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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  2 years on and still loving the car - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By chowchow - December 9 - 5:28 am

  I have driven Infinitis, BMWs, SAABs, Jaguars and Audis over the years and the VW CC really has a nice blend of great qualities from the stylish sheet metal of the Jag to the killer interior and sound system of the Audi, to the fun to drive quotient of the SAAB with their turbo engines to the teutonic road manners of a BMW with the value of the Infiniti. I recently replace the OEM Continentals with Michelin Ultra High Performance Pilot Sport AS-3 tires and they literally transform the cars handling to a level on a par with most sports sedan costing $10K more. I realize how goof the CC is whenever I have to drive something else as a rental or loaner.

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  2006 VW GTI Nightmare - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By kevin clinton - December 8 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased a 2006 GTI in June. My vehicle is has less than 3,000 miles on it. I gave it to my son for doing well in high school and earning a college scholarship. On his first trip to school from Clearwater, FL to Florence, SC the A/C compressor cracked in half, backed off the enginge and shreded the belt. He made it as far as Orlando. The parts are back ordered three weeks. The mechanic at VW informed me that he has three Passats waiting for the same part. It appears to be a recall candidate, yet VW America denies any issues. I purchased this vehicle for piece of mind as my sons campus is about 500 miles away and it breaks down on first trip to school. VWs customer service has been terrible. Beware, 2006 GTI may be fun to drive, but it has problems.

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  Fun Car, Good Price, Some Flaws - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By William - December 8 - 1:03 pm

  The Jetta GLI is a very attractive car with a number of very unique features unavailable to most cars in the same price range - the recaro seats, sound system, 6-speed transmission and interior detailing are all a cut above what you would expect, but do tack on a couple thousand to a comparable GLSs purchase price. The car drives very well, has a very responsive transmission, tight and well balanced brakes and a very typically German feel in tight high-speed turning maneuvers. That said, our car required three trips to the dealership for loud, high-pitched squealing in the rear brakes and the front ground effects are extremely fragile. A thread tear in the recaro seating had to be fixed too.

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  GTI GLX is overpriced junk - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By VW Enemy - December 8 - 6:13 am

  I recently sold my VW after driving it for over 30K miles bacause its rusting the suspension is worn out, unless VW intended the car to drive like a Buick after a year on the road brakes needed to be serviced side windows repeatedly break, dealership repeatedly failed to fix them RATTLES! Pick a spot and youll find noises when driving. What the hell is rattling in the roof? GOLF? Thats funny. A golf bag doesnt even fit in the trunk.

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  Super car - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By AlexVaGuy - December 8 - 2:33 am

  This is far and away the best car I have ever owned. I have looked at Audis and cannot fathom why anyone would spend the etra money. This little car is roomy, comfortable and fun to drive, and it feels solid as a tank. Its great in the snow and rain, pretty peppy if you rev the engine, built with very high-quality materials and roomy enough for 4 adults. I do wish it was a little more fuel-efficient (2.0L 5-speed manual), but given the other plusses, Ill gladly compromise on that.

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  Step up from my Outback - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By D. Palmquist - December 7 - 1:36 am

  My 2001 Outback with 95,000 miles averaged 25 mpg, althought the Passat does not have all wheel drive both vehicles are esencially the same size. The Passat averages 36-37 mpg overall. The Passat just hums along, yet has plenty of accerlation with the turbo. Much better ventilation than the Outback. Seats and adjustments are way out from the Outback, especially legroom and right seat comfort. Currently at 6500 miles, will see what the next 100,000 or so tell us.

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  Wow t - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Raymond Aston - December 6 - 5:20 pm

  Strong running 1.4 liter tubo charged engine,Tiptronic automatic transmission is a perfect for Jetta TSi .

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  Constant Problems........ - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ccinsf - December 6 - 11:10 am

  Wow, where to begin? POTENTIAL BUYERS BEWARE!! My Beetles factory installed radio had a short in it. The dealer couldnt diagnose it properly, so Ive purchased three batteries for the car and a new old stock radio on eBay. The alternator went at 26,000 miles (out of warranty). The exhaust manifold deteriorated, catalytic converter died, spark plugs keep dying causing 3 out of 4 cylinders to work (happened twice- replaced plugs twice), and the gas cap release has been replaced twice and still does not work. Also, the interior of drivers side door is peeling behind the interior handle. The gearshift cover has fallen off (it has been re-glued twice). The speakers in my car have shorts. Last but not least, the wheels metallic paint has peeled off

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  The Mercedes-Benz or BMW for the poor - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Corleone - December 6 - 10:00 am

  These car is the best car ther is. I previously owned a ´93 passat glx and loved it.When I bought mine two months later the 2001.5 came out. I did´t care because is the same car. Actually the old 2001 looks sportier. I put xenon lights, aluminum dash board, and german plate. Looks amazing. Problems the driver´s door lock quit on me. Cost $250.The engine light came out, but it was the recall coils , so fixed at no cost. Bottom line, buy this european sports sedan.

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  Passat Sedan - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By PassatOwnerDavid - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. But not reliable. Very difficult to deal with dealer. Customer service are not too helpful. Repair can be very frustrating.