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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  Amazing machine - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Steve - April 27 - 8:50 am

  Just bought a used 05 V-8 with 5200 miles a couple days ago. I looked at 3 dealerships in the Atlanta area before settling on the Silver/Grey model as it is in almost new condition. Although it did not have as many extras as the 04s I saw and drove this one clearly stood out to me. The fact that it was the last day of the month,a Monday and raining I felt would help with negotiations. It did. The feel of this Luxury sporty SUV is upscale all the way, fit and finish excellent and performance that is most enjoyable to experience. only dig is hard drivers seat bolsters. Maybe itll soften with time. Great ride! I compared and drove FX-35, MDX, 4Runner and this stands way above.

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  Golf GLS - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By vonegaut - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Cool car, great company, 6 windows have broken in 2 years.

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  VW does not stand by their products! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By tmichaelny - April 26 - 10:00 am

  For the most part, this was a reliable little car and fun to drive. Like most VWs it was a rough ride but it was the roomiest, most relaible convertible around... Until the oil light come at 60K. I changed the oil but it was still on. I brought it in and the dealership said it was a comoputer problem and would cost at least $800 to fix. Otherwise, the car was fine. A week later, the engine seized. Neither the dealership nor VW accepted any responsibility. I will never buy a VW again. I really like the Beetle but I dont want to give my business to a "take-your-money- and-run" company!

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  My Jetta GLX - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ssmith - April 25 - 3:06 am

  The car has been a pleasure to drive. The front seats are very confortable. The instrament lighting and the stereo rocks!

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  Next time, Im getting the VR6 - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By gti dreamn - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited 5 years for this GTI. So far its been great. However, I will say it isnt for the impatient. The power is there, but some times it takes a second or 2. Gear selection is key. Fit and finish of the interior/exterior is good. Controls are within easy reach, but the HVAC knobs are a little too low for my taste. Well, at least the cup holders dont block the radio anymore. The front seats have plenty of adjustment to fit anyone. I compared this car to the RSX & A4 Avant, but liked the GTI better overall. On my next VW, Im going with the VR6 motor for driving simplicity and for the extra features that come with it. Get the R32 if you can afford it.

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  So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By djfllmn - April 23 - 9:06 am

  My dad purchased this car in Feb. of 2009 on the same day that I got my 2003 Ranger. Ive never been much for German cars, but Im slowly starting to like them. I read all of the reviews that mention the sludge problem. They dont change their oil frequent enough. It should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles and you will be good to go.

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  Solid, zippy, reliable, 48mpg(70%hwy) -54mpg(95%hwy) stock! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By genegenre - April 22 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my 2000 Beetle tdi in 10/11 with 110k. It is now 12/12 and after getting a job as a courier recently, I have put about 40k miles on it. Zero break downs. Since Ive owned it; 1. had to replace starter 2. AC compressor failed 3. Cruise control failed 4. stock speakers all blown (I listen to jazz & NPR so lil disappointing) 5. original shocks/struts really wearing out... Not perfect but damn good where it counts. The interior panels and dash are cheap and look awful but the seats are comfy. I sit in it 6hrs a day now & am very pleased with the lumbar support. Eng hums @ 70-80 and through rolling hills of Pittsburgh, I got 48mpg b4 w/ a 24mi trip to work now 50+ nearly all hwy.

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  Great fun to drive, agile, but expensive on repairs - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Edward Becker, Jr. - April 18 - 11:52 am

  This compact SUV drives like a small European sports car. Adequate passenger space, high quality interior, 4 motion AWD tracks well through some of the worst winter snow and ice (except moderately high snow drifts). My complaints are with below average reliability. Problems began at around 70,000 miles. Ive had 3 water pumps, trouble with emissions system, replaced turbo, clogged injectors, replaced virtually every motor seal, and other issues. Total cost of dealer completed repairs and maintenance to date (with 108k miles)- $13,600.(ridiculous). If you buy one of these, keep it until around 60k, then get rid of it!

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  Well never buy VW again - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By aljksdla - April 17 - 10:00 am

  From day one weve loved this car, we still love it. BUT, the headgasket blew at 30,000 and the steering rack went at 36,000 - the latter, not under warranty. The dealer agreed to split the cost - $2000. For a car with so few miles on it, these are two MAJOR things to have go wrong. I want to love VWs, but were going back to what weve always had good luck with: Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans.

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  STAY AWAY!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By niqui - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Stay away from the volkswagen passat!! Bought a 2001 vw passat, in & out of the shop for 3yrs. Engine light constantly coming on!! After 3 years it needed a BRAND NEW ENGINE!! Everytime went into the shop someone else had the passat(2001-04) in the shop for engine light & constant engine & electrical problems similar to mine. Pay the extra money & get a honda or a toyota, BUT stay away from the passat. If your heart is set on it please, please, please get the extended warrant. You pay a surcharge but it save me thousands of dollars. Lemon law would not cover me because the problem was not similar, but it was all engine problems. Do your research!