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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  Car feels more expensive than it is - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By whofan67 - February 24 - 11:36 am

  I love looking at, sitting in and driving this car. VW did this one right. I was looking at a Sonata, Lexus IS250, Infinity G35 and Buick Regal and none gave me as much car for the money as the CC. There simply is no finer car for me in the low 30K range.

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  Phabulous Phaeton - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Kinikia - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The best luxury car Ive owned. Spacious, comfortable, powerful, convenient, well made and solid. An A+ addition to the Volkswagon family,following in the tradition of quality.

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  All Purpose Hauler - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By the engineer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Eurovan after owning a 93 for almost 100k miles. The VR6 is a wonderful engine, lots of power to tow our 26 Chris Craft, and decent mileage (~18 daily driving). All areas of the car were improved with one exception- the driving position was somehow made uncomfortable, I start to get leg cramps after half an hour. The van is much quieter than the older model, and cruising on the highway is effortless. The Michelin Enegy tires are great for comfort and handling, and they improve the fuel mileage, too. In addition to the better engine, VW added a rear stabiliser bar which improves the handling.

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  love my jetta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ghari - February 24 - 10:00 am

  ilove almost everything about my jetta this is my 2nd jetta and i had my first on for 11 yrs without any major problems it could use some redesigning on the height of the car it easily hits humps and concrete parking slabs if you are not careful also they need to redesign the way the seats adjust the screw knob is hard to turn

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  Fun to Drive, but Unreliable - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By louvia - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Owning a New Beetle is a love-hate relationship. You love how it drives but hate how it keeps letting you down. Ive had endless problems with this car from the start. The transmission started leaking the first week and had to be replaced. Weve had endless brake problems due to a vacuum leak. It took Capistrano VW 4 times to diagnose it the first time it happened. Brakes have never worked well. The battery has been replaced twice. The interior is falling apart, door handles peeling, passenger sun visor wont stay up, side mirror knob broke off. Were going to replace it with something more reliable. Its a bad sign when the dealership knows you by sight.

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  Wagon: Fun to Drive?? - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By knelson - February 24 - 10:00 am

  After owning more cars than I like to admit, this is a pleasure,fun,family car.Sporty,FAST & classy to boot.Love the speed and beautiful interior.Feels more expensive than it is.Rear seats fold down easily for hauling.The 4 motion saved me the 2nd day I owned it.This car has spoiled me for anything else.Own a Jetta too& will always have a VW in my garage!!

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  exspensive upkeep - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chris_ - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a tdi 4 door and Demontrond dealer in houston was horrible on maintenance. Went in for a $55 dollar oil change and they stripped the drain plug and charged me $75 dollars to fix? Needless to say I no longer own a jetta and never will again. Check with dealer to see what cost are for common repairs and you will probably go with a honda or toyota if your smart.

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  Gotta love this car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wamble29 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my jetta about 1 month ago and I am a VW customer for life. The ride is awesome and it is so comfortable. I got the sport package and 1.8T engine and they are perfect together. Moonroof is a must and the spoiler completes the package. If you want a safe car with a decent price get this.

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  NICE car especially for the money. - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jamievidd - February 23 - 8:49 pm

  First off the review that says the seats are hard and uncomfortable.......either thats a fake review or the person is demented. A Corolla....really? The seats in Jetta are superb. Been on 3 hour drives and they are simply great and supportive. The extended and height adjustable armrest is a great idea too. The 1.8t is noticeably better in all aspects compared to the 2.5....smoother, faster, better mpgs. Car handles great, rides like a dream, and soaks up the bumps well. Averaging 25-27mpg in mixed driving. Got mine for about 3K under sticker so it was around 19K before tax. Drives like a much more expensive car.

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  Electrical Problems - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carolyn - February 23 - 3:50 pm

  This is my first Jetta and I was so excited with the new body style and the 2.5. Its a great car for driving and it handles excellent on the highway and fuel mileage is 24. in the city. But then electrical problems began with Check engine, coolant, temp gauge, radiator fan wiring harness all replaced within the first 6 months. Now again, electrical problems, drivers door power window wiring harness replaced then the air bag wiring harness will be replaced next week. Im thinking FORD right about now. I loved my VW but the problems are not worth the name of Jetta.