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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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Momof1 - December 13 - 9:23 am

  I am a previous 99 Jetta owner and bought the 06 Jetta in 07 and have had nothing but problems. The dealership hates me because Im constantly in there. Cold starts on this thing are horrible car makes a really annoying noise which I was told all of them make after repeated visits to the dealership for this problem. The headliner came undone and had to be replaced about 2 months ago. I just had the catalytic converter replaced this month and now I have this burning smell coming from the rear of the car. I have to say that Im very disappointed with this vehicle and will probably trade it in soon only because I dont want anything to happen to it when my warranty runs out.

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  Good so far-first 3000km - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By wilsonberg - December 12 - 5:04 pm

  Happy with the car, mileage has been very good. Adding snow tires for the Canadian winter affected mileage by consuming an extra litre per 100km. The car is assembled in Mexico not Germany so we will see how long term reliabilty works out. You pay a premium for the TDI engine but the car is nicely equipped with heated leather seats, massive sunroof, trip computer, very good stereo. For the price VW should include automatic climate control and full power seats (currently only the drivers side has power for the back of the seat). That is nickel and dime type stuff by VW dub. Due to the great torque available from the TDI engine, this car is more driveable than the my wifes 5cyl gas Golf.

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  fun to drive but will it last ? - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By bingo baggins - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Okay, the car is a blast to drive, city or highway. Say goodbye to the Eclipses, will stay with the WRX. Even smoked an older Porsche. Transmission sucks, soft in the corners. Has been to the dealer for the defective ignition coil thang and a squeaky door. Good for trips to Home Depot as well as a jaunt down the Seward highway. Great in the snow and ice, I just hope this thing can hold up until I get it paid off !

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  excellent - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By bnelz - December 12 - 2:00 am

  great car, nice handling,superior appearance, nice wheels, good stereo system. I love this car and I will always stick with VW.

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  Euro Flair w/o Japanese Reliability - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ckalatayud - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My black vr6 jetta glx 5 speed manual was one of the best-looking and performing vehicles in its class for year 2000. It was quick and stylish inside and out. I couldnt go home without it after a few test rides. Who would want to drive back home in a 20 year old rusted-out Toyota pick-up w/ nearly 300k miles on it after test driving the glx? It certainly had that European flair for awhile. Of course I would have opted for an IS300 or G35 had they been on the market in 2000.

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  Drivers Wanted Indeed! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bow Max - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I L-O-V-E this car. High end torque- great for passing on the highway. Truly a great car to own. Have the five speed- provides a great amount of control. Great combination of feeling substantial and safe on the road, but still can actually FEEL the road. Absolutely ZERO complaints. Actually- I have one- my husband has "stolen" my car b/c he "says" his car is about to run out of miles on its lease. Cant wait till we get rid of that car and I get mine back. We are considering replacing his car with... a Passat station wagon (for the dogs).

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  Commuter Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NorthBUG - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Had some problems with the car but they were resolved. Bigest problem was with the oil ligt. but not much more than with other cars. The TDI is a winner in my book. No problems starting in the coldest of weather, and it has never left me stranded. Always had the maintence done on schedule, which is important. Still on the orginal tires and brakes with 83000 miles. Cant wait for the convertable to come out with TDI. Will have one when they do.

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  Driver Found - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sonkota4 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my VW Jetta GLS. It is a fun car that handles well and looks great. This is my fourth VW Jetta that I have owned and I believe this one is the best by far.

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  Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neo54 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second passat, I have never needed to use a tow truck with this car

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  Electric Gremlins - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Fernando alemany - December 12 - 2:00 am

  We had ro dipose of the car (trade it in), at 46,000 miles even though we had purchased the aditional 100,000 mile extended warranty. It started giving us too many problems with the electric systems. Oue dealer was less than friendly in dealing with us. We sold it at a loss just to get rid of the headaches.