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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  A Winner! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jay - August 20 - 10:33 am

  With around 2,000 miles on our three-week old Jetta 5-speed TDI with Package Two were getting, since day one, 48 mpg. Compared to the 78 diesel Rabbit and 81 diesel Jetta we owned years ago the new Jetta is so much more refined, comfortable, quiet and near-luxury with no penalty in gas mileage. Its powerful and I can pass on two lane roads with no drama. I have had zero issues and the dealer prep was perfect and complete. Theres "value-added" in this car i.e. touch the passing signal and it blinks three times without having to hold the stalk. The center armrest adjusts for height and length. Little things that add up for a satisfying experience. I broke it in as per the Fred TDI website instructions, by the way.

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  good fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Anne - August 20 - 4:10 am

  Great fun to drive and decent mileage. After driving a Mazda Rx-7 for 15 years, the backseat of the VW convertible looks roomy to me. Unfortunately getting in the back seat can be a problem. The handle to lift up, which causes the front seat to push forward allowing entry to the rear is designed so most people attempt to pull it out before lifting it up. The handle then breaks off. One of the handles had to be fixed before I took delivery of the car, and then has broken twice since then (even after total replacement), before I could warn people to "lift" the handle and not to pull it out. The "retro" look is great!

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  Hope its just me or just this van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By man-with-a-van - August 19 - 5:30 pm

  We bought the van cuz it seemed to have more features for the buck and that VW service would be around in case Chrysler wouldnt in the case of caravan/T&C. Only have about 1500 miles but half is because dealer drove it due to dealer trade and going in for service due to "check engine" light on for most of its life thus far. Turns out a transmission seal was compromised (at 1500 miles!!!) and in will be in shop (twice) for total of 16 days. on the bright side, im only 14 days from qualifying for Lemon Law. In addition, shades and interior not put together well, bumper came apart a bit. Hopefully, well be free of issues after it comes back. Fingers crossed.

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  The truth about the 1.8t Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sillybilly - August 19 - 4:36 pm

  Want to know about the 1.8t Jetta? This engine had a faulty design from the start. It basically just tries to pull too much power from a 4 cylinder, which is very hard on the engine. The engine has "hot spots," which can cause oil viscosity and break down, and lead to major problems without warning. I put 4, yes 4 oil pumps in this car, with no warranty help from Volkswagen. If you do not get all your service done at a dealer (an overpriced dealer) dont ever expect to be covered by any warranty. Ive spent over $3,000 on this car that has 75k miles on it. Volkswagen doesnt want anyone to know about their design flaw. Of course in their 1.8t Passats they have offered an extended warranties.

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  Great car - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By bernies - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Jaguars, Mercedes, Lincolns, Cadillacs, the vw w12 Phaeton is the best auto I have owned. It is a fun car to drive. It is extremely comfortable, especially on long trips. The technology is awsome. The service by VW for this vehicle is the best I have ever received for a luxury car. The w12 engine is very responsive and it is hard to believe but better mileage than one would expect from a 12 cylinder engine. After 5000 miles I am getting 20 mpg on highway driving. I am simply deighted with this vehicle.

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  Im now a believer! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Popster - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a hedge against another gas crisis.I drove it sparingly but my wife was a Jetta convert after driving it for a month.I poured my 64 frame into this little diesel and now I rarely drive my other cars.This is the little diesel that could! It is a small car with a big ride and heart.I am currently shopping the Toureg but find the $65000 list too steep..VW has made me a believer.I would rate the Jetta TDI as one of the best cars I have ever owned.A tiny ,tiny bit noisy at idle but with quality like this and45-50 mpg who cares?....popster

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  3rd times a charm - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By njjetta - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I got off to a rough start with this car...I hit a deer the day after I bought it and had it in the shop for a week. Basically, I love my car. This is my 3rd Jetta. My first was a 1996 and basically a lemon...my 97 was reliable and my 04 is by far my favorite. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants to have fun while they drive, and feel safe and secure.

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  Transmission is still a problem - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By gjavellana - August 18 - 2:26 am

  Very dangerous. Was on a freeway at 60MPH with a baby in tow when the car stop and will not move. The day before I brought the car to the dealer to check because I told them I step on the gas but the car will not move, and I was going on a roadtrip. Was told nothing wrong with the car. The next day 60 miles away from home the car stalled on a freeway. WORST WARRANTY SERVICE. Called roadside assistance and was told that nobody can help us because the nearest dealer needs an appointment first ( Cardinale Way VW). Called Volkswagen and they said work with dealer because they are a private company. What happened to company warranty.

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  Former Benz & BMW Now Beetle Girl - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gretchen S. - August 17 - 10:10 pm

  Wow. I have been a Benz and Beemer girl for many years. I wanted a change, and found it with the Beetle. While I love luxury, I like simplicity. I like speed, but not Grand Prix MPH. I want comfort, but not so much that I do not know what to do with it. I love my new Beetle. It is roomier than my former BMW 325i. The trunk is bigger, but configured differently. It runs a little rougher than my old BMW, but we are talking a $20,000 car vs. a $40,000 car. You get what you pay for. The ease of driving and engineering of devices is so easy. BMW and Benz take brain power to figure it all out. VW is simple and, well, simple. The Beetle is comfy, fun, and costs much less money. I love it!

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  Great Ride, But Will Cost You In Repairs - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By reilly - August 17 - 12:43 pm

  I love driving this car, and I pay dearly for it. This car is in the shop every other month. The enginge consumes and leaks oil. My engine and emissions lights have been on for three years. Dont waste your money, the dealers charge to turn them off, and they will be back on in weeks. Dont replace your O2 sensors either. Thay are too expensive and the computer will default the sensor anyway. I have had wheel bearings, radiator, tie rods, cv joints, vacume lines, and the list goes on. Over $7500 in 6 years not including brakes timing belt and tune ups. VW you have lost my business. This car is a money pit.