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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  From Best to Worst - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bobgoblin - February 19 - 6:01 pm

  I traded my 2001 Passat in for a 2012 Jetta TDI "Premium" in January. While the Passat was honestly the best car I have owned, the Jetta is the worst. The Jetta stalls all the time. It was shipped with a 5-speed gearshift knob, even though it is a 6-speed transmission. The car was supposed to have lumbar support but doesnt . VW said they will correct it since it is not specifically listed on the window sticker. The windshield cracked when i hit a pothole at 2,000 miles and VW is refusing to fix that. I can go on, but wont. After driving VW for 11 years, this Jetta will my last VW purchase.

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  A great car - dont expect performance - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By hamfit - February 18 - 10:00 am

  The Golf is a really super car. My Tdi is my third VW in about 10 years and my second MkIV Golf, my first being a turbo GTI. The tdi is an excellent engine, with great torque, smooth performance and a great sound. Expect longer warm-up times (get heated seats) and rough running when cold. Understand that diesel engines are different creatures than gas engines; to get the reliability and durability diesels are known for, be ready to religiously replace filters, buy good diesel, use additives and be a hands-on driver. The diesels are by no means drive and forget, similar to Jap cars. tdiclub.com!

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  The 1999 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tricia Stewart - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used. It is has all of the extra options such as a moonroof, power-everything, cruise, and a terrific sound system. I love the car so far. The one thing that I do not like about this car is the power window failure. Apparently this is common in Volkswagen cars and it is very expensive to repair.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Montreal Volks - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Over the course of 4 years Ive had many sleepless nights with this car, from the cup holder to the glove compartment to the electrical system. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. Same year my wife bought a Civic, the Civic has seved us extremely well. This year we kept the Civic but sold the Jetta and got a new 2004 Civic. Will never buy another Volkswagen!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Love this car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By LoveMyTREG - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Touareg after owning an FX35 for three months. The FX35 never felt "right" too sporty in performance and atitude. Test drove a Touareg V6 and fell in love. Great ride - no attitude. Feels solid. Be sure to get the air suspension - makes a big difference in handling/performance. V6 has enough power.

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  Germans still havent learned from Japan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bruiser - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Generally acceptable. Just a commute car, though. No thought given to American life on the road. Lacking in convenience features. Uncomfortable rear seating. No cloth option. Very cramped interior for 6+. Bizarre heating/cooling control. Limited access to interior due to small door angle opening. Excessive trunk liftover height and miniscule trunk entry considering actual cargo space. Not a good value considering price. Typical VW - mostly marketing hype, short on reality.

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  Excellent family car. - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By airplane - February 18 - 9:23 am

  Coming up on three years of ownership - no problems whatsoever! This is my second Passat wagon. Love the 3.0T engine! Power when you need it, otherwise very docile. Mileage since new 27.1. Highway 32.0 (at 70+ mph). Using low-octane regular fuel. Only complaint is dumb cupholder design. My wife doesnt like the looks, but we both love the practicality. I will buy this one when lease ends.

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  Get a Honda - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ray - February 18 - 7:43 am

  My 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T has been in the shop numerous times, including for the ignition coils twice, and to have the heated mirrors replace three times. I also had the transmission replaced. The engine light has come on six times. This car is going away. Its time to by a Honda Accord.

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  Comfort-Sleek Design-Sexy as Hell - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Nicole - February 18 - 5:43 am

  I had been looking for a convertible, however, I live in Maine, and they are not that feasible for 8 months out of the year. When I saw this car I had to have it. Its comfortable (even for 2 full grown adults) in the back seat. Very nicely built, drive is smooth. I have put 20,000 on it in less than a year and no problems so far. Also, I have the base model and comes with everything I want including leather and dual heat controls

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  Wolfsburg Edition 5-Speed - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sonia - February 18 - 2:33 am

  Ive only had this car for three weeks but so far I am very pleased. It has a really smooth ride and is surprisingly roomy. I like the quality and simplicity of the interior, and for 150 hp, its got quite a bit of pep. The only problem so far is that the remote trunk release has been temperamental in this freezing northeast weather.