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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  Utility, Comfort, Performance & Value! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwdriverCA - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in our 2001 New Beetle GLS and went home with a 2003 Passat Wagon GLS (Auto)in Silverstone Grey (light grey interior). Beautiful lines, quality build, exceptional use of interior materials/great fit-and-finish (for this price point) and rides smoothly. The Passat wagon gives us the SUV utility we were looking for in a more car-like size, a smooth, quiet ride and better gas mileage. All for a relatively reasonable price. We are very pleased with the decision made to go with the Passat Wagon. We have also been very pleased with the high quality of customer service we have received from our local VW dealer.

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  TDI all the way - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matthew L. - February 22 - 10:00 am

  My TDI is great because I drive 30,000 miles a year! It did have a transmission defect at 3,000 miles which promted VW to replaced the entire transmission. VW made the best of a bad situation but the dealership was horrible, never goto Congressional! The best thing about the TDI diesel is I use a type of diesel fuel called Bio- Diesel. Its diesel fuel made from vegetable oil, the kind I use is soy based. Its not very well know that this exists because of limited availability but I can switch back to dyno-diesel (regular diesel) if Bio- Diesel is not available. The TDI will run on Bio-Disel with no modifications to the car.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ron Bruce - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my Audi 4000S which I had for 19 years. I was nervous about getting this New Beetle, but I took the plunge. Three months and 5,300 miles later, I am so delighted with it. Even though it has plenty of power, people do not expect it to be a hill climber or a speeder, and so I think it is cut some slack surveillance-wise.

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  Water Leakage - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Stephen (Dallas, TX) - February 21 - 5:46 pm

  This is a wonderful car! VW has done a great job. Sleek,total head turner. I love that it has no model on the outside.One major flaw is water holding in the doors.Especially the rear doors. I noticed it immediately. After being washed or rain it holds in the doors. It will soak your shoes. Waited to have it address at the first free maintenance (10K). My area experienced a lot of rain a few days before taking it. I happened to notice the water is now inside the car. Back right floor board is soaked. I let the service man experience the woosh of water in the svc bay. They found water in the front as well. Now 3 days in the shop. They are clueless at this point. Send me suggestions!

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  This is the car that saved my fanily... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Amine - February 20 - 1:10 pm

  Beside the looks and the performance, this car is one of the safest vehicles in the roads. I love the way it drive, the way it looks inside and out. But what I love the most is the safety that provides to me and my family. I originally bought 1.8T GLS on January 2005, but an eighteen wheeler crashed it against the concrete divider in the highway. Being hit by a truck Driven at 60 miles an hour, the damage was extensive, and the vehicle was totaled. However, my family and I walked out with virtually no injuries (my wife got a bruise when her legs hit the dashboard). I was impressed how well it was built, so I went and bought the TDI the next day. Youll never regret buying a Passat. I love it.

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  2006 Volkswagen GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By solerius75 - February 20 - 12:30 pm

  The new Volkswagen GLI is worlds ahead of the Jetta it is based on. The GLI should be considered a separate model like the GTI is, in my opinion. I have driven both the Jetta and own the GLI and they are both great cars. The GLI has a 200 horsepower engine with lots of torque that all but negates turbo lag. It provides instant speed at any speed or rpm level. Option package two with sport leather seats makes a real difference in comfort. The seats hold you in as you race through the turns. I am five months into my ownership experience and do not have one complaint or concern. The car is fast, fun, flirty and FAST. With the sport suspension and bigger tires, this car handles like a roadster. It is a dream come true!

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  Luv this turbo - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dorito4 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  So, I bought my 99 Passat gls 1.8l turbo, a few months ago and I gatta say I luv this car it runs great and i havent had a problem with it. its not super good on gas but its ok. In this car i have done so many fun stuff, from drifting it, and just putting the pedal to the floor and the car is still good. gotta luv this car

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  A little expensive but worth it. - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By Dan - February 20 - 10:00 am

  For those wanting a small car without the typical small car cheapness, this is one of the best cars out there! Ever notice how most large cars get the decent materials, features, etc but small ones just get an extra helping of cheap? Not here! You get all the material quality, features, and overall feel of large cars with this one. It also drives like a much more substantial car as well. The 6spd MT doesnt seem to be near as touchy as people let on with the 2010s, and also adds hill holder. The diesel is great feeling like a strong V6 while getting 40mpg+. In fact combined MPG is higher then the EPA rated 42hwy. Costs more then other similar cars, but well worth it.

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  Best VW Ever (Other than my 1986 Sciracco) - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - February 20 - 12:03 am

  I have had a 2006 2.0T since it was new and have put 140,000 wonderful miles on it. I have had very few problems with mine and am amazed that so many people had reported multiple issues. Other than the routine oil changes, I did change the timing belt at 90,000 miles which is suggested. I have been looking for a new car to replace it for five years now and cannot find one that I like more then my 2006. The ride is amazingly solid and smooth with great handling. The 2.0T is powerful but provides for 30 mpg highway, 26 overall. Also the stereo is outstanding. Can anyone tell I love the car? I have been driving VWs for 30 years and this is one of the best ones ever.

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  23,000 Fun Filled Miles! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ben - February 19 - 8:26 pm

  I have owned my Jetta GLI for over a year and have become a die hard VW enthusiast! I have made a lot of modifications to my car, like adding a turboback exhaust, Revo chip, intake and 18" aftermarket rims. I loved the power and handling of this car from my first and only test drive! I have two young children and it works fine as a family sedan. The trunk is 16 cu. ft., which is enormous! I commute 375 miles/week and my GLI makes it much more bearable!