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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  Jetta sport wagon 1.8T 17" rims - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob ONeil - July 24 - 11:52 am

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  Im out - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Im out - July 24 - 2:26 am

  Replaced 2 steering columns hard shifting transmission peeling interior paint burns oil - 1 quart/1000 miles suspension noises uneven tire wear replace two ignition coils lumbar problems the list goes on and on I traded it in - I am soooo happy to be out of that car

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  Best VW yet, but service getting pricey - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Every car a VW - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Of the the 7 VWs (4 types) I have owned, this is my favorite. Great to drive, efficient, nimble etc. etc. The regular maintenance costs (not major repairs) are getting to be ridiculous. It is a cash extraction racket. This is probably endemic of new autos in general. VW has always been a better value than most, but that gap is narrowing. I do love this car! I do long for the days of $100 a visit service costs, as opposed to $200-$400 (assuming no emission system oxygen sensors etc.)

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  A Real Treasure - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eagle-eye - July 24 - 2:00 am

  After getting a doctorate in late model car shopping my wife and I thought we were just too picky - until we stumbled upon our shiney black 1.8T Jetta with tan leather interior, monsoon sound, and sunroof. Im sorry but this thing is Fine! A vacation on wheels! The Jetta is safe, peppy, wellbuilt, classy, great looking, and more fun with every mile...(just like my wife!)

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  sweet - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Billy77 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  w h a t a s w e e t c a r . I l o v e i t. :)

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  Major Issues - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ttrag - July 24 - 12:43 am

  I have had my car into the shop multiple times for issues with the computer and they can not seem to get them straight. Most recently I have had to replace the brakes (including the rotors). I was told by someone in the service department that this was very common and that there were a lot of "Unhappy Touareg Customers". I was basically told that I would have to spend $1,500 dollars every two years on the brakes with this car. To add to this...when I called into Volkswagens customer care department and was told that the problem was merely related to my driving habits. I have children or pets in my vehicle most of the time and I assure you that my driving habits are average at most.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed in NJ - July 23 - 9:33 pm

  This car has been back to the dealer more times than I want to admit. Its cost me too much money to keep: replaced the catalytic converters, ignition coil, coolant sensor, radiator hoses deteriorated. I dont understand why a 3.5 year old car has this many problems. I thought I was buying a car that would last. Moving on to a more reliable vehicle.

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  This is no bug! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Another Convert! - July 23 - 4:46 pm

  OK, Ive only had this car for two weeks now...but man, can this car rock! I had pretty well settled on a Mazda6 Sport, and at the last minute decided to try the Passat. This thing reeks of build quality..its like its machined from a solid piece of metal! The technology that VW has engineered into this car at this price is unbelievable. I used to own an Audi back in the early 90s, and at that time it suffered from poor quality and reliability issues, but I certainly dont get that impression driving this baby. Its acceleration, quietness (even at speed), trip computer and all the top quality features set this car years apart from the competition! Its a Mercedes at a fraction of the cost!

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  2nd set of coilovers - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NoneYa - July 23 - 2:09 pm

  so I changed my oem suspension to a reputable companys coilovers about some 3 or 4 years. OMGOGMGGOMG, the car handled sooo much differently and moooar enjoyable to drive.....even with a drop of about 1" or 1.5" car runs great on long drives...although a little more road noise....but thats fixed via the radio volume. Other than getting new tires....the oil change and small things Ive had NO problems w/my car....except the stupid door dings at the grocery store....

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  Very disappointed, last VW ever for this guy. - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By norsechild76 - July 23 - 7:33 am

  I like the style and performance of this vehicle when its running. However over the past 12 months Ive had to pay over $5,400 in repairs/maint. just to keep it running. On top of what was done under warranty before, the following has had to be replaced: flywheel, both front axles, another front axle (second time), camshaft, horn spring ($600), the timing belt and water pump also needed done at 100k miles to the tune of $1200. 117k total miles on car...Im selling it before something else fails and will never own another VW. These cars are fine under warranty...not worth paying off, may as well sell and buy another under warranty.