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 Nice Ride - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Goodriver52 - July 26 - 10:16 am

  My Jetta GL has 128,000 miles on it now and still has the original front brakes, exhaust system and clutch. The 2.0 liter 4 gets excellent gas mileage and the 5 speed manual trans is fun to use. I take it to the dealer for servicing every 5000 miles. Maintenance is expensive but well worth it. This car has been trouble free and I hope to get at least 300,000 miles before letting her go. Even tho the 2.0 is not a muscular engine it is very smooth. This cars handling is tight and very maneuverable.

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  Best purchase we ever made - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDotten - July 26 - 9:16 am

  Our Jetta TDI has been incredibly reliable. The 40 miles to the gallon is reason enough to buy one, I figure we have saved roughly $1,500-$2K in gas in the couple of years we have owned it. In addition to that, we havent had a single problem with the car and have only had to replace two break pads at 50K miles! The manual transmission also makes it fun to drive, and the TDi has plenty of power. I strongly recommend this car.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmciii - July 25 - 9:52 pm

  First off, let me say Iv only had my 2013 Passat S for about three weeks, so dont expect any reliability reviews. But as regards my driving and build quality, well, read on. Yes, mine is the base model. Do I feel underwhelmed? No. The Passat S drives and handles just fine for basic family driving. Plenty of pep, smooth ride, and the "S"port gear when you need the extra oomph. So smooth is the ride that its easy to speed without knowing it. The interior is laid out cleanly and with all controls easily reached. LOVE the Bluetooth capability. Front seats are every comfortable. Huge leg room in back. And wow, what a trunk. I dont know how VW did it. Just wish the gas mileage were better.

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  The Wolfsburg Ed. - Nice deal! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Larry$ - July 25 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased this car as an alternative to the GTI, GLI and Rabbit. The GTI and GLI were just too expensive when loaded up with the options I wanted while the Rabbit even fully loaded seemed lacking to me. The Wolfsburg Edition is a joy to drive, it handles as nicely as the others in my opinion, and even with the 2.5 has more than enough zip for me. I use it mostly for my commute to work, 25 miles one way and also to load up guitars in the trunk for repair work I do on the side. The trunk space is huge and can be expanded into the back seat area - a big plus for me, the main reason for the GTI and Rabbit was cargo space. This car gets about 30 mpg highway which accounts for most of my driving.

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  Sound car but...... - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By arled - July 24 - 11:42 pm

  Gave it high marks. Positives: Solid gas mileage. Light. Sporty and fun to drive. Nice interior. Excellent value. Cons: 4 seater w/limited head room. Engine lags when stepping on gas Needs more power. Gas and brake pedal are to close to each other. Very limited 3 year maintenance plan. Lots of plastic in engine compartment.

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  Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Socedu - July 24 - 7:23 am

  I was so excited when I first bought my 1999 Volkswagen Passat. My joy disappeared after the frist few months. So many things have gone wrong with it, the hood release broke after only a few years, the ABS control unit is shot, the heated side mirrors worked for less than a year, the stereo system stopped functioning properly after less than three years (sometimes I can change stations, sometimes I cant and speakers go in and out)...I could really go on and on. The outside looks great. People are always surprised when I tell them how old it is. They say it looks brand new and my reply is, "yeah, but its a piece of junk!" This car as been the biggest frustration of my life to date--enough to swear off VWs for life!

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  My Wagon - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By SWharton - July 24 - 2:00 am

  We have a 98 and experienced the same mechanical problem with both; at 45,000 miles something happens to the catalytic converter, the idle was way off (super high) and the car shakes. In California it is covered, but in any other state it is 450$ to get fixed. One other thing when you get your timing belt replaced its $850 bucks. Not sure if I would buy another one. I think leasing might be the way to go on these cars as they get costly the more miles you put on them.

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  Love it - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MrBrewdude - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has always been a blast to drive. Its especially great for highway cruising. A smooth ride and plenty of power that will push you back in your seat. Back seat is cramped, only okay if youre under 58" or so. Trunk is huge. Doesnt handle quite as well as Id like. Get the performance spring kit which is a big improvement. Has had a few problems, all well-known Jetta problems (fuel door, glove box door, window regulator, MAF). Most problems fixed under warranty and most of the problems VW seems to have a handle on. Even with the past problems I love the car and Ive never had a mechanical problem, and consider it very reliable.

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  fun to drive - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By huskerfan - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jetta about year and a half ago. I have not experienced any problems with it thus far. One thing i do question is the build quality. It may be my imagination but when i go around corners i do hear a noise (no in the suspension) but in the door frame area. All in all it gets great gas milege and it is fun to drive.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NEVER EVER EVER - July 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS HAS BEEN BY FAR THE ABSOLUTE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN IN A RENTAL CAR 12 TIMES IN THE FIRST YEAR THAT I PURCHASED MY JETTA. IT HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF A HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE AND I WISH TO WARN EVERYONE AND ANYONE TO NEVER EVER BUY A VOLKSWAGON!