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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  Paid too much - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ABD - April 9 - 12:10 am

  2002 Beetle GLS 2.0 Bought in July 08 trying to sell in July 09. My son paid $7,900.00 he put 10M miles (96M miles) on it and is trying to sell it for $4995.00. Had to fix driver side power window. Cat went bad VW has 10yr extended warr. Replace brake cables. New tires. 6 disc change went out replaced it. Replace seat buckle to get the air bag light off. Orig key and remote didnt come with car son bought one $200.00. Quick lube shop stripped drain plug. They paid $400.00 to replace oil pan. Now they mechanic says it should have timing belt and water pump replaced. What a money pit. I own 2 toyotas and you change oil and tires when needed and they just keep running. Wouldnt buy VW or Audi

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  Fun, Practical, Economical, Unique - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Jake - April 8 - 10:36 am

  I looked for a year before purchasing the EOS. Its truly the best buy out there for less than $35,000. I dont recommend paying for the Luxury or Sport packages, as you can get the upgraded radio and wheels for about $2,000 less. For a family who may need to seat four, and prefers a solid hard-top and front wheel drive, but enjoys the top down every so often, there is nothing out there like the EOS.

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  Not bad, not bad at all - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chris - April 8 - 7:14 am

  Decent starter car for 21 yr old.

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  Puts a smile on your face - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cdub504 - April 7 - 1:40 pm

  There arent many cars that one can own that gives you a communal feeling like you get from owning a vw. This is my second vw purchase, despite a 6 year Mazda relationship that ended, it was time. After test driving a new focus I found this white gold metallic beauty with 17in vw rims and well that test drive put a smile back on my face. At 22k it drives perfectly with enough pick up for my daily commutes and looks really great. I didnt read too much into the cheap interior reviews, I love it, love the stereo system and satellite radio. The onl thing I can caution a new buyer on is the love bite that seems to happen when you first open the center counsel...consider yourself warned!

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  Comfortable Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By CeCe - April 6 - 7:43 pm

  I absolutely love this car!!! I had a 96 Mustang before this purchase for 8 years and it only took me 2 days to become spoiled from my 05 Passat. The gas mileage is great. And actually I travel 50 miles to work one way and I average more than 38 miles to the gallon. Its more like 40.5, and Im no pokey driver. Ive only had it for a short while, but I predict I will love it always!

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  Great Car for Great Price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWJeffery - April 6 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased the 2008 Jetta S a month ago. So far it has been a great car. I like the fact that the basic model looks practically the same inside and out. I opted for the "Titanium" package, which included the 17" wheels and rear spoiler, and it was definitely worth the price because the wheels really make the car. You would never know that it is a base model when seeing it drive by.

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  Good performance, poor quality control - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ralphie - April 6 - 2:23 pm

  Every a/c vent makes a various speaking sound and the guage cluster is constantly making rattling sounds despite attempts by service dept to fix. Interior door pull handles rubber rubbs and peels off. Already had door pull handles replaced twice on drivers side.

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  Awesome car, with BAD customer service!! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By ashafi - April 5 - 10:31 pm

  This is my first VW, and its awesome, it caught my eye and I couldnt resist it and had to get it. However, I had so many issues, from bad dealership experience to bad customer service from VW corporate office of America. I completed the paperwork with Momentum VW of Fairfield, CA, initially everything went smooth, but the car wasnt in stock and was promised to be delivered in 1-2 days, which took more than a week, but in wrong color, plus very poor customer service, no followup. Contacted VW USA, but regional mgr, Daryl didnt help at all, in fact didnt even return my calls. I ended up canceling my order with this dealer and went to a different dealership, compromised on the options!!!

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  Homerun! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By George - April 5 - 9:36 pm

  I have owned several VWs, Audis, Lexus, and Mercedes and this car is absolutely the best car I have driven for the price. It is comfortable, stylish and fun to drive. It handles well. I only wish it was a hybrid considering the price of fuel. The other cars in its class dont have a chance. Great car!

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  My Lovely Jetta Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Leia45 - April 5 - 3:20 pm

  My father told me VW was the Nazis revenge, but I disagree. I have had my 2003 since september 2003 and have put 29,000 miles on it so far. Gas mileage is great - I drive 60+ miles a day and I love it. It has been in the shop 2 times for minor warranty work (rear wiper pump never worked, and brake rotors were warped from factory?). I recently took it into my dealer for a 20,000 mile check up and they replaced the computer, fuel throttle and fuel pump due to a major malfunction. Each time my dealer has given me a loaner free of charge and they have taken care of the problem quickly. I will by a VW again. I LOVE MY CAR!!!