Volkswagen Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
13,910 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 581 through 590 of 13,910.00
  • Fun when it runs - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
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    Bought new fall 2000 first problems right away. Coil problems and only 3 months old! Multiple trips to dealer before it was fixed. Over the next 4 years only a few trips to dealer for electrical related problems. Most trips were in the $400.00 range each time. Spring of 06 500 miles from home motor burns up due to oil sludge problem. After being required to produce all receipts for oil changes VW replaces motor and turbo. Its a miracle a trip to dealer that I didnt have to pay for. Except for van rental, crying kids and hotel. All this with only 54K on odometer. 6 trips to dealer since, more electrical problems. Its fun when it runs. (zoom zoom?)

  • Happy jetta Owner - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is my first late model VW (all the others were Super Beetles) and I must say I am impressed. This car neve ceases to amaze me. The performance is outstanding and its VERY fun to drive. I bought this car in May and I already have almost 15,000 miles. I did have a small electrical problem today though. One of mt ignition coild went south. Ny dealer was done with it in an HOUR!!

  • Worst Decision Ive ever made! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I heard so many great reviews about the Jetta. So, I decided to get it, without a test drive (WHY!?). Im so dissatified with the car. Its very noisy, loud engine, doesnt accelerate quickly, no leg room, cup holders are a nusiance, defroster does nothing, etc....

  • Lots of faults - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Had the car since new. I have had an endless run of problems with the car combined with incompetent VW Australia Servicing. Problems include: Turbo PCV valve failed (at 12 months) Coil packs failed (at 18 months) Drivers elec window failed (numerous times) AC compressor failed (at 2 years) Brake pedal switch failed (causing intermittent complete power loss to engine computer!) Steering column/convenience unit failed (3.5 years) Brakes replaced at 20,000km Paint peeled off drivers door handle Battery failed at 2 years Suspension noisy over bumps Ill never buy another VW, and Ive already turned several friends off getting one when I explain the problems I have had. Worst ownership exp. ever.

  • My 2000 Silver Jetta GLX - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had quite a few minor issues which meant numerous trips to the dealer, but they were very nice and especially accomodating (they would arrange a VW for me to drive, etc) I love my jetta

  • Dream Car, Turned Nightmare! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    This was my moms dream car, but it has been nothing but a nightmare! The electrical is always goofy, fast blinker, check engine light always on & 6 months after buying, drivers side window wont go down and come back up to the hood seal automatically - a problem Ive heard about from every convertible owner. Another problem Ive heard from every Beetle owner, the water pump either breaks or leaks. The transmission is this cars biggest downfall. After owning it for 1.5 years the transmission would get very touchy, stuck in gear, hard shifting, funny sounds, esp in stop & go traffic or when trying to go after coming to a stop. Finally went completely out while after stopping at a red light.

  • Since I cant afford the A4 - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This truly is the next best or closest I can get to an A4 without feeling like I got the cheapest thing available. The value this car represents is incredible especially when looking at standard features. The ride is quite comparable to an Audi A4 although perhaps a bit softer.

  • VW R32: Great bang for the buck - 2004 Volkswagen R32
    By -

    The VW R32 cant be beat when it comes to $:options. The cars it competes against may be faster, but do not come close to the fit and finish and standard options of the R32.

  • blast!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
    By -

    I HAVE OWNED A 750 BMW AND A 500S MERCEDES AND THIS CAR IS BETTER THAN EITHER!THE INTERIOR IS GREAT LOOKING WITH ALL THAT REAL WOOD.RIDE IS TERRIFIC , WONDERFULLY EQUIPED, SPIRITED HANDLING.THE ONLY NEGATIVE IS THE GAS MILEAGE WHEN YOU PUSH IT, WHICH I DO ALL THE TIME- A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR ALL THAT FUN! BUY IT, UNLESS YOU ARE A BRAND NAME PERSON ONLY.

  • Beware of the Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    You may look good driving a Jetta but you wont look so cute shelling out money every month for repairs. In less than two years I have replaced the cerpentine belt,the passenger window fell through the door,shocks and brakes, mass air flow filter, many small repairs, $40 oil changes and last but not least the catalytic converter. This single part costs around $1,000 and usually lasts the lifetime of most cars but not the jetta. The cup holder needs to be thrown out the window and I dont know what to do with the gunk that drips from the doors! Youve been warned!

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