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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  I LOVE MY JETTA!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lv2Laff - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jetta new in 1999 and have put over 100k on it. I was in an accident last week where a semi lost its drive shaft and I had to go over the top of it. There was a lot of damage underneath, but due to its great engineering, the car KEPT US SAFE. After getting fixed for about $2k, it rides as good as new. Im giving this car to my son when he turns 16 and have not been happy with any other cars Im looking at for myself. They should have designed the Touareg to be as comfortable as the Jetta. I will probably buy another Jetta!! Hint - after the warranty is up, find a great import mechanic and skip the dealership!!!

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  Nice vehicle, poor reliability - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lynx6200 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I got this vehicle used, so part of the problem may be that the seller didnt tell me anything. However, since I have had the vehicle, there have just been way too many repairs (tunk release, water leaks in the trunk, dead engine, unalighned frame, short circuited cd player). Anyway, Ive had to pay for all of this because the car was out of warranty. While these arent the only problems, VW service is horrible. Ive come to them several times with problems, and they charge me but cant answer them, or fix something the wrong way, leading me to seak help from others.

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  My new wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Manhttnbch - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a GLX, 4mo and so far its great. ESP is now included standard in 2004. Too early to tell anything related to service but car has been out there a while.

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  2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tucson - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed owning this car. Ive had it four months and it has performed perfectly. I look forward to using it every day. I enjoy the looks and style of it. It rides great, has a tight feel and seems to have quality workmanship and engineering. I recommend this car.

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  Just shy of a Perfect 10 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pulleydog - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Passat. Opted for the V-6 this time around. Just like the first, this car is quiet, comfortable, fun to drive, and a joy on the highway. I can barely hear the V-6 unless Im hammering the accelerator, but the gas mileage did suffer by about 4-5 mpg over the 4 cyl Turbo. I would probably get the 4 cyl if I could do it all over again...the 4- turbo is very peppy, except for the slight hesitation on takeoff. Controls are well placed and well lit at night - the blue & red dashboard lights are great. Between the build quality and overall features - it feels like Im riding in a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Perfect 10!!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gadancegirl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever! Love everything about it!

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  Very Happy So Far - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jetta Upgrade - March 11 - 8:03 am

  I have put the first 500 miles on my GTI and so far I am very happy with it. The car drives extremely well; a lot of pick-up and very smooth gear changes. The ride is a little stiff, especially on city streets, but not prohibitive. I dont have any problems with rattles or the radio, which I think sounds great! My only complaints are the iPod adapter - not super user friendly. The seats could be more adjustable - I am petite. It could use more storage space in the armrest and the price of premium gas. But overall, it is fun to drive, and it feels safe on the road and quite luxurious.

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  Nice looking/performing MONEY PIT:( - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MIke T - March 10 - 11:36 am

  We bought this as a lease return with about 20k on it. Now has 68,000. Great motor fun to drive with good power for size. Be sure to be close to a repair shop though. I have replaced a bad water pump(plastic?) and timing belt at 40k. 2 sets of front brakes and rotors, one set of rear calipers with rotors. Both cv shafts, lower ball joint, tie rod end. 2 coils and 2 sets of plugs. I will never own a light beige cloth interior, impossible to keep clean, peeling paint inside, plastic trim breaks easily. 3 sets of tires in 68K. Brake booster froze up(fixed under warranty recall). Now the temp gauge is going out. Enough already! No more VWs. Honda/Toyota may be boring but you wont go broke.

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  Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vw99 - March 9 - 11:16 pm

  Bought the car used from a VW dealership, said it had been checked out and was in great condition. 6 months later came in for extensive engine repairs, have been back to the service department at least 4 times a year since then for random electrical failures. Check engine light is on at least once a month for no reason, I go in and pay $90 for them to turn it off. Have spent over half of what I paid for the car in repairs and that is with taking it to cheaper garages instead of paying the ridiculous prices at the dealership. It is very cute and fun to drive but extremely poor quality and the most unreliable car Ive ever driven. Do not make the same mistake!

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  love my Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Becki - March 9 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 2nd VW. We drove one in Europe and loved it. The Rabbit has a huge fun factor; only thing I really miss is a sunroof. The gas mileage is good but could be better Im sure.