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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  Understated Elegance with a load of Zip - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By macdawg - September 30 - 9:36 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars, but none have captured my heart like my Red GTI, with the six-speed manual. Have had it for 5 months, and put on 9,000 miles, with not a single issue, other than too much fun. I have to keep myself from making up reasons to run errands. Versatile, balanced, beautiful, compact but solid, easy to park, it flies like a mother, and is equally composed when cruising in a 25 mph zone. More fun to drive than my old AUDI A4, comparable to the 3-series we had. Im not sure Ill ever want to own another car than a GTI.

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  VW Passat - Great family car with MPG! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By nanuman - September 30 - 10:10 am

  I have had this vehicle for about a month now and have around 2800 miles on it. I love the great gas mileage, averaging about 42 combined city/hwy. I have had one repair for a broken rear door lock that was fixed the next day by the dealer and no other issues since then. This car has the most room to the point the kids feel it is too big. Has great trunk space and with the diesel tdi has lots of power off of the line. Nice and quiet and very comfortable to drive and ride in. Very happy with this purchase.

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  Musta used Elmers glue. - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By MrMorton - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I think everyone must agree Murphy must be jailed for writing his laws. Warranty finished along with the bonding in the glues. Vinyl trim on either door has bubbled up and the knob on the parking brake popped off. Brake fixed but nothing can be done with the vinyl. This car is so far a good reliable drive. Wonderful in the snow and has yet to get stuck. In fact I had to drive other people to work. As for mileage. Well, dont believe their advertised 720mi per tank unless you have EXCELLENT diesel fuel near you. I regularly do 500-600mi per tank with additives. Or about 400 without additives. No experience with biodiesel fuels yet.

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  mistake - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By bitzcelt - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I was seduced by the the little red car when I first saw her on the lot. Yes, it is fast, yes, it is fun to drive, no I didnt like driving a rental Dodge Neon (provided by VW) while it was in the shop for a week. Multiple problems, ignition coil failed, both windows broke, monsoon stereo replace once (still sounds horrible), seat belt replaced, engine light on, interior trim falling apart, leaking around the bottom of the passenger door. She may be fast and nice to look at, but I have dumped her after a year. See ya VW

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  TDI LOng May It survuve - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Lewshel - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I tested 8 other cars, almost buying my fifth Mazda but the Protege was buzzy and the new 6, although most impressive, was larger than I prefer. I wanted better mileage and a better ride in small car and the VW had those qualities. I had owned a 1976 Rabbit which was fun to drive. This car, 1000 lbs heavier, is smoother and quieter. Only at cold temperatures or at a stoplight are you aware that its a diesel. The seats and most controls are first rate with good quality materials. It has excellent cruising ability, good Monsoon sound system and an easy to use sunroof.

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  JUNK - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kgneuro - September 30 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased "Molly", I was hooked! Great style, fun to drive, so much spunk and personality!!! I was obcessed with her... washing, waxing, birthday parties, "doctors appts." (scheduled maintenance.THEN.... my ignition coil blew, my computer system blew, my power windows broke, my air conditioning broke, my brake lights went out, my brake rotors rusted out, and my "premium BBS wheels"... are splitting and peeling (due to my climate I am told). However, I can replace for 560.00 EACH! Yeah, right. Did I mention this was all in 3(!) months and my warranty ran out?? Shes on her way now to the Honda dealership to find a new home!

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  I Love This Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By New Beetle Owner - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Im a 51 yo man, 61". I just purchased a 2003 VW New Beetle, GLS, 1.8, 5-speed. I love it and find it to be one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. The power is responsive, and the car handles great on the highway. Knobs and dials are intuitive and user friendly. At night the interior cabin lights are fabulous-- reds and blues and a few yellows. This car makes driving more fun than I can remember since I was a teenager. It is quite a sophisticated little car with up-to-date technology and engineering. If you like the looks of the car, go and test drive one. Who knows, you may love it.

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  New Beetle Blues - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By KatyGrl1 - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  Never buy a first-year model. I made the mistake once and will not do it again. The VW Beetle was fun to drive but highly undependable. Little, silly things broke all of the time and all over the place. It guzzled oil as well. Dont be lured by the adorable body style and catchy ads.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Teresa - September 29 - 7:43 pm

  I traded in a Lincoln Aviator on this car and I dont miss it a bit! The 2005 Volkswagen Beetle is sooo much fun to drive and turns heads daily. I love it, love it, love it!!!!

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  2nd New Beetle - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Wayne Scott - September 29 - 6:40 am

  We had thee first NB in Mississippi early in 1998. It STOPPED traffic and emptied restaurants as we passed by! The car had some interior finish problems-finish material on door handles $ top of door below window wore off and chipped, the power windows failed a few times & some of the clearcoat actually peeled off the exterior. The 2009 model is much improved with more power, heated seats and all. Edmunds reviewer here does NOT understand why VW lovers buy these, as he called it-stale design with small back seat. Thats what a beetle is all about! How could they really change the design? He also stated the car lacks power. I dont agree at all..150 is far better than the 98 model!