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:

• 

  Total Fun - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By floyd - July 2 - 6:50 pm

  The car is a blast to drive, very safe, and has an interior like a BMW without the cost. It has looks to kill for. Its performance is outstanding, and its gas milage is great. I love the heated leather seats and one touch windows. I highly recommend it.

• 

  dont be a victim of the dealer - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By keith_g - July 2 - 3:51 pm

  Like many I have been told for years to stay away from German cars. However my average repair on an American car was always $750. So how bad could it be? I bought a 99 V6 Passat in Nov of 07 with 112K on it. I was the 3rd owner. I have had to fix the ECU, Control Arm and Power steering pump. But with the car this age and miles that did not seem bad to me. Also, if you have a German car and you need a part! LOOK ON LINE for it and save! Example, the ECU “traction control computer” dealer and private shop cost, 1K4-1.5K$. To buy new with 1 year warrantee, “600$”. To take it out myself, have it sent to a company that fixes it and ships it back with a 3 year warrantee, “$168.00” DO YOU SEE MY POINT! I would trust this car to get into it right now and drive to Alaska! Love it! Get the 2.8

• 

  Finally VW Got it! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By deszka - July 2 - 4:36 am

  After two months, I love my GTI even more. This is my sixth VW, after the Corrado SLC this is a real VW again. Bravo Volksburg!

• 

  1999 Passat GLS 1.8T. Just the facts. - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By OnTheFence - July 2 - 1:43 am

  Bought used with 40K miles in Feb 04 Sold with 115K miles in Aug 09 Control arm link. $700 Computer replaced. $600 ABS failed in 06 but never fixed. Rear Axle went out of alignment. With the B5 frame, the entire axle must be replaced. I never replaced it because it would have cost $1.2K. Leaks 1 quart of oil per month. Heated side mirrors failed in 05. Timing belt never changed. I loved my Passat but never felt confident to take this car on long trips with the family. It is a nice car but the repairs are expensive. My new ride. 2003 Passat Wagon with 73K miles.... :) As I said, apart from the reliability, I love this car. Enjoy, this is just my facts.

• 

  Excellent car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By pdxpdx - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought our 1999 Passat Wagon brand new and have been thoroughly satisfied with it since. The fit and finish were superb from the start, a very high quality feel and SO fun to drive! The seats are incredibly comfortable, with firm support, and easy on the driver even on long drives. After 11 years now, we have only had almost no problems, outside of normal wear and tear. Very good gas mileage as well. Very happy with this car!

• 

  Positive Experience - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By EdR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Unlike others here, my experience has been very positive over 60,000 miles. This is a late 2007 with the FSI engine. Mileage is 16 to 18 on highway at higher than posted speeds. Issues - generally minor -- have been quickly resolved at various service locations. Reliability has been excellent -- no issues noted. Handles superbly on the road (equipped with 19" wheels and premium tires/air suspension). Heavy solid vehicle which does lead to limited tire life on secondary roads -- generally 16,000 to 18,000 miles. Brakes are excellent but require more frequency replacement than typical. Quiet and luxury feel.

• 

  Almost perfect - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tim - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my first VW after owning over 25 new cars. Like quality of body build, feels solid. Interior is like Audi quality without the price. Seating is excellent as well as visibility. I am getting consistent 25 mpg combo hwy/city taking it easy with 6K miles to date. Only complaint is brake squeal when backing up after car sits a couple of hours. VW cant or wont resolve and it appears this is common with the brand. Talked with dealership and customer care -say brakes are to specifications so have a nice day. I told them how come I never had this problem with any other vehicles in the past. They say because you never owned a VW before. They make a nice product except for this issue.

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sk - July 1 - 9:16 am

  We did much research before buying our Toureg.... After looking at a lot of different SUVs this was by far the best choice for towing and a luxury vehicle. We have been so happy with this car and have recommended it to so many other people. Our friends even bought a Touareg off our recommendation and have also been very happy. Yes the gas mileage is not the best, but we didnt expect to get the best gas mileage for this car, if we wanted that, we would have looked at a high bread vehicle instead. The power in this car is great and makes a great tow vehicle. It is very comfortable and we have not had any issues with it at all expect to take it in to fix the radio, (re-boot it).

• 

  Worst car EVER! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By SLC71 - June 30 - 5:46 pm

  BUYER BEWARE! Almost everything has broken (mult. times) on this car ($8K in 6 y - not incl. maint). Mechanics say they see this all the time w/ Passats & VERY spendy to fix! *CRAZY low clearance - 3 belly boots & 2 oil pans *Window motors - repaired/replaced chronically *Doors/locks w/ chronic problems (cylinders, housings, mech., elect., etc.) *Faulty factory sunroof leads to flooding & since electrical is in the floor behind driver, this shorts out the comf. cxl module. *Turn lights have poor quality plastic causing lights to fall out (has happened 3x on each side) *Misc. crap in & out breaks and falls off (latches, dials, etc.) *Mechanic refers to it as "The Dutchman & The Dike"

• 

  Not so good after 5 Months - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By englander1 - June 30 - 7:28 am

  Well I blame myself for not doing my homework, but reliability has been less than poor. Three times in the shop for Oil Separator, Water Pump and Oil Pressure Sensor. Like many state VW Customer Service is terrible. When its not in the shop its a great car. Handles well, fuel consumption is also a big plus. I dont tend to keep cars long but this may be a record even for me, may be gone for the first oil change.