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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  Not happy - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth P. - March 13 - 6:40 am

  Have owned this vehicle less than 3 years and I have had to have the drivers side headlight replaced twice. The driverside exterior mirror just cracked down the middle for no reason. I have had trouble with the power windows. Have spoken with other owners and their having the same electrical problems. I am not impressed with this vehicle. Planning on trading it in on something more reliable.

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  Lots of problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Anderson - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Apparrently it isnt a good idea to purchase a vehicle in its first year out? Headlights go out for no reason, tire pressure system keeps malfunctioning, hatchback/trunk keeps popping open. Have had it to the dealership many times with no success.

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  worst car i ever bought - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Megan - March 2 - 9:26 pm

  I first got the car it ran fine until 40k and 4 years later. The red engine light went on and i took to dealership where they said needs a new motor. That $3,000 next after that the red coolant light came on and that was a new water pump, thermostat, fans, thats another 1000. It is one big pile. my advice is to shoot it that would make it the best car i have ever owned.

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  The new car that drives like an old car..... - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Doug - February 27 - 11:16 pm

  I purchase the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE back on August 19, 2017. After having it 3 days, I had to bring it in to service for severe shaking at speeds over 40mph and a whining noise when accelerating from stop. The performed wheel balance and gave it back without testing. Problems still existed. Took it back and this time I was told I had 2 bad tires. They replaced the 2 tires and told me that would fix the whining noise and shaking. Problems still existed. Started noticing a rattle from the driver front end when driving over rough terrain at a slow speed. Took it in again and was told there were loose bolts under the dash and they couldnt recreate the whining noise (Ive submitted several recordings but they ignore). Problems still exist. Get VW Corporate involved.....they have QTM come out only to tell me the vehicle is operating according to specs. Received it back with same problems. I decided to try a different dealership in hopes to get this resolved. After over of month of waiting, I get and appointment. I did a test drive and was able to show the service guy all problems. QTM came back and said there were loose bolts on the sway bar link; so I guess they changed or tightened them. I was told again that they were not able to recreate the whining noise. My guess is that they dont have a clue what that issue is. Anyways after 12 days in the shop, my vehicle still has the same problems. Tried to initiate a buy back with VW and was denied. They recommend me bring it back in to service. I wasted enough time with this vehicle and is beyond exhausted. I also get the metal to metal rattle form the engine when powering off, A/C sometimes doesnt work, radio glitches and the plastic on the outside is loose in several places. I will most likely hire an attorney to file a lemon law claim. I wanted to be sure that I can at least spare someone of the headaches this vehicle and VW has caused for my family and I. Yes it comes with 6 year 72,000 mile warranty, but the service departments are not prepared to address issues with this vehicle. This makes the warranty useless.

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  Excellent Engine POOR Everything else - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wss6 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car with clean highway miles and easy on the clutch; Was fun to drive for first 6 months. Since purchase I have replaced 3 ignition modules, 2 wheel bearings, body molding, door locks, and a myriad of other mechanical and body components. When the dashboard lights failed and the check engine light came on for the 2nd time I got rid of the car. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE - DONT BUY THIS CAR. I will never buy another Volkswagon.

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  Lots of Trouble - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By neveragain - February 21 - 2:56 pm

  I put a lot of work into this car when I bought it used. It only had 65,000 miles miles on it. At 75,000 miles it had a major break down and I had to put $3,000 of work into it. Also, this cars body lean around corners is terrible. I think it contributed to the car spinning out twice. Both times I was going around a corner at less than 10 mph more than the posted limit. Ive never had a car spin out on me before, and I have driven a lot of cars. On the upside, the body is quite sturdy and didnt damage much on impact though the seatbelt injured me. The transmission on the automatic never seemed to want to shift up even though I had it serviced when I bought it. It could have been abused, but still.... This car was a bit of a money pit.

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  Poor Reliability and Service Concerns - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Unsatisfied - February 17 - 6:03 am

  I have made 16 visits to the dealer to service my Passat in 4 years! It only has 16,600 miles on it, yet it continues to break down. Volkswagen of America has been unresponsive to concerns. Water accumulates in every area of the engine and car due to poor drainage. The doors have had issues, with locks freezing and the doors flinging open and not being able to be closed. I will never deal with Volkswagen again.

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  Drivers wanted b/c the cars rarely run - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mcdc - February 10 - 5:40 pm

  While I love the way VWs drive, mine has been in the shop at least 3 times a year outside of normal servicing. Last year I had to invest $7000 to keep it running, and I have under 75,000 miles on the car. New expensive problems crop up ever 6 months or so. If you love to sink $ into depreciating investments and spend time at the shop, then this car is for you!

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  Awful Car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ashley - February 2 - 4:20 am

  These cars are so cute! Ive had mine for a short time and bought it brand new, yes BRAND NEW and have already spent over $4,000 in repairs for stupid problems....not to mention they dont tell you...this car is not a German car...but in fact made in Mexico! It has terrible build quality. Oh yeah, and you need to put oil in it once a week unless you want the engine to blow, it EATS up oil !

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  BEWARE!!!!!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWS*CKS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the absolute worse car I’ve even owned. I’ve dubbed it “Christine”. Let’s see there in the O2 sensor issue. the green-ooze that drips out of door onto frame, the horrible gas mileage the tail light that needs to be replaced ever month, the moon roof comes off the tracks, the gas tank door won’t latch anymore,leaking off oil, the safety belt latch keeps breaking. Customer Service of VW, they SUCK and are RUDE. Not to mention when my Jetta broke down in the middle of a Midwest Winter two hours from my house, they didn’t send someone right away and than they lost my car. Yup, didn’t know which dealership the car had been taken too, this ordeal lasted over a week.