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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  2009 TDI Exceeds Expectations - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shifter - October 19 - 1:40 pm

  Teutonic styling, handling and quality. Stiff suspension and taut handling takes some getting used to but lots of smiles per km. Fuel economy averages 6 L/100 km out of the box in a mixture of highway driving and city. Doors close with a reassuring thud. Interior controls and finish are all of the highest quality. Everything works as its supposed to. Expensive trim level (Highline) and options (Sirius radio etc.) worth the upgrade. TDI is luxury car quiet and smooth. 6 speed manual takes some getting used to with closely matched ratios. Best to find a high range and leave it there, letting the 235 ft lb torque do the rest. Only missed feature is HID headlights, standard H4 are very good.

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  Very good for the age and mileage - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark - October 19 - 8:53 am

  I had never owned a VW, but I have been very impressed. The heated seats have been recalled, but it is summer right now. So not worried about it. Wish fuel was better. But tranny, body style, tires, interior are all great. The owner did a very good job in maintaining it. Very solid when doors are shut and the safety features are great. I love that it has side curtain air bags.

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  What is wrong with the Germans? - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By IJB - October 19 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car hoping for a step up in performance from the Hondas I was used to driving, Im now trading it in for a Honda. The engine is powerful but that comes with the cost of a miserable 19-20 mpg, costing me almost $50 a week thanks to it requiring premium. The headlights are fine until you turn on the high beams and notice that they are dimmer than the low beams, the DBW gas pedal makes the car difficult to drive smoothly for anyone driving for the first time, it leaks coolant, the timing chain makes noise and needs to be replaced, the transmission slips and makes noise, the list goes on. On top of it all its next to impossible to find info on how to maintain the car yourself.

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  VW owners beware!! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dawn - October 18 - 4:56 am

  VW owners beware!! The deception/lie that Volkswagen did on the diesel cars will affect you as a regular fuel Volkswagen car owner when it comes to trading in your car for something other than the bad reputation VW now. Be prepared to be raped when you get your trade in value as the dealerships are going to give you “Auction” since no one trusts VW anymore, they are concerned that if they were deceitful with the diesel, what’s to stop VW from making false claims about the gas VW’s. I have a 2015 VW Passat Limited, in excellent condition, financed for 4 yrs at 0% financing and my trade is worth $7,500 at “Auction” per the other than VW dealerships (Dec 23, 2016), I have NEVER been upside down on trading in a vehicle before, and note, this isn’t upside down, this is rape, over $7k upside down. And NO, I don’t want another VW!! One very upset VW owner that has a worthless vehicle now due to their faults claims on the diesel.

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  Nice Truck - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Djsamy - October 17 - 4:50 pm

  The 2007 Touareg V6 has a nice ride. Its a smooth truck and a beast in the snow.

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  Great Car.... - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By kaperej - October 17 - 1:29 pm

  Overall this is a really good German Engineering...although this Passat doesnt get the best MPG or is the cheapest it is the best for your money. The overall quality is very good and will last along time. The two years we have had our Passat we have only had one big issue. The engine cam had shattered and at high RPM..This costed $2700 and Volkswagen knew it was a problem but refused to pay for it. Other than that it has been a great car.

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  Single Guy and a W8 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jschneberger - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I was very familiar with the Wagon version of the W8 as a friend has one and I drove his quite a bit prior to my purchase. I have added the 18" wheels and tires as avertised in the accesories catalog, and while it stiffens up the ride a lot if you like performance handling it is a nice addition. I have considered the performance springs, but based on feedback from others probably wont go there as I drive alot in my work and dont want that much road feel. The car is comfortable, fun to drive and I recommend it to anyne who would like a performance sedan with a fair amout of luxury.

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  Passat Wagon is most fun and practical - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By DaveInSoCal - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought out Passat GLX with a manual 5-speed because the dealer gave us a very good deal. My wife also enjoys driving the 5-speed because it is so smooth and effortless. The V6 is very luxurious and has good power, especially at low rpms in traffic. This car eats up the highway miles in comfort and style. I see all the SUV drivers staring at my VW wagon with envy. My wife thinks the Passat looks so much better than the new Accord and Camry, and I agree. Weve had it for one year and 18k miles with no problems!

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  Great car, for the most part - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Not Pink - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1997. Since then I have had a few quirky problems (like the driver and passenger side door locks needed repair twice. The locks also freeze in the winter. The cruise control and the trunk lock also needed repair) otherwise I have had no major mechanical problems. I think the biggest thing to watch for is the front end alignment. The car needs to be aligned quite often, which could be due to the fact that I live in Maine and the roads are terrible in the winter, but...I have been through 4 pairs of tires in 6 yrs. Overall its a great car.

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  2003 1.8t GTI 5spd - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By mitchbo - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints about this vehicle. The 1.8t engine is a solid performer, rated by Wards Automotive as one of the ten best engines for 2003. Despite somewhat long throws, shifting is smooth and precise, and clutch feel is far superior to the competing Honda Civic SI. The sport suspension is firm enough for everyday spirited driving, but may be a bit soft for those weekend autocrossers. Fit and finish is on par with anything in this class, (under $25,000 hatchback), and the choice of interior materials and packaging also outclasses the competition. This car is rooted as a sporty hatchback with excellent performance, and ranks at the top of its class.