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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  Fun to drive. A lot of $$$$ to repair - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By cjluvdub - February 27 - 9:51 am

  When I drove this car off the lot it was 9 years old good condition low miles. But within a few months the problems started, needed a new fuel pump trans. started slipping shifting hard intermittently car would die once shut off and required discon & recon of battery at least once a month. Window regulator broken, drivers window switch broken, seat belt & drivers door sensor dont work(purchased it like this) & now with 110k the cat. convert is failing along with the o2 sensors(not cheap parts!) & the current problem is the braking when I first drive in the morning the brake pedal & brakes feel like theyre pulsating and then it goes away for the rest of the day might be time to trade...

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  Happy new CC owner! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Tallahassee Lassie - February 27 - 4:43 am

  Ive had my new black CC Sport/R-Line for about 2 weeks & JUST LOVE IT! I researched MANY cars to fit my needs as I travel by car extensively in my job. I drove all the high-end options including BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti & Lexus. I chose the CC because it looks great & gave me all the options I wanted with out the big price tag. The great mileage this car gets was the icing on the cake. I got 30.4 MPG on my first road trip & thoroughly enjoyed the ride! Now I actually look forward to going "on the road again"!

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  Generally pleased - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By griz - February 25 - 6:03 pm

  This is a gorgeous car, couldnt get more attention if Pam Anderson were sitting topless on the hood. VR6 is powerful and makes great noises. Interior is very nice, if a bit short of Audi quality in some of the materials (the lower dash is hard, hollow plastic for example). Moreover, I got a great deal on it with a 0% interest loan. On the not so happy side, it has had four unscheduled visits to the dealer service dept due to little electrical gremlins. First was the tire pressure warning light (faulty sensor); then the check engine light; the gas cap light (which Ive just started ignoring b/c its so random); then a tail light burned out. A little nervous what this portends for the future.

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  Transmission problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By josevi - February 25 - 1:50 pm

  I came to the Jetta Wagon from a Civic and it is I came to the Jetta Wagon from a Civic and I have to say that it is a much better car. The cargo capacity is incredible, especially considering its compact size. However, like many European cars, it suffers from electronic gremlins (most of the issues, solved under warranty). More worrying was extensive cylinder work at around 50k miles and a rebuilt transmission at 70k, the latter, according to internet forums being a common issue. Despite its practicality, its comfort and attractive design, I would not recommend that you buy a second-hand one. I am trying to get a couple of years more of mine and will move on to a different brand.

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  Dream Car - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By Joe - February 25 - 1:50 pm

  I had no idea how fun a car could be, until I bought the Volkswagen Eos. I cant stop driving this thing... It makes driving fun again. I should have purchased this years ago. The Eos has the same solid feel of your typical Volkswagon with the added luxury of being able to put the top down. The car is peppy, gets very good gas mileage and feels good to drive. Excellent sound system. My kids and their friends all beg for rides in the car. It has been a great experience!!!

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  Rear Brakes Poor Design - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 20jetta07 - February 25 - 4:16 am

  The rear brakes are design to be replace (Pads + Rotors) every 15,000 miles no matter how much you use them. I use this as a commute car and I will never buy a VW again because of this issue. I like the car but I can NOT believe that VW has this problem and will not correct it. This is an on going problem from the 2000. If you hear a thud in the rear brake area you have a problem that will cost you $400.00 because you have to replace the ROTOR and PADS. This is not something on a car any brand or model.

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  Bad 1998 Jetta GT - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dustie - February 24 - 9:26 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my Jetta. It seems like everyday something goes wrong. Electrical, brake system, clutch, motor mounts, axles, ignition, key switch, heater and a/c controls have all failed within 50,000 miles. The wheels oxidize to the hubs and can not be removed without pounding on the wheels with a sledge hammer. This is not good when you have a flat tire. The car is a total nightmare. Very unreliable. Parts are extremely expensive. I can not recommend this car to anyone.

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  For your consideration - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By NJTouareg - February 24 - 8:20 pm

  Purchased used 2006 Touareg in May 2009. Within 2 days it had to be towed to get the ignition coils replaced. Shortly thereafter it was dead in the street, alternator and battery. The day after the alternator was replaced, the drive shaft went. Fortunately, all this was still covered. Two things concern me: first, did VW knowingly make a vehicle with so many major flaws that they wanted to compete in the luxury market? And second, what does VW do when the "certify" a used vehicle? To date Burlington VW has been good about repairing everything, but even they are starting to consider whether or not we should keep the vehicle. Despite all above, still like the truck, if it will run....

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Tigran - February 23 - 6:46 pm

  Best for the money, loaded, more extras than expected, rain sensor, auto lights, and so force, two tone leatherette is super nice and does not get dirty at all unlike the real leather, very practical way of spending, base model trully rolles!!

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  Fun so far... - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Hockey GTI - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Put some real seats in the car; build for 58" and under. With seat all the way back, shifting/steering too far away. Seats are rock hard and bolsters are right angles to the seat bottom. Some engineer is having a good laugh over his cup holder design. Remote oil filter would be nice, so you don’t have to take the car apart to get at the oil filter. No way not to spill oil out of the filter when removing it. Armrest is in the way. After working on the seats,