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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  Audi quality at discounted price - 2015 Volkswagen Golf
  By lifeisahighway - August 13 - 11:59 pm

  I absolutely love my Golf TDI. I do wish VW had kept the independent rear suspension, but I honestly dont notice that much of a handling difference. The solid quality build structure I think really helps the handling. VW can get away with the inferior suspension and it still drives like a car built for the Autobahn. I love the torquey diesel, and Ive been getting 38 mpg city, which is awesome. On the highway, I have gotten 55 mpg under 70 mph. If the GTD had been available I would have bought that, but this little diesel is an awesome second choice. Ive wanted this car for over two years...its been worth the wait. Ill probably never go back to a gas engine or a non European car.

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  High Repair Costs - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By NJ Jellybean - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my TDI new. I have put on a lot of miles, so the good gas milage is great. However, I have experienced high repair cost so what I am saving in gas I am paying in repairs. Not many mechanics can work on diesel engines so I am a the mercy of the dealer. At 80K miles my turbo died. Still waiting to hear why and how much it is to repair. Service provided by VW is very expensive ($82/hr for labor). Additionally, VW charges more for any work done on a diesel vehicle. Regular oil change cost $55.

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  Nuisance problems, but Id buy another - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By sljarvis - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Was reading some reviews and thought much of it was familiar. Ive put 95K on my V6 Passat in just under 4 years. GREAT car to drive, but have had some nuisance problems. Paid $225 for r window. Now r doorlock, $379 to fix. HVAC lighting is out, am told its not a bulb or fuse...have to replace the whole unit for $179. No thanks, I can deal w/no light. O2 sensor also bad, $300+ to fix. Vacuum valve replaced under recall & water pump under 100K warranty. New tires 2X & new brakes & rotars (I drive it hard). Oh yeah, trunk lt & glovebox lt also out...not fixing those either.

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  Nothing but problems - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By nomorevws - August 13 - 10:00 am

  After owning this car I would never recommend a VW to anyone. While materials are first rate, assembly quality needs improvement. Reliability was a major issue. I needed to spend $500+ on repairs at 51K miles in addition to a number of things that were repaired under warranty. Parts prices are ridiculous!

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  Best looking car ever - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cpapakon - August 13 - 10:00 am

  No problems until 30,000 miles Everythings works like new. Awesome car.

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  Problems Too Many To List - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 8haggis - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car after driving a Civic for years. What a disappointment. After 3.5 years, the brake and rear lights are constantly failing. The drivers mirror has a developed a brown tinge. Had O2 sensor fail twice, light behind heater control has failed twice. Also I had the glove box hinge break due to the cold Canadian winter. I do like all of the amenities and the drive. I traded it in and am gettting the Golf GLS TDI on Wednesday. I hope I have better luck. By reading the reviews, it seems that the owners are happy.

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  my first bad car experience - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By asillisa - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car 3.5 years, and SO much has gone wrong with it, more than any other car Ive had (even used ones!). The laundry list: the oil basically disappeared 1000 miles after a change; the air conditioner broke, thankfully a month before the warranty was up; both front door lock mechanisms broke; cup holder broke; lighting on temp control panel shorted out (permanently); front bumper grill pieces popped out - bumper caught on every parking spot block and finally pulled off; rear brakes went out at 26000 miles. Unbelievable. I love the new Passats AND the Audis, but after this, Ill never buy another German car.

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  Touareg tidbits - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sanman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Just bought vehicle, so no long term experience yet. Very nice ride quality and exceptional handling. Handles turns and road curves as much sport-car- like as a SUV based vehicle could. If fun factor, smooth drive and handling are impotant to you; with good comfort, sportyness at a competitive price then look at this product. We also own an Acura MDX and both are exceptional i would favor the VW.

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  VW sells LEMONS and doesnt care - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carnage - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The car itself would be great if it didnt break down every 2 weeks. The WORST part of it all is the VW customer service. If you EVER have a problem, they will laugh at you and tell you tough luck. They sold me a lemon, and they wont take responsibility for it. My car has broken 8 times in under 2 months. DOCUMENTED evidence. Better Business Bureau case opened against VW, still VW doesnt care.

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  Some kinks to be fixed - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By firstvolkswagen - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car six months and Im glad I bought it, but there have been a few problems. The fuel sensor malfunctioned and had to be replaced; one of the keys had to be fixed because it had a short and the car jerks when I take off (if I gun it). But its pretty sporty for a family car and I dont regret buying it.