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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  Keeps Going, and Going, and Going... - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By outstanding car - August 27 - 3:30 pm

  My Jetta has 143,000 miles and it is still in perfect condition. It is a 2.0 with a manual transmission. I have used it mostly for highway driving. I just replaced the water pump (and the thermostat) and timing belt (since it was already off), and recently replaced the catalytic converter. But prior to these repairs the only other repair that I had to make that was not covered by VW was the oxygen sensor and it was cheap ($130). I had all the recommended maintenance done on schedule (belts, plugs and wires, brakes, fluids, etc.) and it paid off! Ive spent only $850 in repairs. The rest is maintenance. I just gassed up and I got 35 mpg last tank. Treat your Jetta right and it will treat you right.

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  CC burns oil - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By oldlawyer - August 25 - 12:29 pm

  I have had this car for 13 months and was enjoying its ride comfort, power and fuel economy when I discovered that it was burning oil at about 15,000 miles. I complained and VW tested it then confirmed that it is burning 0.29 quarts every 1000 miles which translates to 2.9 quarts between recommended change intervals. VW says that is okay, but automotive engineers state that it is evidence of an engine defect. The car is a marvel in many ways, but watch out for the oil burning: VW does not disclose this to buyers until after they have bought the car which I think is a bit sleazy.

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  looks good but poor quality - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Phil D - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Dont be fooled by its look and exciting driving ability. VW has lost it. Besides continuous electrical problems, the car burns 1/2 quart of oil per 1K miles. Only 60k,....and I am dumping it.

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  the best kept secret - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Opolicious - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2003 - with only 10,000kms (not miles for) 35,000 Canadian or 25,000 American (not sure of the excahnge but in comparison the same as a 6cl Camry - no contets - this car is a rocket, its classy and its rare. there as many BMW out there as anything else, I love this sleeper.

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  After Seven Years a Trusty Stead - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - August 20 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 99 V6 5-speed Passat in April 99 and after 120,000 miles, its still going strong. The engine delivers great performance and gas mileage (I get 30 mpg on the highway at 80 mph) and I love the 5-speed tranny. The interior, after seven years, beats many new cars in terms of quality, design and ergonomics. My only complaint is about reliability and cost of service. At 60,000 miles, I had to put $3,000 into the suspension for new control arms, a drive shaft, and brake sensor. At 90,000 miles, I had to replace the water pump and timing belt. Ive never heard of anyone having to replace control arms, let alone at 60,000 miles. They are not cheap, but Im love driving it and plan to do so for years.

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  Lease return or Purchase Offer??? - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By B & J Buffington - August 20 - 2:00 am

  After reading others experience with this car the decision to make an offer to the lessor or return the car will not be easy. There appear to be a substantial number of "lemons" in the 1998 model year. Problems since our purchase included a faulty A/C compressor, door regulator arm, and the battery.The lease "residual" is $13,400 and based on the current market valuation our offer to purchase will likely be roughly $9,000 (plus or minus $500). Like the Ford Focus this car has great engineering but inconsistent component quality and/or production assembly problems.

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  Looks are Deceiving - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By splittie - August 19 - 4:06 pm

  Although I was intially impressed with its acceleration and bells and whistles (electronic mileage and trip computer, etc), the car has been in the shop twice for the air pressure guage idiot light, and a bad ground with the battery. Moreover, I am now noticing a bad ground with the a/c fan regulator (a/c fan increases and decreases when depressing accelerator peddle). This car has the same electrical gremlins as my previous VWs. The car with the 16 inch "eco-squealers" does not feel sure footed over the twisties. Inside the fit n finish (plastic door panels) is not as solid as my 1998 VW Passat nor my 97 Audi Cabriolet. For the extra couple of grand I would look at an off lease Audi A4 or A3.

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  Dealer and Reliability Problems - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By boblewisvwstinks - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The car is a terrific idea. A small, peppy car with good comfort and good handling. Unfortunately, the dealer I bought it from is loaded with a bunch of slimey crooks. Ill never do business with Bob Lewis VW again. For example, the day I bought the car, the parcel shelf under the hatch turned out to be broken. Drove back to the dealership -- where they should have just placed another one in the car no questions asked. The new car delivery guy asks his boss what to do. His reply? Schedule a service appointment. After making a scene, they fixed the problem. Creeps.

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  NICE CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By adam sarnik - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I HAVENT HAD ANY ISSUES WITH MY JETTA. I DONT USE THE CUP HOLDERS OR THE BACK SEAT (ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE ISSUES) THE SEATS ARE HARD TO CLEAN. I PLAY MY MONSOON PRETTY LOUD SO I HAVENT HAD THE SOUND ISSUES (FINGERS CROSSED)

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  half and half not creme de la creme - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gypcbug - August 15 - 7:43 am

  My VW was a celebratory purchase after I pd off a 5yr on a "conservative grey" sedan. Happy "new" car for my new home. Luckily, I kept the boring car too. The VW served me well becoming my primary vehicle including a long job commute. Its great for road trips as mpg is great. The fun factor is huge. The exterior looks new even @ 123K. I needed a catalytic converter @ 80K w/a cost of $1200. The trans slips & I was quoted $3K. She will be parked non-op while I live w/my monthly payment. The interior falls apart in plastic chunks, all cup holders are gone & my door pull fell off. The rt window sticks & the trunk latch catches. The air bag light has never been off. Overheating,Oil guzzling baby.