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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  VW Passat GLS V6 wagon (140K miles) - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Patrick - December 22 - 10:13 am

  It is a great car for everyday use. I have mine for 6 years and I drove around 70K miles and it runs like a champ. These V6 engines are strong and hard to kill. The only thing I changed besides suspension, is timing ( which is normal every car, so is the oil), gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. Yes these are expensive parts, if you buy original like you should. I am a mechanic so every part I buy, I change it myself. This car is great for hauling cargo inside. So if youre looking for a first car and know something about how change little things and have budget limit to 5K, I suggest you get this car. Now it depends on a person, if youre planning on modifying like boosting, get a 1.8T, if not and want to have the car as a daily drive, get a V6. Why a V6 for a daily drive, because turbos are very expensive to replace, and you never what the car went through with previous owner.

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  2007 Passat Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By MN - December 22 - 1:16 am

  I recently purchased a 2007 Passat Wagon 2.0T. This car replaced a 1999 Passat Wagon and is a significant upgrade over the previous models. The 2.0T engine has alleviated the lag that existed in the 1.8T that was standard in the 1999 version. In addition, the car has more leg room and storage which were lacking in the 99 model. This car is fun to drive and comfortable too when equipped with the luxury package. I also looked at the Volvo V70 but after test driving both, I decided the Passat was a better all around purchase. I hope the 2007 version will be as reliable as the 1999 we drove over 100,000 miles with only minor problems.

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  Too bad the refresh does not look as sharp! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill Jackameit - December 21 - 12:06 pm

  This is an excellent car classy looking has gone 80,000 miles in four years with no issues or repairs whatsoever. Gets just over 30 mpg on trips and runs great on regular gas. I have owned two VWs with turbo engines that were not nearly as reliable. Too bad VW dropped the 5 cylinder and also the great Tungsten Silver color. It is time for a new car and while I have looked at the 2016 refreshed Passat it wont be the replacement the refresh while not bad looking is not as sharp and clean as the original and the 4 cylinder turbo knocks it out of consideration I just dont trust it based on experience with these small VW turbo engines. A nice low mileage 2012 to 2014 Passat 5 cylinder would be a great car for someone on a limited budget. VW should have kept the 5 cylinder its great reliability is worth the lower but still good mpg compared to the new turbo. Also finding out that the trade-in value on the Passat is lower than expected.

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  New Toureg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cleempe - December 21 - 4:10 am

  In Sport mode the V6 is OK-otherwise the tiptronic compensates for power- many extras and a solid ride-very quiet and a nice plus to the VW line

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  My First Car, LONG AWAITED! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Hop-A-Long - December 20 - 11:03 pm

  I had been waiting for VW to launch this NEW GOLF V for the past three years. I researched the car for a very long time. Being built in Germany at the Wolfsburg plant, she really is a IMPORT! I have the 4dr auto with Tiptronic, and I LOVE IT. Now that it has arrived it has been dubbed the Rabbit! Even better, the legendary car IS BACK! And with this car, the legacy lives on. The look, the feel, this car has it all. VW has hit a big home run with the new Rabbit. The 4-door version has LOTS of room. When people get inside they just look around puzzled that though small on the outside, it is very vast on the inside! The Tiptronic 6-speed transmission is fun, fun, fun! The new 150 hp engine also kicks hard. Dont let this lil car fool ya. Hop, Hop.

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  Love the car - but prefer stick shift - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By joey - December 20 - 11:50 am

  Having recently moved from Germany, this is my first car in the US. And while I really love the CC -- kudos for the other reviewers who I concur with on all the pros and favorites -- I had to make a hard compromise: In Germany, all VWs have manual transmission by default, automatic being an option. Here, stick shift isnt even an option (except in the Sport trim, which doesnt allow the selection of sunroof, dynaudio or navi options). Yes, were in the US but I would like to give VW a gentle nudge about heritage! As soon as VW fixes this, Ill replace my current CC! Side note: Why is a headliner called headliner? Maybe because your head touches it if you exceed 6 feet on the back seat :-)

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  Head of the Class - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chad - December 20 - 9:56 am

  This is our 3rd new Jetta (04, 06, 10) in what I am sure is a long list of more to come. All you have to do is shop the competition in this price-point (we paid just over $22k) to realize that there is no competition in this price-point. The German styling, euro-inspired handling and performance, and refined interior make you feel like you are driving in a car worth twice the price. One word of caution...if you feel the urge to "shop around" before deciding to buy, make the Jetta last on your list, otherwise it wont be fair to the others :)

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  I cant believe this car is volkswagen base model - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robert M - December 20 - 3:18 am

  gas mileage is amazing I get average 27mpg on my 20 mile round trip commute everyday, long trips I get up to 35mpg, and If I drive easy I have gotten upwards to 45mpg! Coming from a previous Acura TL, G35, and G37 coupe owner this car handles the best out of all three of those, driving on the highway at 80mph feels th same as driving at 40mph, the only downside is that its lot slower , but if it had 300HP like those cars the Jetta would be the winner. Reason I went with the Jetta is because It was time for me to get a 4 door car that was fuel efficient and more long term. The ride is very smooth, its comfortable for long trips, and while this isnt a "fun" car I never got that anxiety I get when I drive corollas or Hondas where "I just want to get to where Im going because Im bored". The trunk is huge, the back seats are big enough to fit adults. My only gripe is that I got the base model S, this is basically a car, with air conditioning, and a steering wheel, no fancy tech, but Volkswagen offers Jettas with more tech. If you are looking for a 4 door car I recommend no further, out of all the cars in this price range the jetta has the most torque (184) and lots of HP (150), it handles the best, and it looks the best.

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  Love my Toureg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Toureg owner - December 20 - 1:40 am

  This car is beautiful. My car is strong enough for a man but handles like a woman. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Perfect - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By bradley_earl - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my second VW, the first being a 2002 Passat. Like the Passat, the build quality on this car is impeccable. Unlike the Passat, this car zips around corners parks in small places. I have the leather interior, which is of better quality than my brothers 3 series bmw. The six speed transmission is quick, and precise - not as much as a Miata- but very good nonetheless. The trunk space is surprisingly effective. In short, this car is perfect for the city dweller that hauls his or her self and a friend along with a keen desire to enjoy the ride along the way.