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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  Best I ever owned - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bmicmcd - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. The 1.8T is zippy yet it sips gas. Its very comfortable and the monsoon sound system is awesome. With snow tires its great in the snow. Its the best car I ever owned.

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  A Blast - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By fokker - September 12 - 10:00 am

  A total blast to drive. Power is excellent and very controllable. Steering is solid. Good over all features and comfort - seats are very good.

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  First and Last VW - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By GrnPassat - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I was reading some of these other reviews and had to add mine. I bought my Passat new, granted it has 85K on it, but I have had more problems with this car in the past year or two. New stereo (twice), Door handle broke (twice), plus other little pieces have "fallen" off. Volkswagon does not stand behind their products at all and the maintenance is a small fortune if you go to the dealer. I have finally decided to go back to a car that is reliable for the long term. Honda, I am coming back!!!

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  Value and Enjoyment - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Bartleby - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Matrix, Protege and Protege5 and never really considered VW as a possibility. I was always more of the Japanese type. However, the second I pulled that thing out of the lot my world changed. Its got quite the pick up for 115hp and 120 torque. But I have to agree that the cupholders do block the stereo controls, but I do like how they are tucked away.

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  JETTA Headache!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vanessa Montero - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I spent good $ on a "quality car" to come to find out that my windows will be falling within the 2nd year. I feel that this car is not worth its value. I constantly have to go to the dealer to fix one thing or the other. This is a very delicate car and cannot be driven. First, my armrest started peeling within the 6th month. Once my car hit 20,000 it got stuck and I had to get it towed b/c the brake light had blown. Rencently, both passenger windows have fallen. My fender is getting bent

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  an honest review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By effigy3 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My current car is GLX 5M and is my 5th VW. This car has wonderful road manners, is quiet, powerful, comfortable, and looks great. I must have a car that can handle itself on windy highway roads at speed limit plus velocities and this car delivers! The pick a line and go, the body sets itself and tracks wonderfully. It is great for road tips and as a grocery-getter too. Just keep rear seat occupants under 6 tall. I have had great luck with my VWs but have seen others with “check engine light” issues, window regulator failures, and small irritants. Could it be their maintenance practices? I dont know.

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  What a great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By drivevw - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Passat GLX (our other is a 1999). Neither one has had any problems, and both are a blast to drive. The new bodystyle has brought even more elegance and refinement...I recommend this car to everybody in the midsize sedan category. We looked at both the new Accord EX and 2004 Maxima SL, and although they both have 240+ hp engines, fall short in overall refinement.

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  Brilliant Little Car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Lover - September 12 - 2:23 am

  This car is stunning to look at and has loads of power, with the Tiptronic transmission and sports mode providing a whole lot of thrills. It has a surprisingly spacious interior and more than enough room for three sets of golf clubs. The standard 6 disc sound system is impressive and the leatherette seats are almost as good as the real thing (and far better than cloth). The fuel economy is excellent. Its a lot of fun to drive and can fit into virtually any parking space. Im seriously considering buying another one for my wife.

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  Overall, a great car to own - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By erik12 - September 11 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my car with 11,000 miles on it, sight unseen from a dealership out of state. I wanted the 4Motion (I live in Colorado) with the sport package, which is a rare find. Aside from several hassles/repairs during the first few months of ownership, its been a great vehicle overall. The sport package is a bit too firm, in my opinion, but will corner on rails. Problems have focused primarily on electrical issues, all minor. Maintenance is expensive on the big V6, though. Its power is considerable, the bells and whistles are awesome, and its just very solidly built. The wagon has room to spare, and more. I came from an Audi A4 wagon, but needed something bigger. This is basically a bigger A

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  Annoyed - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Kristin - September 11 - 1:10 pm

  I bought my Eos this June and its been in for service three times, twice for leaks. They still have it and have had it for 22 days straight claiming the part is being made in Germany. It’s the summertime and I cant even enjoy my top down. This is the first VW I have ever bought and will most likely be the last. The service department has no idea when my part will come in, I find this ridiculous! I also have a problem with the back drive side window, sometimes when youre closing it, it goes back down. This car has caused me so much problems.