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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  A joy to drive, very happy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jthreet - September 22 - 9:56 pm

  Ive had my jetta for about two years now, and Ive loved every minute of it. Only problem that ive had was the transmission had to be replaced at 16000 miles -- Ill chalk that up to a fluke, the replacement has been running perfectly ever since. Handling is great, good power, I have no complaints.

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  Volkswagen should be ashamed of themselves - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By IhateVW - September 22 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased the car of my dreams an aqua blue Beetle convertible, little did I know, my dreams would turn into a nightmare. Since purchasing this car last year it has been in the shop 12 times. I did not have it in for minor repairs these were all MAJOR! New transmission, new computer system, the top broke 2 times, the heating and cooling system failed 3 times and the car overheated twice. This car a piece of junk and I would not recommend it to ANYBODY. When Volkswagen was contacted regarding these issues, I basically got a so what tough luck response. SHAME ON VOLKSWAGEN.

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  About the roof seals - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By eoslover - September 22 - 4:50 pm

  I hate to see all the bad reviews about the roof leaks. Since Edmunds doesnt allow posting links in reviews if you google "solve eos roof seal leaks" you will find an excellent article on keeping this car from leaking. I did a lot of research on this car before I purchased it and bought it once I read this article and knew the roof would likely not be a problem. Unfortunately, most VW dealers dont seem to stock the Krytox or know anything about this process. That said, overall this car has been great and fun for 12,000 miles. I get a solid 27 mpg with 50/50 highway/city driving. Highway yields over 30 mpg. Drove 2 hours through wicked slippery icy snow as well as can be expected for 2WD.

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  Shopped Around a lot to Find Value - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rebecca Ann - September 22 - 2:03 pm

  I shopped around quite a bit before deciding on a VW Passat. I compared this car to Swedens Volvo S60 and the Lincoln LS, both of which are V6 or straight 5-cylinder engines. I was sceptical about the 4-cylinder 1.8T engine in the Passat, however this German built vehicle really shines when you consider the packages and the performance. It is a solid car with great space in the backseat. The standard side curtain airbags and safety went toe toe to toe with Volvo. The S60 had a lot of play in the wheel (boat feeling) and the Lincoln didnt impress me when the dealer couldnt shut the hood when showing me the car. It makes you wonder what else in the car is not quite lined up. The Passat won.

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  Traded in my BMW for this - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By andydrew86 - September 21 - 11:21 pm

  Ive been used to luxury and honestly this VW is not bad. Asian cars are always skimpy on features, and performance. German cars are just as reliable, have tons of technology in them, but do cost way more to maintain. I got it with 78K and put 10K more. I have had no problems at all. The Turbo is so FUN. I Guess it depends where you buy your car from. I got mine from Carmax, I would definitely recommend them. BTW the stereo is GREAT, it seriously rivals the one I had in the BMW 745. I have the optional 17" wheels and sport suspension. This car is SO FUN TO DRIVE, and doesnt put me to sleep like the BMW

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  Fun Family Car with Excellent Value - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ning - September 21 - 1:03 am

  Just signed the lease through VW Credit for 2.0T Auto with Package 2. Besides the Passat, my wife and I also tested Audi A4 2.0T, the new Jetta, Accord V6 and Camry V6. The A4 had more feature than the Passat, but the ride was too bumpy for our taste. When compared to the other three, the Passat is just better in almost every single aspect. It has more passing power, a more sporty ride that is not so bumpy, and perfectly weighted steering. Excellent interior design, feels very upscale. Good space for both front and rear occupants. The lease program is very attractive on this car!

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  2.0t Wolfsburg Jetta 09 - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mario D - September 21 - 12:26 am

  Great Car for the money. Paid 23,000.00 feels like the 08 Audi A4 I test drove. Same engine but costs 10-15 grand less. Excellent build quality and fit and finish. Handles better and more solid then Japanese competition.

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  Oil burning, tranny chewing. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ryan - September 20 - 5:20 pm

  My Jetta with 64,000 miles. 100% of its service on schedule performed at only VW dealers. Last week the auto developed a shifting problem between 2nd and 3rd gear. We took the car to VW where Several shocking events then occurred: 1. VW trannys are sealed, not serviceable, and to check what was wrong with the shifting would cost $648. 2. This was a common problem on the 4cyl Jetta 3. Our $648 would go towards the cost of 1 of 2 outcomes: (1) New Valve Body in the Tranny $1800 or (2) Re manufactured by VW tranny for $4400-The car is worth 6-7000 bucks putting us in an interesting dilemma. [Side note, the car burns ~1 quart of oil per 1,200 miles which the dealer wouldnt fix under warranty

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  2016 Jetta TSI Impressive!!! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - September 20 - 12:01 pm

  My last three cars have been Jettas . A 2006, 2011, and now a new 2016 TSI w/ Technology 1.4 Turbo. The Jettas have been the best cars I have ever owned and other than regular maintenance, the most reliable. All have been very economical on gas, and the 2016 has been averaging a little over 39 miles per gallon. Unbelievable power for a 1.4 Turbo. Car is smooth and handles well. I truly believe the Jetta is the best quality car on the market in its class. I would definitely buy this car again. Stickered for over $19K, purchased no trade for $18.2 with tax and title out the door. Cant touch this quality of a car for under $25K.

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  LOVE MY 2003.5 GLX VR6!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gnaz_jet - September 20 - 7:16 am

  After owning a few reliable & yet boring Toyotas, I decided to go VW, even though I read both favorable & bad reviews. It seems like a lot people have got lemons. But, my Jetta has been outstanding. Im at 65k mi & have never had a problem. Ive only done the standard maintenance, that the dealer recommends & it still drives like it did when it was brand new. It still hauls a--! and has many creature comforts, like a luxury car. To me, its a luxury sports car & I love every minute that Im driving it. Of course, Ive upgraded the optional 17"s to BBS 18"s & changed out the red tailights to the 2005 GLI smoked ones, to give the ol girl a makeover & to keep her happy. Shes the Best!!