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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  Good commercials, bad car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SaminNJ - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Jetta 1.8T. It looks very good, is fun to drive(when it goes into drive!) But has so many problems in the first two months, that I would strongly urge anyone considering buying one to really reconsider. I can not put my car into drive directly, have to go into 3rd or 4th gear and then sometimes it will go into drive is the largest of the problems.

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  1999 Volkswagen Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW 3 - November 28 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased my VW Jetta and it has been great for a year. I had problems with the dash lights behind the temperature panel. Then it started to have electrical problems. I could not open the gas filler door, then the alarm would not lock the doors, then the trunk light went out and only turns on when it wants. Next the A/C broke. Oh, the glove box is hanging by one hinge. On the positive side, I love the ride and it can do high speeds on the highway. Its gas mileage is great. I would say the quality needs to get better. I bought this car because my Mom owned a 73 Bug and never had a problem. Then I owned it and never had a problem. I mistakenly thought the Jetta would be the same.

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  Love-hate relationship - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By glxauto - November 23 - 11:26 am

  I chose the Passat wagon over the A6 wagon, because the Passats ride is superior and it has more interior space. In an attempt to protect myself against the VWs poor reliability reputation, I bought a certified pre-owned Passat *and* an extended warranty. Looking back, that was a smart move. However, now that all the warranties have expired, the Passat is breaking down with a vengeance. Every visit to the mechanic costs an arm and a leg, with the most recent visit (alternator + battery) costing me $1500! And it is only March! I am sad the Passat and I have to part ways now, because it is truly a safe and comfortable car. But I love my wallet more.

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  Thank god its gone - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Naomi - November 19 - 12:20 am

  When I bought the car it had all the features and performance I was looking for along with great all weather traction. That was the good news. Over 6 years it would spend 1-2 months in the shop every year. Electrical problems, replaced fuel senders x2, fuel tank, engine coils, torque converter, cv joints, numerous other recalls and finally the dreaded cam adjusters failed at 43k. Quoted repair cost $8500, and happens to just about every w8. A quick fix is to try an oil flush like k&w, but it is a ticking time bomb of whats going to fail next. Worst reliability I have ever seen, and this holds for other w8 owners I spoke too. We all traded ours in for a more reliable car (just not a VW).

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  VW Jetta TDI - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ghostrider8 - November 18 - 1:41 pm

  The VWs that were built in Germany,rather than in Mexico were much better quality.I have seen a decline in the overall quality & reliability, also the VW dealers like their cars service has declined.The Jetta TDI is a small compact car, it is a very safe car,but service on the engine can be very costly.Fuel Economy is excellent & I would recommend a Turbo Diesel anyday over a Hybrid.Diesels are proven engines that can take 300k-500k miles.The A/C does not cool very well & it takes a long time to heat in the cabin in cold weather.Technology is shared between the German Car Co.,which is good,they are safe,& reliable,but also be prepared they have high service cost.

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  Top of the line VW? - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lori Cox - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Love driving the car, hate the design. You would think buying the top of the line VW would insure top of the line quality. Not so. All four door handles have broken (some more than once), power windows failing, and weve had several mechanical failures before 50000 miles. Dealers are inept and rude. Dealer parts and labor are astronomical. I will never buy a VW again.

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  Hate this VW Passat - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hate my VW - November 17 - 2:00 am

  How can I describe the worst car experience of my life. We bought this car used in 99 with 60K miles on it. Admittedly, we have driven many many highway miles and the car now has 196K on it but everything, everything has broken. Weve replaced the brakes four times, two "super reliable Audi" transmissions (dont buy that sales feature), constant problems with door handles, constant front end problems, etc etc. We thought the car was cool and powerful- the best compromise for a growing family buying a station wagon. What we ended up with was a huge money pit that has not had the check engine light off for more than a week since we bought it.

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  Jetta 2002; bad reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jgd - November 17 - 2:00 am

  My experiance has been disappointing. With just 5800 miles on the car I needed two coilpack replacemaents and a new engine computer. Not to mention replaced window regulators and armrest locks, twice!. Also a recall for the ABS system. The car was in the shop for no less than 50 days since I started the lease. I will pursue Lemon Law.

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  Dont make this mistake!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaNeverAgain - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This car seems like a great value at first. On paper it has very good stats. It feels good in the test drive, looks good in the showroom.... Dont be fooled! If you buy this piece of junk you will regret it. Trust me. The build quality and reliability are terrible. At 5,000 miles 2nd gear started grinding. The catalytic converter had to be replaced. O2 sensor too. Now the distributor is gone. Add to that full brake replacement at 35,000 miles, and a myriad of other small problems (heated seats, sensors, etc.). Dont be fooled by this cars initial impression. Underneath, its junk. I will never ever buy a Volkswagen again!!!

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  There is a reason for the short warranty - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I purchased 2 used VW prior. No issues with them. Finally got my brand new wagon. Love the performance and style. Hate all the issues. I am selling it and not sure what the replacement will be. I have spent more money out of pocket in 4 years on this car than my 10 year old Ford Taurus... by a lot. If VW extended its warranty greater than 36 months, the company would go under with the extra cost. I have contacted VW of America several times and my complaints fell on deaf ears. If you are reviewing for potentially buying a VW, dont buy one.