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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  The Thunder Bunny Lives - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By conroypaw - May 8 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a 2009 VW Rabbit, after looking at other cars in its class, including the Mitsubish Lancer GTS, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza. While I think I could have been happy with any of the other cars mentioned, I truly love my Rabbit. I could not justify the additional price of the GTI for a few fractions of a second faster from 0-60 mph, and the added costs for premium fuel and insurance. The Rabbit will satisfy all but the most power hungry. Fuel economy is mediocre, but a fair trade off for power and performance. The Rabbit has the best build quality, not just in intelligent design, but in the material used. It does not feel like a sub $20,000 car, nor does it drive like one.

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  I love my Cabrio! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By lmartin3733 - May 8 - 11:03 am

  The only problem I have had is that the top is splitting at the seam! All the way across the back and to my dismay I discovered that it is glued!! That is crazy! I have it taped right now but I am going to find out if someone can sew up the seam. So far everyone has said that it wont work, but Im going to try it anyway! I cant afford a new top(that is probably glued too!) That has been my only disappointment. Ive not had any big repairs. Its great in the snow! I can get in and out of everywhere and if I could get another one, Id upgrade to another one. Ive got about 160000 miles on it and I hope it lasts for another 3 to 5 years!

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  Worth The Money - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By likagold - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Great riding car with excellent styling. Has class and elegance. Our vehicle has all the bells and whistles. Tremendous sound system, flawless navigation. Lumbar massager is fabulous on long trips. Really fast in sport drive. Rides better than BMW 745il.

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  2000 VW Beetle - aka Crap Mobile - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bisrdhazrd - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the most disappointing car Ive owned. The interior is falling apart - plastic pieces break, the arm rests are peeling off the door. Several recalls. HORRIBLE service from the VW service shop - LIES, LIES, LIES. A few minor issues with mechanical, but majority is interior problems. I do not recommend buying in the VW family!! If you do - GOOD LUCK!

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  WOW did not expect this - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By db - May 7 - 11:53 pm

  If you wold have told me i would be driving a vw a month ago i would have said youre nuts. I am coming out of a BMW and was looking at the usual suspect luxury cars - there all nice but nothing made me go wow. When i test drove this car on a whim i knew in 5 minutes that i wanted it. The 2.0 turbo is a rocket! I chose the wolfsberg over the gli just because i wanted something that looked a little more grown up - and the rims and tires on this car make it look very nice. For the money there is nothing that can even touch this car - its super fun to drive - great styling- ton of options - well built -and did i mention its super fast! Only 12.5k sent to US- pick one up if you can find one!

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  Horrible car - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Terrible - May 7 - 3:53 am

  I have so many problems with this car. The brakes scream every time I step on them. Just recently when ever I turn (what sounds like the fan belt) rattles when I turn. The seats are not comfortable, If you have a family and use the back seat a lot you might as well by a boulder to drive because it feels like your riding on one. I dont think the new ones are much better.

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  Needs a bit more reliability - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bmalec - May 7 - 3:20 am

  Im mixed on my Jetta; Im impressed with certain aspects, but sorely disappointed with others. On the good side, the 1.8T motor is a perfect match for the car - its no speed demon, but its perfect for passing on the freeway. The interior is simple, non-gimmicky and pleasing. On the down side, the car has been in for non-scheduled maintenance nine times in the first four years Ive owned it, including the common broken window regulators and ignition coils. Also, the body roll during cornering and pitch during hard braking is ridiculous, because the springs are too soft. Some people say it handles like a sports car, but Im not sure what theyre comparing it to.

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  Incredible!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By ray - May 7 - 1:03 am

  I was driving an Audi A8 (a 2000) and was looking to get into a 2005 model. One of our board memebers owns a car dealership (not a VW dealership) and suggested that I take one for a test drive. All I can tell you that this is the best car Ive ever driven including the 2005 Audi. It gives you a much needed back massage whenever you want one. I have the upgraded sound system and it is heavenly as is the information system. The only drawback is the seats dont fully recline (so I cannot sleep in the car)!!!

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  New Beetles ROCK! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mindy Dawn - May 6 - 3:43 pm

  Ok. So, when I first saw the New Beetle design on the market a few years back... I was first in line kvetching. It is NOTHING like the OLD Beetle. I thought it looked like a Techron car. But, it is not only cute... but a luxury vehicle in disguise. It drives smoothly... has every feature I wanted in a car... and is safe to boot.

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  Great Car if you get a good one! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Piran - May 6 - 5:13 am

  I bought this car at the end of last summer. It was a one-owner car and had very high mileage. But for the price I got it for, I couldnt complain. So far, I havent had any problems. I had to fix the power locks and touch up the paint a bit. Still looks great though. Ive replaced the entire suspension with Eibach springs and Koni shocks. Feels much more competent. I added an intake and a GIAC chip. Also replaced the stereo with an Alpine head unit. The car goes very well for the mileage. At the mileage, it doesnt have any rattles or intruding wind noise. People are shocked to find out the mileage after theyve been for a ride in it. Good car if you are lucky to get a non-lemon.