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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  this car is ok nothing to write home about - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By terrynikkomay - October 20 - 7:28 pm

  I bought this car 3 1/2 years ago and i had it repaired a few times ,like heater hose was rusted through ,then the air bag light came on due to when you move the seats it cuts the wires thats for the seat air bags happened 3xs then gas lid would not open so i disconnected it then when it snows you cant get trunk lid to shut after opening it ,shocks are bad rough ride ,car vibrates on freeway and hard to control on windy days also plastic break off easy in side like glovebox etc

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  DONT BUY VW! - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Junker!!! - October 20 - 3:06 pm

  I have had a hate-hate relationship w/this car. It was my dream car. Has given me problems since the day I bought it. If I hadnt bought it used it would probably classify for the Lemon Law. Catalytic converter, O2 sensor, engine light has been on, air bag light has been on. The latest is the coolant leak. I will never buy another VW EVER again. I probably wouldnt take one even if someone gave me one for free!! It has cost me thousands of dollars to keep it running and I only drive it 10000 miles a year. Cant wait to get rid of it.

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  My nicest VW to date - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Michael - October 19 - 11:53 pm

  Purchased the Volkswagen Touareg V8, as I already drive a Jetta TDI. Its fuel economy has been around 16+ mpg, as advertised. For a 5,300 pound vehicle, I cannot complain. It has massive power, sticky cornering on all its season tires, a great 6 speed tiptronic transmission, and all of the creature comforts that I have never known in a Volkswagen. The best ownership factor is not seeing one every mile on the road, like the Ford Explorer, BMW X5, etc. Always get the "high five" from other VW drivers. I just easily handled 10+ inches of fresh snowfall on back roads of the Eastern Shore of VA. I was the last vehicle into my community before the roads were deemed impassable.

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  Amazingly perfect!!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By skateandcreate - October 19 - 9:59 pm

  I love this car. The torque is phenominal. Its speed is unmatched by many cars in its class. MPG is ridiculous. I average 57.7 mpg on the highway and 38 in the city. Its governed at 114 mph, and although that is a bit disappointing considering the engine; it is plenty really. The suspension is very smooth, and road noise is considerably limited.

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  If you like oil... - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Oildrinker - October 19 - 11:53 am

  I have owned my 2000 Volkswagen Passat since it was new and in general enjoy its speed and agility. The Monsoon system is unparalled for a factory system. Ive now got 82,000 miles on it and its the biggest pile of garbage in existence. While the engine runs well, it mysteriously uses one quart of oil every 800 miles. VW thinks this is acceptable! It has front suspension problems with the tie-rods and bearings wearing, and needs a water pump replacement. All in all, this has been a rapidly declining ownership experience

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  Best in class - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joey - October 18 - 10:16 pm

  I compared several cars looking for the folowing features: safety, performance, comfort and style under 30K. Finally I got the Passat more than 1 year and drove over 17,000 miles. I had never had any problem with the car and overall it is a fantastic car to drive. I had many cars before: Nissan, Volvo and Honda and the Passat is the best I have ever driven. the engine is always ready for a little rush and I love driving it. Overall the Passat is a unique car in the sedan/wagon category and fill the gap between the ordinary and luxury class, best value!

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  Electrical and service nightmare - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By justsaynat - October 18 - 10:50 am

  Purchased from Ken Garff VW in Orem in November of 2011. Within less than a month we were at the service dep. getting things fixed. First it was the paint and weather stripping around all the windows chipping and pealing and discolored. Then it was several trips for a shifting problem. They said it was electrical and they said they fixed it. But we were back 5 times and 2 so called recall updates to the electrical before finally another location replaced something I the engine. That seemed to help. But then the motor for the AC and heater broke. Then the electrical went crazy and my car shut off mid driving. Now its in the shop and I am ready to call it a lemon and get a new car.

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  A Lot of Car For Your Money! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWdriver - October 18 - 8:06 am

  I have owned this car for about 2 weeks ago and Ive been really enjoying it. I had a Hyundai Sonata SE V6 before this and the gas mileage was pretty dismal (around 22 mpg combined). Now with this car I am getting about 30 mpg combined which really benefits as gas prices are going up and my commute got longer. The ride is comfortable even for a sports suspension. Going over rocks or bumps doesnt rattle the car, it stays sturdy. The car is fast, that is for sure. The 200 horsepower direct injection 2.0 L turbo engine is outstanding and it really takes off at about 2,000 rpm. The interior is very well laid out, seems like a much more expensive car inside. Get out and look at this car!

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  Great Small SUV, But you Pay for It! - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By RayBoyG - October 18 - 6:06 am

  We have only had our Tiguan a few weeks. My wife and I both love driving it. It has a high seating position, lots of headroom, and the full-length sunroof really makes it feel open. Acceleration with the turbo 4 is impressive. I found lots of small but pleasing features as I read through the owners manual....rear seats adjust back and forth, front passenger seat will fold flat for long cargo, both front doors hold a quart bottle, etc. Lots of nice little features. Gas mileage could be better for a small 4-cyl. but it has more than enough pep. It is usually in front wheel drive....4WD only comes on with slippage...you cant manually turn it on. High end satellite radio is great.

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  Stay Away - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Duane Kimball - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car 3 years. Bought it new. The steering column has frozen twice and had to be replaced. The tires were bald after 23,000 miles. The rotors went at 40,000 miles and the rear calipers froze at the same time. VWs warranty had expired and they didnt even offer sympathy. This car is unreliable.