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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  Really great daily driver! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By colinc1444 - January 16 - 8:34 pm

  We bought our 2010 Jetta brand new in 2009. It was so sporty! took corners really well, plenty of power, great steering. I absolutely LOVED the interior- soft touch materials and everything fit together really well. The controls were super easy to use, and the seats were great. Our Jetta got upwards of 35 MPG on the highway. Got lots of compliments on the car- it was black with 19" alloys. Other than routine maintenance, it held up VERY well. The only thing to go wrong was a seal on the door that failed. Got it re-glued and that was ok. The other issue was that while going through a car wash, the guy drying the car wiped the "Jetta" letters right off the back. Id recommend it! :)

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  The Real GTI is Back - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Nick S. - January 16 - 11:53 am

  Ive had my GTI for almost two years now, and its easily the finest car Ive ever driven. There were so many duds that followed the 1983 original, but Volkswagen finally got serious again about this iconic model. The engine is the star here, propelling whats not a light vehicle with gusto. It pulls from below 2000 rpm, which means theres virtually no turbo lag. Great car for darting around Manhattan traffic, but the open road is where it shines. Buckets of torque make passing a breeze, and the VW is unflappable at high speed. Overall reliability has been surprisingly solid. Fuel economy has been atrocious.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By william0110 - January 16 - 8:46 am

  Ive really enjoyed this car. It is a manual 5 speed & fully loaded. I get an average of 45mpg & have never experienced less than 40mpg. Most of my driving is mixed city & express way. It failed to start one time when at home. The dealer picked it up & fixed it under warranty. If I remember correctly, it was the oxygen sensor. It is great on the highway. I had a 2000 model 2 liter gas model before this one & I found it to be louder on the road than my TDI.

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  run away as fast as you can! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By disappointed - January 16 - 8:36 am

  Purchased a new 2009 Routon S. Nothing but problems! Headlamp held water, bumper cover started coming- off, trans seal leak, engine compartment rattle, stock ventshades would not stick to the windows, 2 window motors, all of this within 9 months. Bob King VW did not apparently know how to do a proper trns service, which led to the rattle. Took a tech from Charlotte to figure it out! No trans dipstick and the dealer and VW district rep would not order one when asked, even said I would pay for it! Be prepared for pure frustration with the vehicle, dealer, and VW of America. Also be prepared to hire an attorney, as VW of America is a useless car co. Avoid VW and Chrysler at all costs.

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  This is Awesome! - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By K.B.S. - January 16 - 7:53 am

  This vehicle is great! The build quality and rigidity are excellent and it is more comfortable than my old Cadillac Escalade! The reliability has been excellent as well, though that is to be expected from a VW. I have had no problems whatsoever. I already have almost 7,000 miles on it and it runs very well. The gas mileage isnt perfect, but considering the fact that the vehicle is built better than a tank and tows 7,700 lbs, I dont mind. The V6 is not the most athletic of engines, but the V8 is too much for me and I couldnt justify paying almost $70,000 (with options) for the V10 TDI, but it has plenty of power and is very smooth, as is the tranny. Buy one! They dont fail to satisfy!

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  Very Disappointed! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Paige - January 16 - 1:53 am

  First 3 years, I loved the car! It has 127K miles on it now & I have to have the transmission rebuilt. I am very disappointed in VW. I would have continued to purchase VW and drive them for the rest of my lift until now. There is absolutely no reason I should have to have the transmission rebuilt yet. It should last me to 250K or more with the proper service and believe me I have had it all done. I loved everything about the car but this has totally changed my mind on VW and Audi for that matter or probably anything foreign except Honda & Subaru. Such a huge disappointment. And on top of it all VW wanted to rebuild it for $5150.00. Didnt go that route, no way!

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  (Was... Not so) Happy, Happy, Happy - update - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By c_j_l - January 15 - 11:17 pm

  Update to my earlier review: The issue turned out to be a faulty fuel pump and pressure regulator. The dealer removed and replaced both. I have to say that both the dealer and VW corporate handled this very well. The "zone administrator" was significantly less helpful - so be aware. VW Corporate extended the terms of the warranty on my vehicle (full factory not aftermarket warranty, by my VIN) to 4yrs 48K miles. VW does stand behind their product! Since then over 8K trouble free miles in ~10 weeks. Very happy, happy, happy now!

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  Nothin Betta than a Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Darryl - January 15 - 11:53 am

  I love everything about this car. It handles great and has outstanding acceleration when you need it. It has a very comfortable ride and is very fun to drive.

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  2500 mile review but great so far! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By San Diego Touareg - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Have had the SUV for only 2500 miles so far. My "dream vehicle", thanks sweetie! So my 2500 mile review: great ride with comfort, style and plenty of power! Bought the TDI for its towing capacity and gas mileage. Currenlty avg. 21 MPG for both city/highway driving. Bought the luxury and technology package and havent looked back. Ride is exceptional on highway. Great in the mountains! This is a ski mobile!! Took it up to Big Bear in S. California and was great. As with other reviews dont know why it doesnt have memory seating?? Very luxurious inside. Nicest vehicle weve owned by far. Inside is small as well as back seat. Dont think it will be a problem for family of 4.

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  outstanding vehicle - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By bonnie - January 15 - 10:00 am

  have not had a VW since the carman gia and bettle and squareback, stuck with hondas for many years and they are as good as they get, but the looks are falling, still have a civic, but moved from a honda ridgeline, 07 to this VW CC as it looks sexy, drives excellent, and VW has started to get the reliability right.