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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  No problems here - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dantheswim - July 26 - 11:10 am

  Ive had this car for going on three years and only a few minor problms. The air flow sensor was bad when I bought the car (recalled but I was over the milage - $80) and the brake light switch wasnt working correctly ($15). Other than that I havent put any money into the car except regular upkeep. Oil changes (using synthetic) dont have to be done but every 10,000 miles which will save a few bucks. The only improvement that could be made is with the auto transmission. The auto doesnt make good use of the torque the car has and RPMs go too high before shifting for a diesel engine. If youre looking to buy get one with the 5-speed manual transmission.

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  In for a surpise - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Superchiqa - July 26 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car, wanting a car with personality - and I got one. A bad personality. The car is fun to drive and is great to fit into places but it has its share of problems. 1st started having check engine lights come on (all the time!) for a "loose gas cap" then electrical problems that would come and go - chip in door latches "burned out" and the car would re-lock itself as Im trying to turn it on, causing the alarm to go off. Then started having oil and gas consumption problems - thats just the main problems too! If you have money to keep up with the cost of VW repairs, then you could enjoy one of these cars.

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  "...Not worth it." - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hasenpfeffer - July 26 - 3:17 am

  What ever happened to German engineering? This VW Jetta fell apart at 200 K. With a car payment still on the vehicle, Ive had to abandon it, a worthless husk. Mechanics Ive consulted since have also spontaneously offered their contempt of this vehicle. Its not just that the time chain needed repairs as the kilometers go on. Its the whole spread of sudden, systemic mechanical failures -- The waterpump, fans, electrical system, bearings.... I was told at the dealership in a whisper from the guy at the counter: "Dont do what were recommending. Its not worth it." Hence the title. Being a budget minded guy, Id usually be upset by this. I guess I am. Lifes too short. Buy a Focus.

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  do not recommend - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pedro arias - July 25 - 3:20 pm

  i have had problems more with the dealers than the car itself, when you take this car for repair they always charge you 500.00 in whatever the repair is, the treatment is very poor, at any dealer, too many cars with problems so when you go for repair they either re-schedule you or you have to wait , the car itself is made for like to brake at the 5 year mark, i had to replace twice the alluminum oil pan, then too much oil cumsumption in the engine, shocks, temp sensor, water pump,timing belt, window just went down inside the door a common problem with this car, now is the transmission, it shifts very hard at times, 3 times at the dealer, they cannot repair it, guess what my warranty is over

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  Worst car ever! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fratto1963 - July 24 - 8:03 am

  I owned this car for a total of 4 months with nothing but problems from day one! I had the super-duper bumper to bumper extended warranty that still didnt fix any of the problems that the dealership said it had. It spent more time in the dealership being repaired than it did in my driveway. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Volkswagen really messed up with this car.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By axc4466 - July 24 - 7:43 am

  I have had the 2008 Jetta S for 4.5 months and put 5,500 miles on it. It is absolutely the best car on the market for the price paid. The interior feels luxurious. The drive is excellent - smooth and confident. Lots of power, legroom, headroom, ample trunk space. I have a base model, but I do not feel a need for anything that is not there. A true engineering marvel for this price.

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  One of the Best Buys for the Money!! - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kevin Riley - July 23 - 8:56 pm

  The car gets great gas mileage. I get around 37 on the highway. The car is fun to drive and has good acceleration. Ive owned the car almost 3 years now and have never had an issue. I think its the best value out there. The car is big. Big back seat, Big trunk. Great car for taller drivers too!

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  The Underated VW CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Michael Almada - July 23 - 2:38 pm

  This car exceeded my expectations in a host of ways - great value for the money when originally released in 2009. With the 2013 change of model, the price has risen to match the quality level of the car. Fabulous handing and mileage - I could reach 36-40 mgp highway on flat roads like NJ Turnpike; averaged 31 mgp all around. Excellent, durable materials in cabin. Superb styling and equipment. Excellent front leg room for tall drivers and left leg rest. Slight hesitation typical of this 2.0T VW engine on take off. I had NO mechanical issues whatsoever. Only 2 minor annoyances: odd spring loading on the doors; default setting - only the drivers door unlocks on exiting the vehicle. Also note the DSG maintenance is pricey at $400 every 40K miles.

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  Safety Defect - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dhsec1 - July 23 - 9:34 am

  When in slow moving traffic the Auto Transmission does NOT downshift at RPM about 1100 or speeds about 15 MPH, and the engine begins to stutter as if it was about to stall. To correct this the driver must either press the gas pedal or manually downshift to the lower "S" gear selection. Pressing the gas pedal is dangerous unless there is much space between you & the car in front od you. Downshifting requires some decision time which is not always an alternative in highly congested traffic. The Tiguan is a wonderful car I would highly recommend EXCEPT for this defect!

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  Just a great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sanford12 - July 23 - 6:23 am

  I bougth this car new and have put 73,000 miles on it in 4 years as a daily driver to work. I have a combined fuel average of 29.5 mpg. The car has been in the shop to have the coils replaced (factory recall, all four at one time) never had one go out, replaced the garage opener, radio and divers seatbelt under warranty and the seat heaters recall. This is not perfect, but not bad for four years. Now Ive read about $75.00 headlamp repalcements, brakes and rotors that went bad at 25,000 miles and other such complaints and all I can say is change the headlamp yourself, easy once you do it and quit driving like a maniac a set of brakes should last at least 50,000 and will go 80,000 if you drive like youre sane. P.S. use Mobil 1 0W40 oil.