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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  DO NOT BUY - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tammy Taylor - October 2 - 9:12 pm

  We bought the car from my brother-in-law who bought it new and did regular maintenance like clockwork only used synthetic oil. It had 90k miles on it when we bought and was in immaculate condition besides the peeling on inside front doors. We drove 150 miles and lost oil pressure had to be towed 150 miles from home. Dealer said needed new motor $7500 and that didnt include turbo replacement. We went with an autorepair shop instead and spent 5500. Within the next 150 miles the oil was leaking. Turned out to be rear main seal and that is another 1200. We have 15k in a used car with only 90k miles on it.......Ridiculous. VW should do something about all the problems. This should be covered under lemon law.

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  I love this car! - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By jerseypilot - October 2 - 3:36 am

  I purchased my Golf TDI in December of 2011. My previous car had died an unceremonious death and I needed a car now! This is not how I like to jump into a major purchase but I didnt have a choice. I decided to look in the 20k to 22k range so I drove the Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Impreza as well as few others. On the advice of a friend I drove the Golf. Initially I had bypassed the car due to to the increased cost, but the minute I sat in the car I understood the difference. The car is built like a tank, it is trully solid, the interior is wonderfully designed and feels very upscale. The seats are supremely comfortable and it felt bigger than the other cars I have driven, all before I drove.

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  Love this little car! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kerfoot - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  I got this lovely little VW eight years ago after driving an old model Ford Explorer and I loved the change! The Jetta has been so reliable and comfortable. Not to mention much better in gas mileage. The console is very convenient with all knobs and buttons within an easy hands reach. Very comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. Not to mention a HUGE trunk for such a small car. Very well crafted and sturdy. I always felt safe driving her. In almost eight years, she only was in the shop once for a sensor failure. With punctual oil changes and maintanence, the Jetta will run like new for a loooong time!

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  Disappointing - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By elizdan - October 1 - 4:00 pm

  I had to replace the tie rods, control arms, have the cruise replaced it and still doesnt work all the time, there was a leak in the A/C and a new evaporator cost $1,400, thermostat $1,600. Too many big ticket items are wrong with a car that is supposed to be well engineered. I love the interior head and leg room but will not buy one again because the repairs are too costly.

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  Solid Ride in a Small Package - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By V-Dub - October 1 - 2:00 pm

  We needed a new car for under $19000. Although more expensive than other cars its size - the solid construction and road manners were unmatched for the price. The 1.8 Turbo is a blast providing more that adequate power and is far superior to the standard 2.0 motor. Front seats get an A+ for comfort keeping me very happy for 3 hour runs. Seating in the rear is snug. Highway gas mileage is 27 - 29, only average for the class. Quality of interior and exterior materials seems excellent for class of vehicle.

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  Best Car Ever - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By wfm1941 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 Passat is the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned. Great handling combined with true comfort. The Audi V6 coupled with the Tiptronic transmission is a true performer. The car loves the highway, but economy suffers considerably with town driving. Ive had a couple of maintenance problems, but not anything serious. I bought my car in Mexico, where I live, and my only real complaint is that agencies in the U.S. can not service it. Nor can they service Passats from Canada. This is a real black eye for Volkswagen as I am hesitant to drive in the U.S., which I occasionally like to do.

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  What a car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Gdhr11 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the Touareg for a few weeks now but I love this vehicle. I have owned Mercedes, BMWs, Land Rovers, and Audis. This VW stands up to all of them with shining colors! It has that special German road car feel, is very comfortable and fast (V8). It has a comanding view of the road without feeling too large which makes it fun to drive. In my opinion, dollar for dollar, it beats everything else out there like it.

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  sweet - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By joe stuarts - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This car looks and drives like a million bucks. It does everything well, from cruising hundreds of miles at 90 mph to running errands around town. You get a fantastic sense of control and safety when driving it. Want to impress your friends? You got it. Want to take your friends downtown for dinner? You got it. Want to get to work QUICK? You got it. Want to cruise in style? You got it. Want to go slow to save some fuel? You got it. Want to fold down the seats and haul some serious cargo? You got it. Most importantly, its not an Acura or Honda so it really stands out in the crowd.

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  Pass on the left, if you can! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - September 30 - 9:02 pm

  When merging on to the highway, this car is like a thoroughbred race horse jumping out of the gate. Left signal on, metal down, take to the express lane and hit cruise at 82. Slow down for the inevitable traffic delays with the left (-) paddle shifter & open the sunroof if it is a nice day. The sound system will easily drown out anyone elses sound system. I bought this car for its storage. Right away it needed: igniters, fuel pump, axle, alignment, brakes, lights. Timing belt broke two weeks after dealer "inspected" it. Now, with rebuilt engine, performs like new. Body & paint are in great shape. Glass is all like new. Plastic body panels require ArmorAll. For an "old" car, the design is still fresh. Turns heads wherever I go. Blacked out all the chrome & lowered it, with some 18s.

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  I love this truck! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rbar06 - September 29 - 11:36 pm

  This is such a great truck. I have owned quite a few vehicles including a Tahoe and a Camaro but must say that this is the most versatile, fun, and reliable vehicle of them all. I can fit the kids in it when I need and also use it to go out on the town. Go ahead and buy it - you will not be disappointed! :)