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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  will never buy a jetta again - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SERG JG - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VW PERIOD,THEY VERY NICE FEATURES BUT, RELIABILITY IS NOT THERE.IVE HAD PROBLEMS W/THE CD CHANGER MORE THAN ONCE,IVE HAD PROBLEMS W/TRANSMISSION MORE THAN ONCE,IVE HAD PROBLEMS W/THE EXHAUST (MAKING NOISES)AND THER WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER WINDOWS SYSTEM TOO...ANYWAY IS BEEN TERRIBLE TO OWN THIS VEHICLE SO,I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A VW CAR.THANX.

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  Caveat Emptor/Buyer Beware - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By No More VW - March 5 - 11:53 am

  This car is cute and the body feels "durable." However, the engine was purposefully designed to ONLY be repaired by VW dealership, as most smaller repair shops never have the specific parts in stock, and always find it difficult to get the parts from VW. The "check engine" light continuously lighted up (usually for no reason, causing me unnecessary trips to VW). The "mass air flow sensor" failed at least 8 times. The radiator had to be replaced ($680). The water pump and related fans had to be replaced ($800+). Spark plugs "misfired" and had to be replaced ($950). Engine hoses and pipes burst because they melted ($450). I could go on and on.

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  A Bug that will bug you ... - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By J Thomas - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Consistent problems mark this car. Electrical system required a major investment to get the car running again. The air conditioning went out annually requiring finally another major investment to fix. The power windows go out almost as often. The back hatch rattles periodically as the wiring harness in it slides around. Seals came down from around the windows. The two dealerships that serviced the vehicle were inept at fixing problems and bent on creating reasons to jack up the cost of repairs. They seemed to be distinctly dishonest. (In contrast to the dealers for my BMW or Chrysler.) I have vowed to never buy another VW.

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  Problems Already - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Problems - February 28 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 2005 Jetta used with around 30K miles on it and have had it just over a year. I love the looks of it and have enjoyed having the vehicle until now. My vehicle had 42K miles on it when I started hearing a rattling noise. Come to find out, I had to have most of my engine replaced! When I went to pick it up, I drove about 1 block from the dealership when my car started jerking and wouldnÂ’t always accelerate when the gas was applied. I immediately drove it right back to the dealership and now Im needing a whole new transmission! Thank God all this is covered under warranty but I dont think its right that a car with so few miles should be having so many major problems!

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  Reliability Diaster - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mike_t - February 24 - 1:24 pm

  The car is ideal in concept and I enjoyed it very much in the beginning - especially the 6 speed and low end torque. But the initial quality was poor. Problems included the navigation system, ABS, and exhaust system. Then the fuel pump failed at 27k miles. Very, very disappointed. I have 2 Toyotas with 255k miles combined and Ive never thought about the fuel system failing => Much less to the tune of $10k. VW is covering under warranty, but I would consider the quality very much below average.

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  Worst Car Ever! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pr5sa - February 24 - 12:10 pm

  This VW is the worst car we have ever owned. We had problems with the emissions lights and transmission after 500 miles! We got it bought back by VW and bought a Honda Accord. We are 20 year VW customers. We will now never buy a VW again. I would avoid this car like the dog poo its made of!

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  Lots of problems - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mark Niska - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Original wiper blades made screeching sound. Told they were aftermarket.They came with car. Out of stock. They wouldnt send to me. I replaced on my own. Battery died within 30 days. Road service never showed up. Gas tank filler lid wouldnt open. Inition was faulty. Several problems with indicater lights. Most recent "engine malfunction" Dealer hasnt even looked at.Car at dealer for 5 days. Floor mats useless. Poor design on tabs that hold in place. Call to owner of dealership refused eventhough they were on premises. Every time oil is check it is down 2 quarts. Told this is "normal" Enough said.

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  Fun But Troublesome - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SethEaston - February 21 - 10:40 am

  I fell in love with this car at first sight. It was fast, comfortable, fun, and the wagon offers generous space. The VR6 combined with the 5-speed provided lots of good times. Then came the problems. Little by little, this car started having electrical issues. O2 sensor, plug wires, ECU, random blinking lights, check engine light for no reason, and more. The "Comfort Module" also went out, causing the moonroof, door locks/alarm, horn, and interior lights to stop working. The final straw, yesterday I found out the timing chain had basically destroyed the engine. The service guy at the dealer told that my only option was to "get rid of it". Even he acknowledged that these cars are junk.

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  MUST READ THIS - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By NO on VW - February 20 - 11:00 pm

  Do not buy this car. From the very beginning of ownership, it has been a money pit. Within two years, had to replace entire suspension, total front dashboard in car (anything that had lights in it). One major problem after another. Also one minor problem after another. Car looks great, but is a terrible on reliability. We have been stranded multiple times...even on vacation. That our experience as fair warning. Do not buy a VW Passat.

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  lemon - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lemonowner - February 19 - 9:20 pm

  I like the way the touareg handles and looks. My main problem is all the things that have been going wrong with it.It has been back at dealership a total of 4 times already(for a total of 13 days),and Ive only had it for just under 5 months. Everything from electrical problems to the door handle becoming stuck and unable to be opened.Not what you would expect from a $.45,000 vehicle