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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  So far, its been a blast - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brozhnik - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for safety features, comfort, and handling in the low $20s range, and this car stood out. A year later, Im really pleased with it. Handles amazingly well, even in bad weather (the ESP helps too); great seats, so my back never gets tired; interior is quiet and pleasant to be in (I have a 120-mile round-trip commute, so it matters); more than enough power for my needs; lots of nice design touches that I associate with more expensive cars. 31-34 MPG on hway. No oil consumption at all. Dealer service has been reliable, honest and fair. In short: I have no buyers remorse.

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  The best way to buy one - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Samuel Turner - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the best they make, it has great handling,fuel economy, power/tourque. Even a base model GL is great.

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  luvmybug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By krislvsbug - January 20 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. I have had a few interior issues ie: Window sensor briken after first mont, passenger side reare seat handle broke off after little use but dealer very easy to deal with and issues not large enough to upset me. Get more people stopping me and talking about my car. Even my husband loves to drive :)

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  a good friend to travel with - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbugr1 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Its just a great car in more ways that one: great gas mileage, dependable - not a problem with it since I have had it - sporty and smart - handles great on the highway - I live in PA and it has been terrific in the snow - I am getting ready to purchase a second one. I travel long distances with it and not once have I been let down - I never worry about getting stuck in a bad part of a town I dont know with this car - vw knows what they are doing - drive one youll see...

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  Terrible. Youd be better off riding a bike! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Izabella - January 20 - 7:50 am

  If you intend to buy this car, you need to reconsider. I purchased my 2000 Jetta 1.8 in March of 2013. This is the breakdown of the repairs Ive made since March of 2013 -Engine blew $2400 -Front control arms $300 -Upper and Lower radiator hoses $300 -4 Ball Joints $450 -Bushings, Stab Links $300 -Starter $250 -Front Axle $200 -Power Steering Pump $250 Ive done regular maintenance such as Tires, Brakes, Flushes e.tc. $500. Ive put more into the vehicle, but after all of the repairs Ive had, its hard to remember every single thing thats been done. Currently, the Heater Core is out. This will cost upwards of $1200. (Im unwilling to put this much into it). By this point, I would have been able to invest a good sum into a new car. It seems like every 3 months, something goes out that costs a minimum of $250 to fix. This past winter, I went to roll down the window and the crank broke off. The vehicle is cheaply made. Its become a money pit. If you want to spend as much into a used, terrible car as youd like to spend into a new car, then a 2000 Jetta is for you. I wish I had known how awful the vehicle is before I had purchased it. Its very disappointing because the transmission has been running strong, even with 184k miles. At this time, Id have thought Ive put so much into the car that itd be running smooth. Unfortunately, about $5,000 later and an initial cost of $2,700, this thing runs like junk. Its so terrible, its become known as the "money pit" in my family. If you look at this car, you may as well just start walking because thats all youll be doing when you own this vehicle.

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  Needs to be more of a VW - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By RAS5 - January 19 - 2:20 pm

  This is a nice van and I am happy with it for the most part. I do wish the two following improvements arte made. 1) needs to be a bit sharper on handling and have a more european ride 2) where is the wonderful 3.0 TDI engine to improve economy?. I bet sales will double if that engine was available.

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  2016 VW Jetta - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Caroline Lucia - January 19 - 7:25 am

  I recently just purchased my first VW Jetta with Patrick at Volkswagen on Orange Blossom Trail. He gave the up-most professional service and was friendly! Very accommodating in getting the perfect car. I am in love with it! The technology is great and it is SO smooth to drive. The mileage is awesome as well, 40 MPG, it only takes less than $25 to fill up. The perks you recieve as well are great, the customer service at this dealership really know how to help you out!

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  Replaced Cayenne S with V10 TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Lee - January 18 - 10:23 pm

  When our 2004 Cayenne S had nearly 100k miles, I bought a 2007 Dodge with 5.7 Hemi to tow with. After one off-ramp at the speed I considered normal in the Cayenne, the Dodge had completely spooked and disappointed me. I found a 2006 VW with 5.0 TDI and bought it with 29k miles. Very satisfied with it, especially mileage (15+ city, 23+ Hwy, 19.0 overall, and 14.3 towing a 5800 lb race car trailer!) Also, it had air suspension that hadnt been available in the Cayenne S when we bought it. Very good. Finally, backup camera is wonderful! Can hook up trailer on first try. Only negatives. The Nav system is pitiful, and no tire pressure monitor in this one. Audio good, not great.

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  Bad Lock Modules - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By peanutmm - January 18 - 4:16 pm

  I am now having to have a second doors lock module and possibly latch replaced. The right side went out and was replaced 6 months ago and now the left rear passenger side went out and ahs to be replaced. Problem is warranty is out because of high miles I drive. car is only a year and half old. Overall, a great car. Just be sure if you drive high miles to get them to promise to cover warranty issues i.e. electrical as the lock replacement is 500-1000 per door.

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  Burns too Much Oil - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Oil Burner 2 - January 17 - 10:33 pm

  This car drives great and has been very reliable. I bought it new in 2000, but since day one it has used at least a quart of oil every 1,000 miles, which could be dangerous unless you know it. The dash lights around the temp and fan switch quit working after a the first few years. The front bumper grill pops out each time you bump a parking block. Im tired of replacing the lost grills, even thought theyre cheap. Otherwise its been a workhorse I can count on.