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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  Dont buy this car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EMURRE - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The look of the car was the first thing that caught my eye..I should have looked away. No major mechanical problems, just really annoying quality ones. The car squeeks like crazy, from everywhere! The dashboard, the front end, the steering column, etc. I had to be towed out of my own driveway when the computer failed and the car wouldnt go into gear. Now my directional signals dont work. The dealerships mechanics are terrible, whats the use of a warranty when they keep telling you nothing is wrong? For this money you should buy something else.

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  Over-engineered - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan Bassininski - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been in for repair work averaging every 8800 miles. Each time it is for something different (recalls, check engine light, power windows etc). The average driver should expect what is equivalent to about three extra car payments every other year once the warranty expires. My advice is to unload it before the warranty expires. VW refuses to stand by its vehicles. This is not directed at the dealership. It is directed at the manufacturers poor quality control and lack of integrity.

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  Make them in Germany please - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JFM - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I own two Jettas: a 2003 sedan, and a 2004 wagon, both GLS 1.8T 5M. The sedan is made in Mexico; the Wagon in Germany. What a difference. I dont know whether it is coincidence, but squeaks and rattles are the norm in the Mexican-built, whereas the German- built is solid as an Audi.

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  Great little car! - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By Eckeman - January 4 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this one with 5K miles way back in 2000 and it has been going strong for over 9 years. The only major issue Ive had was brake rotor and pad replacement at 25K, which was costly. We also had some minor oxygen sensor and catalytic converter issues that were under warranty and easily resolved. I replaced the timing belt and water pump at 90K, as recommended. So in short, weÂ’ve put nearly 120K on this thing with very few problems. The design is very sleek; it hardly looks dated after nearly 10 years. The car is great on the highway, with a very solid, tight feel. It has great safety features (4 air bags, ABS). I love the steering, controls, dash lighting and the interior space.

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  Dont Do It! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mikejones5 - January 4 - 3:53 pm

  Worst purchase I have bought! 135K and here is the work I have done: O2 sensor Catalytic Converter Water Pump Timing Belt All bulbs Bumper Clips (3 Times) Hub caps (on going)

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  Highly Recommended - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By KellyOConnor - January 4 - 9:50 am

  The Rabbit is a very enjoyable car to drive. Ive put 8000+ miles on it so far and find it both comfortable and fun. The torque supplied in the low range is a great change from most newer cars that save the power to above 5000rpms. My wife and I fight over driving this car daily, rather than the SUV we have.

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  Missing Two Important Features - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By AnshuNJ - January 4 - 3:00 am

  This is an amazing small SUV, but it does not come with built-in satellite radio (its not even an option). I dont like to use standalone dashboard-mounted satellite radio player. Also, the navigation system does not have voice recognition.

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  As good as an Audi - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Guide Dog - January 4 - 12:03 am

  Wonderful car. My wifes second Golf Diesel, and one of the best cars we have owned. She takes Guide Dogs in Training everywhere and the extra large crate fits easily when needed. Very comfortable and quiet. We get 60mpg when cruising on the highway. Very difficult to tell its a diesel. Quiet, peppy and almost no smell, even when cold. I think the quality is as good as my own 2007 Audi A4 Avant, just without the wood. The way in which the switches and instruments are lit at night, along with the red night lights, is superb.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By David Cowan - January 3 - 5:16 pm

  After one year of considering buying the Phaeton, I finally decided to actually purchase a W12 Phaeton. It now has 1000 miles on it and I find absolutely no problems with it. Sure, I wish it had a DVD navigation and a phone, but still it is a very well built car. The fit and finish exceeds all other cars Ive owned. The paint finish is superior to all cars Ive purchased under $120,000. This car needs to be advertised more as its destiny is uncertain. No matter what happens, this car will always get attention. Everyone that sees it wants to have a closer look and they have a fit over it. While you still can, buy one. It is a great car that is so underrated.

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  turbo seals cause oil consumption - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By hipster1 - January 3 - 3:24 pm

  All these reviews are right about the roof leaking. And the oil consumption is because the turbo seals are defective. They know about about it, but I guess not bad enough for a recall. And the oil light doesnt even come on when your engine is 31/2 qts low! If you wait 5000K miles u r screwed because there is no oil left. And they can never fix the leaks. Had the car in so many times I gave up.