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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  Too many problems, bye bye vw! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By jtmke - February 11 - 9:15 am

  A fun car to drive when its not in the shop. As most people have noted electrical issues are constant and irritating. For me, it has been trunk latch issues - trunk wont latch or pops open when driving. Dealer took 3 visits to fix. Mirrors move unpredictably, sometimes while driving. A/c failed and whole compressor needed replacement. Every time the temp drops below zero the steering controls short meaning the whole unit must be replaced. All of this is under warranty but what a waste of time. I cant wait to get rid of this lemon - very sad considering this is my 4th vw. But never again!

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  Best vehicle I ever drove/owned - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By queennella - February 11 - 6:56 am

  Being a past employee at an automobile dealership with over 9 car lines, this is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. I purchased this vehicle in May of 04 and dread having to turn it in at the end of my drivers option lease. Not only is this vehicle reliable in all circumstances, it also is worth every penny that I spend on it a month. I wouldnt trade my Touareg for any other vehicle in on the market. Volkswagen has definitely hit a high note with this one and continues to prove that they are a company that will continue to rock the market with new and exciting merchandise in the future. I cant wait to see what they will do next to top this one.

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  Junk the DSG - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By vdubcc - February 11 - 3:46 am

  I have had my CC Sport since December of 2010 and have yet to figure out what the DSG transmission is trying to do. This transmission spoils the otherwise teriffic car. I find that the transmission seems to not find the gear it is looking for and has actually caused the car to fall flat on its face when pulling out. The turbo lag and this transmission are not ment for each other. Had it back to the dealer and they say everthing is all right. get the manual and it will be a real joy to own.

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  Most reliable friend I have! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Devin Christiansen - February 11 - 1:23 am

  This is MY first VW, and my familys twelfth, so I am a little biased on my love for the car. The fit and finish is luxury level, the ride quality is (for me) close enough to my old 3- series BMW that I cant justify the added expense of the BMW anymore. The only complaint I have is the rear brakes which seems to be a common complaint here. I will say this though, having had to replace the pads nearly every oil change, I will continue to pay for that hydraulic braking system. That braking system has saved my life on LA freeways more times that I care to admit! This is one of those cases of parts bin engineering but when your parts bin is "hand-me-downs" from Porsche...

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By SpencerBell - February 10 - 10:10 pm

  First comment, we will never buy another Volkswagen. At 36,000 miles the engine had to be flushed due to sludge, even with regular oil changes. Dealership flushed engine, said all okay. From 42,000 miles to 73,000 miles, had 3 more engine oil sludge problems. Finally, at 73,000 miles, VW replaced the engine. With less than 2,000 miles on new engine, bolt that holds tensioner "broke", resulting in piston damage to new engine. Pending bill is $3,2000, since item is not covered by warranty. Engine replacement work took 2 months with no rental car provided (not covered by warranty). Between VW and dealership service, or lack thereof, will never buy another VW (this is 3rd VW vehicle).

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  Own for 5 years - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By garner61 - February 10 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this car Feb.1st of 1999 after waiting almost a year to get one. Great gas mileage - I have 106000 miles on it still get 44 mpg. The A.C. compressor has gone out twice. Left door window broke and have had lots of trouble with lights. But all told I have saved more on fuel than repairs. About 2100.00 so far on total repairs. Have changed belt out at 60k. Hope to run till 200k.

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  For the Love of Torque - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By linderov - February 10 - 6:50 am

  This has been a terrific car, very durable and reliable and looking good doing it. My kids dont ever complain about being cramped although I think they probably are. Its cozy and all their friends love it. With the sunroof and windows open, its like a convertible, too, fun and loud, and like a party ready to go. Even though the car is now 6 + years old, it still attracts attention, and not just from kids, although kids really love it. It gets 45 mpg in mixed use, typically. Ive never had problems here in Detroit with the cold weather and diesel. The diesel is quiet and pleasant sounding in normal use, and has a higher pitch singing sound when you hammer it to kick in the turbo.

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  2008 Jetta Odometer off - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael-Jetta - February 8 - 7:30 am

  I had an odometer problem with my 2008 jetta, it was off 4.8 miles for every 29.3 miles driven. They fixed it at 20,434 miles, total extra miles on car - 3,347.5. They tell me they reset the speedometer to specs. This fixed the problem, but VW refuses to adjust my lease for the miles or refund the money for the miles. They say the fix couldnt have fixed the odometer, Why did they make the adjustment if they knew it wouldnt fix it???. After complaining to BBB of Ohio, Volkswagen and the dealer settled for the cost to buy extra miles on my lease. You would be wise to verify your odometers miles to another car or two to see if its accurate. Ive seen other similiar complaints on the Web.

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  VW Passat - continuous repairs - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Owner - February 8 - 5:16 am

  While the VW Passat 2.0T is great to drive it requires continuous repairs for all major systems. The interior is nice but when you need 2 visors, one drive gear shift, 2 new lumbar supports, a new trunk latch, new window buttons, etc - do I need to say more - the list just gets longer - and the car is only 4 years old, why would you bother? The hassle with the repairs outweighs the fun of the driving. It is unreliable and there is no guarantee that you can get from point A to B. The latest recall is the engine coils, but what about all the other repair and defective parts that arent being recalled. This car and parts are unreliable -why do you think they decreased the mileage warranty

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  I love driving!! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By crzyrbt - February 7 - 7:33 am

  My fiance and I stumbled upon this great car by pure luck. The first time I drove this car I was completely surprised and wanted more. With a tap of the pedal your off to wherever you may go. Everyday I drive it I find myself saying " I love this car! " It is the funnest thing to drive!! I have a lead foot and its great right off the line. I do have to be careful though, all the sudden I find myself at 80 mph not even knowing it. The car could get better gas mileage all around but its really not too bad. With the way I drive sometimes it doesnt quite matter.I love this car!!