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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  Commuting Bliss - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By rbvw@hotmail.com - July 4 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Nissan Altima for 78,000 miles I wanted to find a car that would make my 3-hour commute more enjoyable. I tested Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and even a Vibe. all left me a little disappointed with their performance. After driving the Golf I was hooked. The car is faster and handles better than any of the other 4- cyl models I tested. The build quality is awesome and feels solid compared to the tin can feeling of the Japanese autos. I purchased a GLS w/ winter and Monsoon and have never been happier with a car. Before you buy that HondaÂ… Try a VW.

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  something smells - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By t shirt man - July 4 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car over 2 1/2 years and the only major problem i have is the a/c smells horrible. they tell me for $300 they have to flush the a/c vents. this is a normal thing that happens to this car. also outside light bulbs are a little hard to c

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  Awsome - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kelme711 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt tell the difference between a BMW 3 series and the jetta, bought it for the and now i am stealing it from her.

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  Fit to Finish - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Zech - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for quite some time now 2 years and the car continues to give me that same feeling I had the first day I brought it home. German quality shines through wish interior fit and finish. The engine is stout with its great power. I have not encountered problems that others have posted, but I have always taken care of my cars. The window has not "fallen in", but the did perform the recall on the window free of charge. This is my forth VW in the last 35 years and I will continue to be a VW man!

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  What a beaut!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TuTu - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Yes, the windows do "rattle" a little when you hit a bump...yes, the cupholders are in a bad place...but if you are looking for the perfect car, it is not going to come at a $25000 price tag. The car handles wonderfully, the seats are comfortable (not to mention heated), it looks better than any other small sedan and has low maintenence and the highest resale value in its class. You are not going to find a better car for the price. Oh, and to the person who said the doors are heavy...THAT IS A GOOD THING...it means it is a quality, solidly built vehicle. I highly recommend this car to anyone considering it.

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  Fast Is My Co Pilot - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DFWGLI - July 3 - 7:13 pm

  I have an 06, Salsa Red Jetta GLI with 17 in. wheels, all seasons tire, and all of the options including XM. This car replaced my 05 Mercedes C230 Sports Sedan which was replaced by 03 Mercedes C230 Sports Coupe. I will never buy a MB again, my cars had nothing but technical issues. I looked at the Audi, BMW, and found the Jetta to be a better bang for the buck. Now I just have to wait for a couple of years and see how it stands up.

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  Volkswagen doesnt back up its Toureg! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Arthur O Wilkonson - July 3 - 7:03 pm

  This truck has been a disaster! It has been to the dealer 30 to 40 times in the 2 years Ive owned it. It apparently cant be repaired (mechanical and computer problems), is nearing the end of its warranty period and Volkswagen has told us thats simply too bad - once we are out of the warranty period we are on our own. Ill never own another Volkswagen and I am relaying my story to as many people in the Midwest as I can.

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  Comfort - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Yolanda - July 3 - 3:43 pm

  I had a 2002 Jetta with 59,000 miles on it and the performance was great, able to handle the highway without loosing any grip. I bought a 2008 Passat Lux. I needed leg room and performance with an economy niche to it. This Passat is better looking than the Lexus. I have received more compliments on this vehicle style, color, and performance. I needed a good running car with a slight luxury texture that is not expensive in maintenance. VW designed the perfect car for me. Thanks VW.

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  DO NOT BUY A USED PASSAT - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By clarkdt1 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car. 1998-2002 VW Passats and Audis with the 1.8T engine are doomed for failure. There is a HUGE issue with oil sludging. My engine seized on the highway. They claimed a timing belt, but the cause was oil sludge. They would only replace the engine IF I had all oil change reciepts (I did the oil changes, but I didnt have reciepts.) I had all but 5, they wouldnt do anything. A great car to drive, but that cant compensate for a $4000 rebuild.

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  VW Luv my bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NancyP - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Okay, only owned it for 2 months, but what a joy to drive! Responsive in traffic- big plus. Shifting a breeze with the 5-speed. Cuter than cute! Safe, fun, performs when asked-- what more could you ask for?