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:

• 

  Not post warranty worthy - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ollie J - March 17 - 10:53 am

  I have experienced similar problems mentioned by other reviewers: horrible customer service, the radio stopped working and far too many light bulbs burning out. Also I was told at around 15k or 20k that the rear breaks needed to be replaced by the next scheduled service. Surprisingly, they never mentioned it again, and that was at least 15k miles ago. I suspect there is some low level electrical problem with these cars. When the radio quit on me all I had to do to fix it was remove the fuse and put it back in. It makes no sense that newer car would need both headlights, most of the tail lights and a couple of lights behind the instruments needed to be replaced in less than 30k miless

• 

  VW GTI Review - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By alekmed - March 17 - 10:18 am

  Review Essay The Volkswagen Golf GTI has always been the go-to hot hatchback to buy ever since the first version came out in 1976. It has had numerous competitors but few have been able to match the GTI’s balance between power and handling. The GTI I am reviewing is of the Mk5 generation, with it being a 3 door 2008 model with a DSG transmission, or “paddle shifters.” Overall, this is a good car because it does what it is intended to be in a high manner, which is being the best sports hatchback money can buy. This isn’t a base Toyota Yaris econo box; this car has been given tweaks over the base Golf to make it one of the best sport hatchbacks on the market. First off, the aesthetics

• 

  GREAT VAN - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By JOHN M - March 17 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VAN ALL AROUND! CARTER VW REALLY KNOWS THEIR VANS AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CUSTOMERS!

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chris10 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  No regrets. No problems to date and fun to drive everyday

• 

  Impressive, but sad in some areas - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Markie Marc - March 17 - 10:00 am

  11,000 mi and runs great. 49mpg even at 85mph. Most impressive feature is the engine. It will surprise you. Not a race car, but lots of torque no matter how many people or how much cargo. Great passing power on the highway even in 5th gear. More comfortable, better road feel and smoother overall drive than its competitors. Excellent commuter and touring car. Starts well even in cold weather. Very roomy up front, but lacks space for rear passengers. Strange cup holders, later 03 models have better ones. I will seriously consider purchasing another VW for my next vehicle.

• 

  Love the Car but Not perfect - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dlancaster - March 17 - 12:57 am

  Fun to drive and love the fuel efficiency. Still get about 45 MPG and about 550 to 600 mi range. Suspected potential problems when I bought it so purchased extensive 100k warrantly and was money well spent. Was looking specifically for a high MPG desiel for business travel. Engine died about 40k due to main electrical panel, several O2 sensors, coolant getting into exhaust due to some gasket leaking. Check engine light has been on since 95k but not an issue as far as I know. All covered under warranty. So far no signficant problems after 100k. 125k on it now. Leaks (drips) a little bit of engine oil, armrest console latch broken but otherwise in great shape. Would take it anywhere!

• 

  Cool Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mome - March 16 - 5:26 am

  If you want something different than everyone elses "me too" Accord or Camry, the Passat is for you. It is roomy, stylish and fun to drive. The interior is very well put together and it feels like a much more expensive sedan. At least test drive it before you buy another 4 door sedan. I think you will like it.

• 

  Classy Ride - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By HTEXBB - March 16 - 2:26 am

  I was going to reward my self with a new car and thought I would go with the Sky but after driving decided too small. Happened upon the VW EOS by accident and so happy I did. I even thought about going Certified Pre- Owned Mercedes but kept going back to the EOS. After I test drove the car, I was hooked. Its such a beautiful car and it is fun to drive. Im not use to not having more storage but Im sure I will get use to it. The car is amazing!

• 

  Better than expected - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chance the Gardener - March 15 - 12:06 am

  I didnt have much expectations when I leased this car. I just wanted a nice car for a good price. This car exceeded my expectations a thousand fold. Every time I drive it I find something else to like about it.

• 

  Worst Car weve ever had! Avoid it like the plague - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettatdigreen - March 14 - 7:18 am

  We were excited to get a TDI. Diesel engines are supposed to last a long time. We were told by the salesperson "this is a 400,000 mile engine." Maintenance is horrible and costs an arm and a leg. At five years and 83,000 miles the well known cam shaft and lifters failure occurred costing us $4000 to repair. Even though its a well known problem VW of America said "there are no recalls on it and youre out of warranty." Less than 2000 miles after the they replaced half the engine it died again and they say "oh the turbo is dead" and it has nothing to do with the last repair - that will be $3000. Just to get it working enough to trade it in has cost us 2/3 of what the car is worth.