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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  Great car in the city - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eveland - October 23 - 9:56 pm

  This is a great car if you drive mostly in town. Its not a comfortable car for long trips though. The suspension is tight and there is a lot of road and air noise. I prefer to drive my older car when I do any interstate driving. If you drive mostly in town you wont run into this problem and its a very fun car to drive. For the money, its a great deal.

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  Dont buy Volkswagen - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ENZO CALFA - October 23 - 8:43 pm

  I enjoy the Volkswagen performance and body styles and have purchased two vehicles. The first one was a 1995 Golf which cost me more in repairs than the original price of the car. After reading how VW had improved reliability, I was suckered into purchasing the 2004 Passatt. My car is very well maintained and I average 10,000 miles per year. I wont list all the problems Ive encountered since all the previous reviews have already listed them. My observation of VW is that they build cars to break down so that you buy replacement parts at inflated prices. My dealer quoted me $200 to replace 4 spark plugs. I purchased the plugs for $32 and spent 15 minutes to replace them. Dont buy VW!!!

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  W8 Passat Review - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rob Kerian - October 23 - 9:26 am

  I would only take the time to write a review if a car was exceptionally good or a piece of junk. Well, the Passat W8 is by far the best car I have ever owned. The 8 cylinder engine is silky smooth, as is the 5sp tranny - all wheel drive. I believe the interior build quality and materials is better than a new Lexus I bought for my wife (she picked it out!). I bought it because I refuse to drive a Statement Car. You know the car makes Im talking about. Admittedly, this was a relatively expensive car new, but it has been a wonderful car that I intend to keep for some time.

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  Excellent if Manual - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob - October 23 - 12:13 am

  I just recently bought this car as my first manual car so i had to learn on it. After quickly picking up in 3 days now i love driving this car. Verrryy fun car to drive and nothing had broken. smooth clutch and good kick with the turbo

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  What will I do without my Eurovan ?!?! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Eurofan - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I gave this van 10/10 for design, though i realize many people wouldnt think this way. This van was built for practicality, not faux luxury, and that is why it didnt survive in the American market. We bought this van 3 years old, with a pretty hefty number of miles on it, while stationed overseas. It racked up a ton of miles, and the only two problems it ever gad, were, suprise its a volkswagen, electrical: not terribly expensive, and totally manageable if you know what youre doing. No mechanical problems whatsoever at 7 years old, and almost 125,000 miles ! We were rear-ended and totalled this weeked at a very high speed: van didnt collapsee in toward us at all ! Nothing like it :o(

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  VW Convert - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By SunsFan - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I never thought that I would own a small car, as I was an suv owner for several years and loved my vehicle. However, after being prodded, I gave in and agreed to test drive this little guy. I am a changed woman. I love how it handles, and its get up and go is truly rabbit style- this little guy zips me through traffic and gets me where I need to be. I love how solid it feels- it has none of the shakiness that small cars traditional have and I really forget that Im in a small car until I get out of it. It has quite a bit of power, and seems to say Relax, Ive got this. I also like that I dont feel confined; lots of space for me and my guy during errands.

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  2 Years & 40K - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - October 22 - 1:26 am

  Overall the car has been reliable, but several problems have developed. First, it developed a bad smell due to mold in the A/C condensor. Lysol didnt work so I had to take it apart and clean it with bleach. Now we turn the A/C off a few miles before arriving at our destination and let the condensor dry. Then the lifts on the trunk wore out, which means the lid doesnt automatically open anymore. The third problem is a mild ticking sound from an exhaust manifold leak. Its not too bad since I can only hear it when accelerating moderately onto the freeway. Fortunately, it doesnt appear to be getting worse. Im debating if I should take it to the dealer, lest something else get screwed up.

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  2009 Passat Wagon - Komfort - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan P - October 21 - 1:46 pm

  Came out of a Volvo XC70. This car has personality and is much more fun to drive. Comfort is good. Good acceleration. Mileage is better then sticker. Easily get 30-32 at 70 mph. 33-34 at 60 mph. Average fuel mileage is 26mpg. Kids love the rear door window shade. I am 61" and like the front seats. Live in area that doesnt have may Passat Wagons and get many looks.

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  Passat Defines German Engineering - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matthew Feher - October 21 - 6:03 am

  No other German mid-size sedan at under $30,000 can compare to the quality, comfort, performance and style of the 2005 VW Passat. The Passat drives and looks as great as its other German rivals without unloading your wallet. I cant wait to drive the redesigned 2006 model.

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  Econo sport sedan - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cliff G - October 21 - 3:43 am

  I leased this car for my daughter. Sign and then drive $279 per month 10k per year 36 months, only out of pocket was motor vehicle fees. This car is well equipped, power Windows, locks, a/c, Sirius radio and all safety features and good crash test ratings. The leatherette looks and feels like leather. The car has a nice ride, good acceleration and very good handling. The transmission has a manual mode and a sport mode. My only gripes so far is the engine takes about 30 seconds to warm up and the am radio is staticky. This is my first VW and so far so good. As long as it remains reliable I would recommend this car. Also this car has a huge trunk and all the seats fold down.