CREDIT for buying a high mileage car! These cars are a little hard to find though. Routine Maintenance is covered for 3 years. I was looking for a car that I loved to drive. This feels like most other German engineered cars..tight, precise handling, good firm ride, and a unique driving experience. The last car I enjoyed driving this much was my CTS. This car broke the Guiness 48 state mileage world record..58.8mpg! Now you wont get this kind of mileage, expect 35-38 general driving, and 45-48 on the interstate. But this little turbo diesel is wonderful! Powerful, quiet and extremely efficient

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  Great family car - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By heather_07hch - April 1 - 11:45 pm

  I purchased my Sportwagen 2 weeks ago, and love it. We replaced a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid, after a new hybrid battery, and seeing what happens when the hybrid system fails. The car did not feel safe anymore. Averaging about 38 mpg in the hybrid, I wanted a larger car, but did not want to sacrifice fuel economy. I am 510", husband is 6, and kids are ages 5 and 7. We were a bit cramped. When packing up for a day at the lake, or a road trip, we could hardly fit our belongings in the car. So, the Sportwagen has solved all of these issues. Fuel economy is fantastic, there is more than enough room, and the car just looks, feels, and handles like a dream. Very pleased!

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  Good Mileage Doesnt Have to Be Ugly - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By VW from GA - April 1 - 11:36 pm

  The exterior is a head turner! Its a great design thats not going to be seen on every corner. The interior, after the initial shock of the two tone leatherette, grows on you quickly. Fit and finish is above average for this price range. The car is very quiet and the seats are very comfortable, more comfortable than my wifes MB E500 in fact. Stereo is fairly intuitive as are most of the controls. Getting a smooth start takes a bit of practice and remembering to "activate" the Parking Brake every time you park takes some getting used to. Overall, very pleased. Good mileage, great looks, a peppy engine and comfortable seats make it a winner!

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  Make good commercials-but horrible cars - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anakin - April 1 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car in February of 2009. It had 87,000 miles on it. I got it for a good price because the glove box was broken and the seller wanted to get rid of it. Bad idea. Soon after driving it around the grill fell off, the drivers mirror fell off, the seats dont recline, the lid that covers the outlet didnt close, the MAF sensor has been replaced 3 times, if you spill water on the seats it stains, and today my trunk decided to stop opening. Either do your research before you buy a Jetta (I would not recommend it however) or buy a Mazda, which I am about to do if I can sell it.

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  Believe the tire warning - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By The Fat Kid - April 1 - 7:50 am

  Predictable, fast, fun. Ive been pulled over three or four times and cops alway let me go, this car does not shout out "give me a ticket " but yet it will blow the doors off alot of the competitons striaght out of the wrapper. Oh yeah, If you didnt read the warning that came with tires, do it. these thing will not even track striaght if the forecast calls for snow!

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  DONT BUY!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By had enough - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Spend way to much time in the shop. Some problems kept coming back over and over again. The color of yellow was a good color for this car.

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  Future Buyers Beware - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By No drop top fun - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Silver 03 Convertible, transmission not working at time of delivery, fuel door quit working, top quit working twice. Currently, 3rd week without a working top. Yugo had better quality. At least you knew what you were buying. You will get more enjoyment out of a typical fast food drive up window than from VW customer service. This is my 3rd and final VW convertible.