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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  Nightmare Experience - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pandapizazz - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I will never lease a VW again! I have had nothing but problems since the second day that I have had my Jetta. Problems range from windows falling into the door, a sunroof that doesnt work more than it does, and an engine that needs to be replaced. I havent had my car 3 years and honestly feel that I have a lemon. To date I have spent almost 3500 on a car that isnt 3 years old!! BEWARE!!

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  Seasoned Fahrvergnügen - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ashley Riley - July 4 - 5:57 am

  2006 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan 2.5 - Specifications 4-Door Automatic PZEV 2.5L FI Very Good Condition 4 D Sedan 88973 5-speed automatic transmission w/Tiptronic/sport mode/ overdrive 5 2.5L-FI PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle - A partial zero emissions vehicle is a classification in the United States for a vehicle that has zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system, has a 15-year (or at least 150,000-mile) warranty on its emission-control components, and meets SULEV tailpipe-emission standards.) Value Edition Silver EXT/Grey Leather INT EPA Class Compact (5 person seating capacity with huge trunk) MPG City 22 / Hwy 30 Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Traction Control Steering Wheel/ Touch Control/Tilt/Telescopic Leather Heated/Bucket Seats Aluminum Alloy Wheels Gel Cell Battery AM/FM/Stereo/CD Changer-Stacker Cell Phone Pairing/”hands free” capability/Satellite ready Spacious glove compartment and console area POWER: Steering Brakes (Anti lock x4/Wheel Disk x4/Brake life 90% remaining) Windows Locks Mirrors (heated, with signal integrated lights) Seats Sun Roof * * * Air Conditioner Intermittent wipers Cruise Control Rear Defogger Keyless Entry Alarm AIR BAGS: Driver Front/Side Passenger Front/Side Front Impact Head Curtain Impact Tire Tread life (40% remaining) Spare tire Very sensitive instrumental panel, you will know if there is a problem, but, at times, a lit icon will appear when there is no problem. Acceleration is so smooth and swift; on Hwy, I need to set "speed warning" for speed increase is subtle, and at times ticket worthy! Very clean. Purchased for elderly widowed parent who can no longer drive; 86,800 mileage at purchase. [contact information removed]

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  gotta love german - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed - July 4 - 3:03 am

  I test drove the VW 2.0T with the six speed manual and was sold. This has got to be the slickest drivetrain Ive ever driven. Exterior fit and finish are great and this is a really good looking car. However, you really have to love these cars to put up with the same old VW issues. I have 20K on the car and have had 3 oil changes, yet have had to add almost 2 quarts of oil over that period! Hello - this is 2006 not 1966! I have yet to find a valet or car wash attendant that knows how to set or disengage the stupid electric parking brake. A/C is inadequate if car spends any time parked in the sun. Dashboard rattles. This is my fourth VW since 1979 and some things never change.

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  Bunny! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By trtl182 - July 4 - 2:26 am

  I looked at a few different vehicles like the Mazda3, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa...and none of them fit like the Bunny does for me. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was in love. The car drives great, feels great inside, and is just all around fun to drive. Now that Ive had it a month, there are a few things Ive noticed. Its gas mileage has been 20 / 25 mpg, it has some odd noises here and there from the pedals, and the stereo seems like it is possessed at times. Other than that, it is packed with a lot of things that I wouldnt have expected for the price. And I get a guitar...what could be better?

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  01.5 Passat V6 GLS - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jbaril - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I think the car is awesome, especially compared to its immediate rivals, like Century Regal, Maxima, I30, Saab 9-5, Accord, Camry, et al. I owned an 01 Accord--BORING! DULL for days. You can tell youre driving a German car, precision, finesse, style, grace. What else can I say?

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  good stuff - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jbaril - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Silver w/black cloth and weather pkg, as well as luxury pkg. Stereos great, the dials for it are too fussy. comfortable, beats the crap out of Accords, Camrys, etc. Theyre all boring.

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  Great value for the dollar. - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By pilotdc9 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have put 19,000 miles on this car in the five months since purchasing it and have no complaints. Peppy, comfortable, expensive looking materials, complete lack of problems and great fuel economy.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Oliver - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many cars, including an RSX type S, a Celica GT-S, a Matrix, and Subaru WRX. Among all those, the GTI was the best bang for the buck. It has great performance and handles very nimbly with the 17" optional wheels. The fit and finish is above and beyond any of the vehicles I tested. Overall a very well crafted piece of machinery.

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  The Jetta is a great car! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lilly - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The Volkswagen Jetta is a great car. Its fun to drive and reliable. There is a lot of storage room and the back seat is roomy, too. So far the only problem I have had in two years were the passenger and driver windows coming off of their tracks one time each. Both windows were covered under my warrenty, fixed right away by the dealer, and havent fallen since. I highly recommend the Jetta.

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  VW passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By SHAWN CAMPBELL - July 4 - 1:00 am

  I have had no problems with my passat it is well made and looks great! Every one tells me what an awesome car it is and whey would love to own one! I just sold my 2004 and it sold for 1000 less than i paid for it!!!!! Now thats great......... I now have a 2005 passat and it as awsome as the 2004 keep up the great work v.W.