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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  1.8t = Solid Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By George S - June 29 - 5:46 am

  Put on about 50,000 miles, with a decent amount of reliability issues (windows dropping into door twice, check engine lights, leaking sunroof, failed ignition coil requiring tow, among others). With the turbocharged engine, Im going to make sure I religiously change the oil every 3k miles no matter what...cant afford to put money into the car now that Im off the 4-year/50k mile warranty. Otherwise, a great car overall. Not fast, but quick - and it can be made quite fast with basic mods, if one should so choose. Amazingly refined interior build quality, classy exterior looks. Has its rattles, but not a big deal. Fairly soft ride, though a bit of lean in turns as a result.

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  Be wary of VR6 w/ auto trans - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By . - June 29 - 5:23 am

  Bought a used 2001 Jetta VR6 automatic to replace a 2001 Beetle 1.8T 5-Speed. This was the 8th VW Ive owned (several GTIs, Sciroccos, a Karmann Ghia) but the first VR6, the first 4-speed automatic and the first with unexpected issues. Electrical gremlins made themselves known within the first 1000 miles we put on the car. First, it would occasionally refuse to start unless you reseated the battery-box fuses. Then the sunroof began opening spontaneously. The dealership wasnt able to sort the electrical problems, so I took it to my usual private VW expert. He rolled his eyes and said that VR6 automatics are notoriously problematic (though he had praise for the 2.0 and 1.8T manuals).

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  Wolfsburg 2.0T: quality, fun, value, safe - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GJS - June 28 - 7:20 pm

  Looked for a commuter car that is not boring to drive. Tested all Hondas, Toyotas and Hyundais and used Mercedes and BMW in the under 25k range. They had nothing to compare to the Jetta drive quality and feel. Bought mine in June 2008. Initial climate control malfunction which I had to contact the CEO of VW USA Mr. Jacoby, since dealer Bob Baker was clueless. Dealer in Escondido Classic is awesome and fixed problems 100% with the help of factory engineers. It was a faulty temp. sensor in the left vent. Driving over hills to work, 35 miles with 15 miles city driving I get 28-29 MPG at 70-80 and 30+mpg at 65MPH regular gas. Loves the responsiveness at any speed. Handling like Porsche.

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  Want Something Special? Get a Passat! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Future Repeat Buyer - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2001.5 Passat in March 2001 after detail analysis. PassatÂ’s Styling, Comfort, and Standard Features made the decision easy. Try getting 8 airbags in other cars. The Passat has been flawless for 13,000 miles and been to the Dealership only for scheduled maintenance. A/C is Ice- Cold. The engine and transmission perform excellent. Braking is superb.

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  337 Edition is for real - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Merlin - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I actually had to go to Vegas to get my 337 edition but it was WELL worth it. The extra 30 hp is a huge difference. The six speed manual is perfect and this car turns heads. The 18 wheels and 40 series tires grip the road like crazy and this thing is a little rocket. I love everything about this car, the recaro seats really hold you in place when cornering hard and this car loves to be pushed to its limits. If you can get your hands on one I would suggest you do it.

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  GTI GLS - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sudz - June 28 - 10:00 am

  For drivin fast, you cant beat it, but sluggish in the corners and too many squeeks and rattles. Lots of goodies, very comfortable ride. Easy to customize and bump up the power - large aftermarket following for bolt on performance.

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  Fun Card - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sebastian - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I think that the new Jetta is a great car. It is a bit smaller than what i thought, and it is right now being one of the down sides, at least for me. But besides that, i believe it is a great car!

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  The Bumper! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By left on the curb - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The bumper keeps getting stuck on curbs. I back out, the bumper doesnt. Its plastic, and the screws just tear right out. Dealership doesnt cover it. Annoying! But love it otherwise...

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  Just Fun - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DW - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, and safe feeling

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  Disappointed - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jsmith - June 27 - 4:46 pm

  I love the look, style, and power of my Passat. I was so excited to own a VW Passat. Two months after buying my used Passat, I noticed fluid leaking from underneath the car and smoke coming from the exhaust when I started the car. Transmission fluid was leaking and so was oil from the turbo. Before I could get the turbo fixed my car left me stranded on Christmas Eve. I ended up replacing the engine and turbo, which took 2 1/2 months to find an engine and turbo in good shape. Now a year after buying my car and putting in a new engine and turbo the transmission is slipping and the AC stopped working. I can not wait to get rid of this car!