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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  This cars been a dream...knock on wood. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Got_diesel? - February 19 - 12:46 am

  Stand Trans a must with this engine. ONLY FUN-TO-DRIVE ECONOMY CAR W/ PERSONALITY ON THE MARKET. Chassis so solid, drives like a dream. Great crash test ratings make me feel safer than I would on truck/SUV-strewn roads. Interior easy on the eyes. Seats need better lumbar support, and velour upholstry sucks. As GLS owner, I suggest sticking w/ the GL. GLS options arent as well-designed as rest of car. Big-picture: 26K problem- free mi in first 12 mos w/ average 45- 47 MPG, and starts down to -55F here in ND has convinced me of the overall value and sound design of this car - esp. that engine!

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  So Disappointing - No Joke - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Michael - February 18 - 10:06 pm

  Bought June 2002. Yes, its refined inside, build quality above average & overall car is fun to drive. But reliability is worst Ive experienced. My 4th car. 1. 3 separate power window probs that left me with window sunk in door. Fun in winter. NOT 2. 2 separate seat probs. 1st was when the seat actually moved beneath me with each turn. 2nd occurred when lever to raise/lower broke 3. Ignition Coils *UGH* 4. 4 separate coolant probs. 1 prob left me stranded on road (2 year old car at the time) 5. 1 dashboard lighting prob, many MIL engine light probs 6. Car *almost* failed start in 50 deg. weather. VW found no prob. Inexplicable. Just waiting for more... Ill never buy VW again...

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  Reliable, practical, high quality - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By RaceBuilder - February 18 - 5:40 pm

  I have had this car for 6 years and it has performed admirably. Apart from a recall, a couple of worn out engine mounts, and replacing the driver and passenger side window glass holder clamps because the windows fell down it keeps plugging away reliably.

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  Overall Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dale - February 17 - 6:36 pm

  My 2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T runs very well and the overall quality is good. I expected a little higher quality than the car actually has, however I think it still beats any other car Japanese or American in its class. The only real problem I have with it is the trunk. It is very cumbersome to open and close. The dealer said that this problem cannot be fixed. This is almost inexcuseable because Ive seen the $12K Ford Contour that operates easier with or without the remote control. Overall Im pleased with the purchase.

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  Watch Out - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MNtracks - February 17 - 10:53 am

  To start with I love this truck! I tis a great design good to drive. The reason for this review is the total lack of any sort of reliability with the unit. Brakes @ $850.00 per axcel I have replace 7 times. Tires maybe 25000 on a good set. Electrical system is absolutely the worst I have ever dealt with. Drive Train, hads to replace the drive shaft linkage at 34500 and the factory wouldnt cover the cost to repair. I cannot tell you how much this vehicle has cost me to own. Never again... Watch Out!

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  Poor Reliability and Service Concerns - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Unsatisfied - February 17 - 6:03 am

  I have made 16 visits to the dealer to service my Passat in 4 years! It only has 16,600 miles on it, yet it continues to break down. Volkswagen of America has been unresponsive to concerns. Water accumulates in every area of the engine and car due to poor drainage. The doors have had issues, with locks freezing and the doors flinging open and not being able to be closed. I will never deal with Volkswagen again.

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  NEVER again! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dont buy a Jetta - February 17 - 3:36 am

  It is not a reliable car. Does not like going up hills, doest like snow, power windows stink-mine would start going up & down independently then caught on fire (no flames but lots of smoke in my car right behind my head), alloy wheels break when you hit a pothole - mine were discontinued so they dont match now, alternater and starter both replaced, antifreeze leaks ($18/gal), got stranded/towed 2 times in the past year, spark plugs and other wires not good, and now the transmission will not shift ... its not a safe car when you pull out of a toll booth on a highway and cant get above 40! I cant even think what else is wrong with the car, I would never buy another one.

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  VW Loads it up - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By sid - February 16 - 8:16 pm

  Just want to say that I enjoy every little bit of this car. I got a good deal on it ($26,000) for a SE with Rear Entertainment for the kids. Doesnt have stow n go but has storage inside the floor(love it). Brand new is $31000, drives awesome and much more comfy than Sienna or Odyssey more stiffer then Sienna though but i like it myself. Check it out though1. Drives good 2VW warranty and care free maintenance + rear entertainment + XM radio sun roof can you get that with Toyota or Honda? They just marketed better and have been around longer.

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  Fantastic, sporty little car! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By jules - February 16 - 5:30 pm

  I adore this car. Its so fun to drive! And obviously the hard top is GREAT! Its like watching a transformer!! I would highly recommend this car to anyone. I live in the Northeast, and it did really well in the snow this past winter, and we got tons of it! Its got a lot of pep, and it looks so sleek... I get a ton of compliments on the car. Surprisingly you can fit quite a bit in the trunk. I have had this car for 9 months now, and its the best car. Im on my 7th VW, but this is the sportiest and most fun!

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  My New Beetle is simply awesome!!:) - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MeowlGal - February 16 - 4:43 pm

  I love my new car!! This is my first beetle,I used to own a Volkswagen cabriolet convertible and loved it! I traded in my Toyota truck and got my beetle..I named her "Rubi"!! What a cute and fun car. This car is in mint condition!! I am so happy I bought her!!:)