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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  100,000 Miles and still fun to drive - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Moo Man - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Passat is my first experience with something other than a Japanese built in 14 years. For the past four years maintenance has consisted of oil changes every 3,500 miles, brakes and tires at 45,000 and 90,000 miles, and gas every now and then. (Around town the Passat gets about 27 MPG, with longer trips about 31 MPG.) The funny thing about the car is that its still a hoot to drive. In hindsight, Im glad I went for the 5 speed stick instead of the automatic. I plan on keeping the car until my oldest gets his license (about 5 more years). Maybe Im an optimist, but this car continues to delight the 20 year old in me (Im 42 now).

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  What a Great Drive!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jen Blake - May 17 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Passat for 4 months now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It drives wonderfully- brakes quickly when needed and provides a smooth, quiet ride. We are looking forward to our firs long road trip in this car!

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  2002 Jetta GLI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rmay483 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive got about 3200 miles on my 2002 GLI. The new VR6/6-speed combo is almost perfect. I was going to buy the GLS 1.8T until I tried the new 24v VR6, and I was hooked. By FAR the best VW manual ever offered. Build quality, ergonomics, and comfort are generally excellent. Nearly everyone that has commented on the car thinks its much more expensive than it really is. The only thing Id change is the soft suspension.

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  So disappointed - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Andrea - May 17 - 6:30 am

  This car was bought with 32,000 miles. It now has 56,000. Let me put it this way, I will never buy a VW again. I hope this will help some poor soul from making a $5000 dollar mistake. That was $5,000 dollars in repairs. Too many to list. Worst was mass air flow sensor and fuel injectors. Who ever heard of replacing fuel injectors!?

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  Piece of S... - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By leholder - May 16 - 10:07 pm

  I got my 2007 Passat almost 4 years ago used (only 6 miles- it was a dealers show car) At first, it was great. However after about 2 years it started having issues. The check engine light was constantly on. I took it to two different VW dealerships to have it fixed a total of 4 times, every time getting a rental car and half the time they said there was no issue, twice they replaced the CV boots (in the matter of 3! months!!!) It died on my way to my parents house on christmas for the last time. Apparently after being given a clean bill of health, the drive chain broke and was then ground into my engine. So after spending roughly over $5,000 making sure it was ok, now it is gone. POS!

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  HOT Hare !!! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By mf - May 16 - 5:26 pm

  Quick, even at a 6500ft Colorado altitude. Precise handling. Precise- shifting 5-speed gearbox. Typical excellent German craftsmanship -- inside and outside -- with obvious attention to detail. Roomy. Lots of features that are "package upgrages" on other brands. Airbags everywhere, traction/stability management, and other safety features. Good MPGs for the HP/torque. On top of all that, driving-thrill-for-the-investment cant be beaten.

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  The Ultimate "Grown Up" Pocket Rocket - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Tony - May 16 - 5:03 pm

  I have been wanting this car ever since it hit our shores at the end of 07, however, I didnt want to pay sticker (or more) simply b/c it was a limited edition vehicle. Ended up paying $29K for my new non nav R32. I love the styling, DSG & all wheel drive grip of the Haldex 4motion system. This car really offers the best of the "boy racer" fun, but yet the practicality of a 3 dr hatchback without all the hood scoops and large winged spoilers. The fuel economy is the only real negative; and its not the 18 mpg in the city that bothers me, its the short cruising range of 225 to 270 mls; the answer would have been a bigger tank. Otherwise no complaints; its a great car that I would recommend.

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  Nice change... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Laurie - May 16 - 4:46 pm

  I previously owned a 03 VW Passat W8 with 4Motion. It was luxurious, but a gas guzzler. The Jetta TDI was perfect. After tons of research between the Jetta and Honda Civic, I finally came to a decision that was mostly based on interior design. I got my Jetta fully loaded and couldnt be any happier. The steering wheel wobbles a little, but its nothing scary. I highly recommend this car to everyone caught in limbo. It has pep and personality (not to mention it gets 44 mpg)! I am almost 100% satisfied with my purchase. I only wish that both front seats were dual powered and that they were a little more comfortable. Other than that, Im happy to be a second time VW owner.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike M - May 16 - 3:33 pm

  This car is a very good buy. I bought this car in July 06 , had to wait some time because I purchased a 2007, not 06. I upgraded from 15 stock wheels to 16 inch alloy mag wheels, much better ride. Make sure you get ASR and stability control. 6 speed automatic tiptronic transmission is really cool! Seats are a little budget, but the car stops on a dime! Handles great!! Gas mileage is not too bad. Safety cage of vehicle is like one you would get on 35k or more vehicle. Transmission is a little tight between 20 mph and 40 mph, after that it takes off! Road noise not bad. Oil is synthetic from factory, car is made in Wolfsburg.

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  I LOVE this car!! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By David - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  I have never been a car guy. That is over! I have never enjoyed or looked forward to driving like I do now. The feel of the car in my hands is like nothing I have ever experienced. Power is always there and the car absolutely hugs the road. The convertible operation is like a ballet and I never tire of watching it. Nor does anyone else, I stop traffic each time.