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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  115k and Nervous - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By solerider - June 30 - 2:30 am

  All I hear about this car is for the most part contrary to my experience. Its my wifes car, but I am the car buff. She bought CPO and it does have repairs early on that I am not accustomed to, being a Honda/Acura owner - things like control joints, axles, water pump - all went in advance of 100k (Hondas need brakes/tires and nothing else until 100k) and yes these repairs were significantly more expensive when compared to a Japanese car (30-40%), but overall it is a great ride sporty/luxury family sedan. Again, I am nervous because we have dumped some coin into it, so we are about to trade it in, but overall weve had a good experience with the car.

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  Solid - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By CA - June 29 - 8:50 am

  Bought this R32 used with 12k miles. It is everything that I thought it would be. Solid build, handling, acceleration. DSG is surprisingly quick and responsive. 23 MPG mixed so far but am surprised at the amount of revs in top gear. This engine could easily handle a taller gear and would probably get better gas mileage. Unlike others, I think this vehicle is exactly what it was made to be and should be. "FUN" The only thing Im disappointed in is the IPOD adapter. $75 Harmon Kardon add on unit does a far better job.

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  Sweet car - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Anchoright - June 29 - 4:03 am

  I do a lot of serious driving, and over the years I have found that I need a car that will act like a car and perform like a car, when I demand from it. The Rabbit does just that. Youre not bulking around a huge vehicle, and so you are able to zip in and out of the rest of the traffic. The 5 cylinder engine with its 170 hp is plenty powerful enough and the car has a whole lot of get-up-and-go. I got the 5 speed manual version of the Rabbit, because, lets face it, its the only way to truly drive a VW. Youre in command at all times. The air conditioning is great, and it has an excellent 10 speaker quality stereo system, with ipod connect and in-dash CD changer. You need this car.

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  almost completely satisfied - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By chris gearhart - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. I have had a problem with the ignition coil, but it was repaired in a timely manner and I was provided with a free rental car. The turbo is a great motor. Easily gets around at highway speeds, but dont ever pull out in front of someone and expect to get moving because the turbo doesnt kick in until about 3000-3500 rpms. That is the only thing I dont like about the engine. It needs less lag and why not put the Audi 225hp turbo in the car? I recommend getting the leather interior because the velour has been leaving lint balls on the seats since we got the car.

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  You get what you pay for. An Ok vehicle - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By a701440 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Initially I liked the vehicle a lot. However after a while it developped a number of problems and needed 3 visits to the dealership for variouse non maintenance warranty items in the first year of ownership ($200-$400 each if out of warranty). Rattles are everywhere. VW dealerships have a very bad reputation in general. 1 week to get an appointment is considered excellent. So far the wehicle barely meets my expectations. Based on the service, reliability and rattles I will not buy a VW again. And to top it off I did not even mentioned the ignition coils debacle going on.

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  Beautiful Piece of Trash - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VDUMB - June 29 - 2:00 am

  bought a previously owned 99 Jetta last summer thinking I could save myself some money... Ive lost track, but Ive been back to the dealer at least 14 times in 7 months! A stereo which has been replaced twice, new brake rotors, oil leak, a alarm that goes off by itself, non-working cigarette lighter, interior lights which work when they feel like it, and a engine light that mysteriously crept on by itself..Currently the stereo is not working once again..but ive been too busy and tired to go back to the dealer. If i werent a poor 23 year old..I would be well rid of it.

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  A Peppy Jetta! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jlr0926 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  As a GLSTurbo Jetta owner, Im very satisfied w/the car in the short time Ive had it. Turbo runs like a dream and the automatic is very smooth. Best handling car Ive ever owned. Heres hoping I dont have any of the problems other longer-term owners have had. Build quality, fit and finish, thus far appear to be excellent. A very solid car. Wasnt going to buy a volkswagen, until I test drove this little rocket. And, glad they changed the placement of the cupholders in the 03 model. Drop down cupholders, in front of controls, are rotten. Had that on my Subaru and hated it.

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  Perfection - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mae - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Jettas are the best! I would never go back to any other make or model!

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  Adore it - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NewBeetleDriver - June 28 - 12:40 am

  I adore my New Beetle. Even though Im a male, I get compliments from my other guy friends, especially after theyve driven it. Convertible a must! The only problem Ive had was the wiring harness shorted. Fortunately, the car is still under warranty, and will be back to running soon!

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  Best small SUV - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By BSLA - June 27 - 3:00 pm

  Strong daily high speed freeway cruiser not a interior noise to be heard except for Sirius, solid feel SUV