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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  99 VW Passat Wagon - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By cho88 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The worst car I have ever owned, and Ive owned at least 6 different makes of cars. Reliability extremely poor, with "check engine" light frequently going on, car stalling, water from rain sloshing through the car by my feet, radio volume fading in and out. Dealerships are also questionable, as I took it to 3 different dealers within 2 months to get the same problem serviced. Diagnoses ranged from "nothing wrong" to complete engine overhaul. Ironically I bought this car because I needed a reliable family car for my growing family--this turned out to be the worst family car in the world.

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  What a waste of $27,000 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By RWard - February 13 - 5:13 pm

  Air Conditioning went out 3rd year, window washer fluid pump went out the same year. Check engine light stays on all the time. The inside interior is PEELING... really? all buttons are worn off, the lock buttons are bubbling and peeling, even the ones in the back seat where no one hardly sits. Starting to rust. Bought brand new off the show room floor with 16 miles on it. NEVER buying VW again.

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  2001 VW Garbage - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kalacokid - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems ever since I purchased this vehicle new. The anti-lock brake motor went out within three monthe, the mass air flow sensor has had to be replaced three times, the timing belt broke taking the head and valves along with it. The dealer fixed at a cost of $2700.00 and within 20,000 miles something else has broken and the way it acts it seems to be in the valve train again. Interior latches on glove box and center console have broken and the CD player play only when it wants to. Im not hard on cars at all as my last two GM vehicles had 259000 and 242000 miles sold. These problems are unacceptable.

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  Think twice - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jrose - February 4 - 10:13 am

  We bought htis car for the safety rating and the great reviews. The first six months were great except the gas mileage was way lower than we expected. Then thingsstarted to fall apart. The interior was pealing anywhere there was painted plastic. The center console broke because it was cheap plastic. After about a year, the rest of the car started to fall apart. Except for the first year, we have spent about $800 a year in repairs and of course nothing that went wrong was cover by the warranty. Various engine sensors and parts needed to be replaced and, a shock to me, after only 2 years and 25,000 miles the whole rear brake system had to be replaced.Think twice about buying a used VW Jetta.

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  Got a Smoking Hot Deal!! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By karinalynne - January 31 - 8:12 am

  I bought this car less than a month ago, the second day I drove it, it stalled out at an intersection and I had to have it towed back to the dealership (burnt a coil and blew a fuse). Within a week later, the same thing happened again and again. Finally had to take it to a mechanic, said all 5 coils and spark plugs needed to be replaced. A week after that, I decided to just trade it in for something more reliable. On the way to the dealership, it stalled, started smoking and then caught on fire. It is now totaled and it is the worst car I have ever purchased. Save your time, its a cute car, but its NOT worth it.

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  A Continuance - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lynnurd - January 29 - 12:30 am

  Less than a year after my powertrain warranty expired, my OBD II inspection failed. Apparently my second intake air flow is screwed up (dealer said itll cost ~$500 to fix). To top it all off three days later, my blinkers went out. Its not the fuses, I can tell you that much. I am not going to get my money back on this car. Im only driving it until I can afford another car - which will be a few years. VWs stink.

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By worstcarever - January 23 - 4:50 pm

  This car was horrible! It was in the shop almost every week. VW dealerships never have the parts. I think I drove a loaner car more than I drove this car. After only 1 year, I rolled a bunch of negative equity into a new car, because I just couldnt put up with it anymore. MAJOR electrical problems. Headlights would totally go out, fuel pump and fuel pump manifold out, the list goes on and on. VW service, they arent helpful. Gas mileage is horrible. Navigation is way outdated, and requires a special DVD/CD that the manufacture rarely updates. I tried to get it updated, havent updated Colorado roads since 2006! Do not buy! You will be sorry!

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  Technology edition my ass!! - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Dean Sibley - January 22 - 10:05 am

  This vehicles technology is junk. How can they possible consider it a technology edition when doesnt even come with a garage door opener. I am a andriod user and expect the technology to blend seamlessly however this is not the case. I am still waiting for manufactures to give up on their proprietary software and use opensource so the professionals can give the people exactly what they want. What I want is a display that mirrors my phone exactly is that too much to ask. I have this in my 2006 toyota solara it can be done. This is my first day owning this vehicle that makes my KIA Optima look like a Lexus. The interior is barebones, sure it has leather and holds 8 people but I think I would have enjoyed a Buick Enclave more. Now I have 3 yrs of lease on a generic POS. I had high hopes and now believe I made a huge mistake. * update VW still sucks, I should have waited the new Buick Enclave looks much better for the money.

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  run away as fast as you can! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By disappointed - January 16 - 8:36 am

  Purchased a new 2009 Routon S. Nothing but problems! Headlamp held water, bumper cover started coming- off, trans seal leak, engine compartment rattle, stock ventshades would not stick to the windows, 2 window motors, all of this within 9 months. Bob King VW did not apparently know how to do a proper trns service, which led to the rattle. Took a tech from Charlotte to figure it out! No trans dipstick and the dealer and VW district rep would not order one when asked, even said I would pay for it! Be prepared for pure frustration with the vehicle, dealer, and VW of America. Also be prepared to hire an attorney, as VW of America is a useless car co. Avoid VW and Chrysler at all costs.

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  Unreliable Car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mad - January 9 - 7:43 pm

  My Passat has already been through two water pumps and now requires its second catalytic converter. I have also endured many other service problems beyond the normal maintenance that you expect.