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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  V-8 Touareg - One satisfied owner - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By From 54 VW to TReg - November 30 - 3:10 pm

  Car delivered the first week of August 04 - VIN 86xxx with a build date of May 04. Finished in Campy White/Teak - V-8, Premium + and Winter. Replaced 97 LandCruiser. Unlike many reviewers, Ive not encountered a single problem with the Touareg in the first three months of ownership with close to 6k miles. No recalls, no trips to dealer except for oil change at 5k. Traveled to Montana with only 187 miles on the OD and returned with just under 5k and not a single problem. Very quick, nicely appointed, and looks great. Based on my personal experience I would not hesitate to recommend the Touareg to anybody with the need for an mid-size SUV. Negatives - Resale has been hit hard.

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  Fun Little Car - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Orange VeeDub - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The car is a blast to drive and looks great. Im just glad I got a warranty with mine, In the 6 months Ive owned the car, its been in the shop 5 times. I needed the Water Pump replaced, 3 different window problems, window switch, and a new Oxygen Sensor. When the car is running right, it drives like a dream and looks just like a brand new GTI.

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  Love My GTI - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Love GTI - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in September and absolutely love it. Its fun to drive and has plenty of power. Have 5,000 miles so far and no problems whatsoever. Would highly recommend to anyone.

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  Love my Passat but........... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By DOLPHINGIRL - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my Passat. Its roomy comfortable and looks great! However....I have had nothing but problems with this car from the first month. The service is indescribable! Everyone from the GM to the Repair dept. is rude. They actually stole 6 cds from my trunk while installing my new CD changer (after giving me a used one when I payed for a new one) and denied everything. Told me I probably left the CDs at home!! Its been a horrible experience. As we speak the car has been in the shop for over a week to get front tie-rods. This was the final straw..Im putting it up for SALE right away. Hellloo HONDA PILOT!

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  Good Solid Car... - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Freesundae - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in August have put about 5000 miles...Nothing has gone wrong so far...will you keep you updated...

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  A Super SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 04TouregV8 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. I highly recommend it. Glad I bought the V8. Found the V8 to have lots of "extra little features" that the V6 does not offer, or only offers as an option. I really like having the air suspension as well.

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  Drive it - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aniceguy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Perfect car it drives and handles excellent it is a smooth driving car with just the classy look to go with it.

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  Best vehicle I have owned! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hawk12 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  After having a turbo golf for 1.5 years, we needed more room and got the Passat. Wow, night and day difference. I have had this now for about 1.5 years and 32000 miles and all I can say is that I have 0 issues with this car. No rattles, no squeaks, smooth ride, good power, great feel and stability. Having been in countless other cars over the years, I can say this is as good as it gets in this price range. Highly recommended!

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  Great Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MB - November 29 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this car used with 50,000 miles on it. It has been a great car. The check engine light was on at the dealer, but they fixed it before I took possession, it has been great ever since. (made it easier to negotiate price anyway:) ). The only major problem so far was the lower torque strut. It stripped a bolt and broke the other, but it wasnt hard to fix. The interior rubber coating was a bad idea, but not hard to remedy with a trim kit. All in all a great car in all the important areas; performance, general good looks, handling, general reliability. The handling doe require some tuning to limit body roll.

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  Diesel Delight - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joe in MD - November 29 - 1:20 am

  I have purchased nothing but diesel vehicles since about 1993, and this one wont send me back to gas! Despite a few negatives (mostly the flimsy front end spoiler which catches on curbs and has cost me about $100 to fix on 3 occasions) we love this car more every day. 45-50 mpg is the norm, the only drawback being the need to pay about $750 to replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles. Its repairs have been minimal--a defect in the wiring harness when we first got it, and replacing the power steering fluid line due to a mechanics error-- both covered by warranty. It produces none of the smoke that older technology diesels produce. My sole regret is that I didnt buy a Passat TDI in the mid-90s!