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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  Not a typical Minivan - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Pennsylvania - October 24 - 10:00 am

  With little interest in a van that has 16 cup holders the Eurovan wasthe perfect match for our clan.The seats are a pain.I now have my mechanic remove,storeandinstall the rear seat when needed.A/Cis powerful.The engine never lacksneeded speed.When you first drive this car,you sit up high like a bus driveran experience that takes getting useto. Never do I feel thattipping/rollingis an issue.The middle seats and the A/Ccompressor have broke.This oversized beast is missing the bells and whistles Soccer Moms demand. However,my van can haul 7 adults comfortably, a dog, groceries and luggage for a week and never feel under powered.

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  the worst car I have ever had - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By funkykat - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The first 1.5 years were great but now,I have replaced exhaust 3 times, clutch rod broke, tried to use hazzard lites, didnt work, have replaced both front and rear brakes and rotors, car now does not like to start in wet weather. horn is malfunctioning and had to pull the fuse to stop it. window washer feature comes out in a small stream of fluid. coolant needs to be purchased at the dealer so it is inconvenient and unsafe. it is not the car to have if you dont have one to rely on while it is in the garage. and it will be, all the time. I will never own another VW

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  Electronic hell - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Winnipeg - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The "master computer brain" died and the car refused to start. Part had to be flown in. Then an air flow sensor malfunctioned and required replacing. Now theres another sensor malfuntion that my dealership told me to ignore. I guess theyre designed not to work.

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  VW Quality.... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tikle Pink - October 24 - 10:00 am

  2001 GSL 4 dr, theres a few things that have issues...(note WITHIN one year) front grill feel off, door handles (rubber) peel, the dash around the stick has a latex coating peels,extior paint bad. Then last month the window fell. Remember,cosmetic is not covered. The engine runs great, has pick up.

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  Lint Trap!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Uphappy Car Owner:-( - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I came on this to see if everyone with this car had the same problems and they sure did. My oil is gone literally every 1000 miles...and they tell me thats normal...ya ok. my passenger windown just fell into the side door shattering...that was common so they fixed both windows no problem but still inconvenience...the seats are embarrassing since it looks like i got into a fight with a cat and it won (winter sweaters) lint all over the car and vacuum doesnt pick it up (stuck)...on a positive note it is excellent on gas and no major mechanical problems:-)oh almost forgot within a yr of having the car i need new rotters and pads!

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  whyshouldi - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By somethinorother - October 24 - 10:00 am

  its a superb suv`

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  2004 Passat is indeed a fun to drive - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By rmm3313 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The GLS has great standard features as well as nice extras. I have not owned the vehicle for that long I may be jumping the gun a bit but this is the third week I have it and it is amazing. The roomyness of the car is a great plus and the air conditioning is great,Its HOT in Florida!! not to mention the sound system and sunroof. Shop around for better prices. The cars safety features are a huge plus for the family and as far as insurance is concerned. The feel of its drive is captivating because of the turbo 1.8 engine that is nothing to laugh at. IF you ever forget its power it will instantly remind you. The fact that the 1.8T is a ULEV is a plus.

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  MY DREAM COME TRUE - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MICHO - October 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE DREAM CAR!

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  Awesome Car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KerriJetta - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This was a graduation present from my parents, and I couldnt have asked for a better car. The pick up is great, awesome interior. Its a sporty car, but still practical. This car is a definite head turner and worth every penny.

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  Excellent car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Missy - October 24 - 9:16 am

  I bought this car a few weeks ago,and love it. It is so fast, the take off speed is impressive. I love the package 1 upgrade, it had everything I wanted. I love this car, me and my mom both have one now.