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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  2009 VW TDI DSG Tranny Update - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By adrenalinetdi - July 31 - 6:37 am

  Seriously folks, you must have to get this Dealer Warranty replaced. Our 2.0L TDI has a Mechtronic Controller Unit that sits atop the DSG Tranny. This Unit controls and puts a stop to the jerky and hesitation. Palisades VW in New York replaced mine last summer and WOW it has made a significant difference in the fuel economy, quickness, and safety. Now, when I press the pedal lightly, the TDI shifts smooooth and quick. Also, when slowing down, no more jerks. At 58 MPH I get 52 MPG with the AC blowing cold. In the city, at 45 MPH I get 60 + MPG. Seriously, do not let the dealers tell you otherwise. We spent extra money for the TDI for a reason. Make the call and beat the BMW driving uphill.

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  One problem after another - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By traci0815 - July 30 - 9:36 am

  I wish I would have stuck to the Honda Odyssey. My 2010 VW Routon has several nose issues. Every time I step on the gas it starts a squealing noise and as soon as I take my foot off the gas pedal it stops. The right slide door sticks and sounds like it will fall off. There is a knocking noise in the right passenger door. The engine sometimes does not shift smoothly. and of course the dealer has no idea how to fix these problems!!! :(

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  Good car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dave E - July 29 - 3:20 am

  Had the car for 2 1/2 years. Good runner, fun to drive. Had a coil go bad at 30k miles that was replaced under warranty. No other mechanical issues.

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  Bad Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By brett - July 29 - 12:46 am

  The 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX is a wonderful car, I loved it, it had many great features, was comfortable, and had great style. It was just what I wanted, but after two years, it had so many problems that I had to get rid of it. The last straw was the fuel pump wearing out at 27,000 miles. I had water leaks inside the car ruining the computers under the rugs, constant check engine lights, etc. VW makes wonderful cars made out of junk east German parts that fail.

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  great q-ship! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ths - July 28 - 12:13 pm

  This is my 3rd VW and wont be my last. The only thing to know about this car is the fabulous VR6 motor.......torqey, smooth, reasonably fuel efficient, sounds great, and very reliable. If youre looking to buy this car used, dont bother with the anemic 2.0 liter/115 hp motor......waste of time and money. Aside from the great motor, the rest of the car is ho-hum.....bland suspension, smallish wheel/tire combo, unimaginative interior, unexciting body.....but oh DAMN that motor!

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  Likes and dislikes - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By kjthomas323 - July 28 - 10:33 am

  Very poor city driving mileage. We came from an Odyssey so we were surprised at this. The interior leather looks cheap (thanks to the Chrysler design). The kids constantly bump their heads on the DVD players when going in and out of the vehicle so keeping the screens closed helps! Other than that, we have not taken it on a long trip, so I cant judge comfort or gas mileage fully. It has 6k miles on it and I hope we are one of the lucky ones that does not incur any mechanical issues. We love the sched. maint. We love the options i.e. remote start and heated rear seats, for the money it is a good deal. I have owned 4 VWs so far. Hope this one is built just as well.?! Only time will tell

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  Worst car ever! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By tina - July 28 - 6:30 am

  This car has been nothing but a major headache. I bought it brand new and within 3 weeks the alternator died and had to be replaced. It was still under warranty so I didnt think much about it. The last 4 years I have spent more on repairs then the car is worth and now the catalytic converters are about to go. Last time I went to my mechanic everyone else waiting for their car owned a 2001 passat and we all shared our horror stories. Recently the drains for the sunroof leaked into the car flooding the electronic brain. Another $2,000 repair. I will never own another VW.

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  The Jetta SE Delivers - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettagirl - July 28 - 1:26 am

  This little beauty is fun to drive, attractive and stylish interior, the car handles turns and corners well. Slightly sluggish on acceleration at times but overall is a great value! I feel very safe with this vehicle. Fuel economy is about average. I think it will improve as the car gets older because that usually happens once you break a car in. I have the leather interior and I love it! Ive usually gotten cloth interiors but I love the fact I can just wipe it clean! Im so excited about the iPod port feature! I love my sun/moon roof and Im enjoying this car.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PMoscarella - July 27 - 6:30 am

  I got my 2003 Jetta as a three year lease and just switched to a purchase since the car is great. Its great low end torque coupled with the 1.8T turbo engine make the car a great performance machine. The 5-speed manual transmission is a must. I got the car with the sport package upgrade of 17" wheels and a firmer suspension. It could use a rear sway bar but it can take twistys confidently. While the back seat is snug the trunk is enormous and with the seats folded down perfectly flat the car can haul a lot of stuff. The cloth seats are a lint magnet, but all the little upscale Audi-esque touches make this car feel very sophiticated. Its gas mileafe is good for a turbo, I get around 25~30 mpg with mixed driving.

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  First Impression - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By vincevw329 - July 26 - 11:37 pm

  Turned in my 08 Jetta for a 11 GTI 3 days ago. This is a 2 door model w/sunroof and auto trans. Noteworthy features are the easy to use bluetooth now in all new VWs I think, cloth trim (GTI fashion), and touchscreen radio. Even the base GTI has an impressive list of features like heated seats, all power controls, and leather trimmed appointments. Exterior design is slightly updated for 2011 with a new horizontal grill and separated duel exhaust pipes which gives the back end a squatter look. Inside Im happy to say fit and finish is typical VW first rate. Quality materials put together well. Driving is wonderful, good road feel, excellent accelleration, and easy steering make it a blast!