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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  Love it!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vdubluva - November 27 - 5:10 pm

  I bought mine used and 3 yrs old. Its now up to 79,000 and I love it. It feels luxurious inside and affordable. Its definitely a drivers car.

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  get ready.. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By timme791 - November 26 - 2:43 pm

  I am 18 and work on cars as a hobby so I do know what Im talking about. To start off I have done many mods to this car. Watch out for European parts vs American... Very different supports. And parts can come pricy. My car... At about 105k miles had an intake valve come loose. It cost me 2400 bucks... More than I bought the car for. After I fixed that, my maf went bad (cost 500) and a week later... Engine light back on. Stick with jdm than this. The handling is fun, but needs a lot more power and the gas isnt as great as most everyone claims it to be. Stock averages like 20 mpg and I get 22 with my intake. Just... Prepare for problems basically. I love this car but it can frustrate me!

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  grinding brakes - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By lufferman - November 26 - 1:11 pm

  At 40k the rear brakes are shot. The care has always braked well. Front brakes are still good. Only clue was grinding metal to metal. The inside brake pad (the one actuated by the calipers piston) is totally worn down. The outside pad is still very good. Its either poorly designed or the servo actuated emergency brake might be the cause. We have never noticed any brake drag.

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  Best sub-luxury midsize sedan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By pashkus - November 22 - 10:03 pm

  Contrary to the established repitation, my Passat has never had any reliability problems. In fact the only issues Ive ever had with it were a pealing door handle and a leak in the driver-side a-pillar, both of which were fixed under warranty. In terms of every-day driving this car is excellent. Sturdy, comfortable, and safe. Every winter I drive up to Canada to go skiing and give the AWD system a bit of a work out. There is never any drama and the car feels composed even on snow and ice. I only wish it got better gas millage (in typical driving, I average 21-22mpg). I definatelly recommend this car for someone looking for a more refined alternative to Camry or Accord.

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  Fun, but not worth the aggravation - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Sean Maestro - November 22 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2002 golf for 2 years, bought it with 19K on it. The car was fun to drive and I like the interior design. I bought it in FL and took it to TX with me. When all the systems were running (AC, high beams, CD player) and you went to put down the power windows, the radio would shut off. Also, the ABS brake light would randomly come on while I was driving. Took to a local dealer in TX because it was still under warranty. The dealership manager told me I was making up the problem (so I could drive 80 miles every week to have it fixed). It was a pain in the rear. There are fun cars out there with fewer problems - never again.

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  TDI Bluemotion - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By finlander - November 22 - 5:33 pm

  Great mileage, super low emissions, big enough to carry lots of junk, quiet for a diesel. Acceleration leaves a lot ot be desired

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  I should of gotten the V8, BUT... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mstron - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Overall a fantastic car. I love driving it and catching other drivers taking quick glances at it. Spectacular fit and finish. the AT is a little frustrating as its not more aggressive in "normal" mode and the gas mileage is horrendous in sport. I would definately buy it again, and if I had the $5000 extra the V8.

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  Bluemotion 2.0 liter Diesel - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By finlander - November 22 - 2:40 am

  I wish I could bring this car back to the USA with me. With 50+ MPG, it is incredible. Engine fairly quiet. Service after 10K is way too long

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  2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 - Big Mystery - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By rainman - November 21 - 5:26 pm

  My 2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 is a beauty of a car. I have been in love with it since I was a kid. It is very nice to drive and has great acceleration. I commute to work and this car can get you out of trouble if you have to pass someone. I have to say though that Volkswagens customer service stinks. My Monsoon stereo system went out a month ago and it still hasnt been replaced. Now something is wrong with some other electrical device in my car. Up untill a month ago I was very happy with this car. I paid too much money for it to have these stupid problems.

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  Bad Electronics - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vbrand - November 20 - 5:13 am

  I love the Touareg. I love the way it drives and love the interior. BUT it has been in the shop every two weeks since I bought it (all electrical issues). to top that off the dealership here has treated me terribly.