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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  VW needs lesson from Toyota - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By uz - June 4 - 10:00 am

  ECT, Coil Pack, Fuel Sensors. These three poor electronic parts will fail on you. I hope you have the longer warranty. Having owned Japanese (Toyota) vehicles for 14 years, I was forced to get a sportier car as Toyota just doent make a fast car anymore (less you have the budget for a Lexus). Though the turbo has spinup lag, its still quick for a 1.8ltr. Throw in a Wetterauer chip and you have a 210hp 4 cylinder. The car *is* fun to drive. Just not fun to own. Could they be forcing us to lease? Try this: lay down a split seat (rear) and drive around with only the sunroof open. if your ears dont bleed or explode....

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  They got it right--except little stuff - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Melweena - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Ive loved owning VW Jettas. The A/C and Heat are quick to the rescue in tough Wisconsin weather, and the tork in the engine is enough to keep up with quick lane changes in downtown Chicago. If it werent for just a few cosmetic issues, this vehicle would be superb!

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  The best new car mod platform under 20K - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By LotsABoost - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I went with the GTI over a WRX because aside from performance, I also wanted an understated exterior and some luxury inside. Chip it for $500 and youre over 200HP at the flyhweel. Seriously, even non- performance oriented people should do this. Air filter, turbo back exhaust, dv valve, inlet pipe, maybe some intercooler piping...about $2K installed for all of the above. Shocks+Springs for about $750 installed will satisfy most. Bilstein Sport/H&R Sport keep a near stock comfort level. A clutch and limited slip (awesome upgrade) for about $2K installed. Audi TT front brake upgrade (same as off the 337 model) for $550 installed.

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  2000 Jetta GLS VR6 - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VI1654 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is an excellent choice for a compact sedan. The biggest negative is the fact that the front bumper is very low to the ground and has a tendency to become stuck on parking curbs. So, beware. Aside from that, its great fun to drive and has minimal problems.

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim Gaiser - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Car--Fun, Safe, and good for a family.

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  Very Unreliable for a VW - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By psykosonik - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Just to let buyers know there are several issues to be aware of before purchasing a new or used 2000-2001 VW Jetta. They are very prone to issues. First off, I bought my car new in Aug 2000, it is a 2001 VW Jetta. In less than 2 years have had an Oxygen Sensor recall, both Driver and Passanger Window regulators have broke, resulting in the windows falling inside the doors, the electrical wiring has had to be rewired, the Brake Switch broke and needed replacing, and the interior plastic is already peeling. I have owned VWs in the past and am just beside myself at the poor quality of this car!!

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  Just Like A Boat - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brian_ - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Just like a boat, the two happiest days are when you buy it and when you sell it. Worst car I ever owned…

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  Not Too Shabby - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stoker - June 4 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. This is a great a car for 2 people. Its quick and stylish. Ive never had a car that got me so many compliments. The back seat is a joke however. Its embarassing to have to give anyone a ride. You can actually drive and reach anything in the back-seat without a problem. The sunroof is a little trick to operate at first.

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  This cars for "Drivers". - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MarNChar - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car on the 6th of June and took a trip of 2700 miles, returning on the 16th. We drove Interstates 15 and 80, and Hiways 4, 16, 49, 50, 89 from Provo, UT to Murphys, CA; to Sacramento to Sierra City, to Truckee, up to South Lake Tahoe, back to Utah. We got over 500 miles per tank(12 gals. used each fillup); even doing 80 mph with the AC on, loaded with luggage for two and camping gear! Freeways in UT & NEV are 75 mph. On curvy hiways 4, 49, 50, & 89 the car handled like a Ferrari - really fun to drive. The only flaw with this vehicle is the sun visors! Theyre too short! Otherwise, this car is near perfect for around town driving and long trips.

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  Not worth it - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Warren - June 4 - 5:10 am

  I think that the guy who bought his VW from CarMax got the one that I unloaded. It was the biggest disappointment. Had a Rabbit for 16 yrs that was great. Had the Passat for 4 years and hated it for three. Went through 4 sets of brakes, VW said it was normal wear. Hesitation issues, finally the axle was giving me trouble and I traded it in for a Mercury Milan. So far the Milan has only needed $30 oil changes, compared with the $80 oil changes of VW, not to mention premium gas. Got rid of the Passat at 33000 miles and was glad it was gone. Hey Andrews, is yours indigo blue? If so, sorry you got stuck. I dont care however reliable VW gets, I am done with them as a company.