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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  Dead at 66.000 Miles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rick - February 8 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased my Beetle for 4 years in 2003. It was in the shop 6 times the first year! Now at 66,000 miles the engine has lost all compression. My local mechanic could not find a reason so I had it towed to the VW dealership to see if they could tell me what happened. They did not have a clue, but said the engine is definitely dead. I had the oil changed every 4000 miles. The power train warranty expired at 60,000 miles (before 2003 it was a 100,00 mile warranty. I am through with VWs! (oh yes, and I still owe money on this pile of junk)

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  My love/hate relationship with this car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By katelin22 - February 8 - 6:30 pm

  About six months after I bought my car (my first car ever), the splash shield separated from the bumper and crumbled into a million pieces on the freeway. I took it to the dealer, and they said that my insurance should pay for it and that this happens all of the time because the European make of the car causes it to catch on US parking curbs. I went to my insurance agent and they said they werent going to pay for it, because it wasnt due to an accident. I had to pay $1800 in repairs out of my own pocket. I have since had problems with my drivers side door, and my brakes almost didnt stop my car on a hill. Expect to apply a large amount of pressure on your brakes to stop at high speeds!

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  The Best Car Yet - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wombat - February 8 - 11:56 am

  Overall the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T is an outstanding car for a an unbeatable price. It delivers great performance for a car that gets 33 mpg. I had the engine chipped by APR and it was like new (215 hp & 247 torque). this car has excellent handling AND ride for a short wheel base car with a sport suspension & 17" wheels (its a bit stiff, but not bad). it had just the right equipement and was $5,000+ cheaper than any competitor. The original Michelin tires are a poor choice for this car. Tire Rack has much better choices for less money. So far, it has held up very well. The only issue has been a rattling drivers window. Everything has been flawless for 50,000 miles. VW service depts have been less than stellar.

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  TDI Horror - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John - February 7 - 10:10 pm

  My TDI was great until I hit 60000 miles then a check engine light came on. Replaced sensors, cooling kit, thermostat and the intake flap motor 3 times. Check engine light still on and VW wont take any responsibility for faulty design on flap motors. Ive spent over $2,000 already. Owners of TDIs beware!!!! Sell your car before it goes out of warranty because VW will not stand behind thier product.

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  Love It - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MD - February 7 - 3:33 pm

  I have been extremely pleased with my Passat. I love all the interior gadgets and options and its very stylish and luxurious. Everyone that gets in it loves it too!

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  Impressive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed - February 7 - 5:16 am

  I did a lot of research to determeine which AWD vehicle would best fit my needs and the Passat came out on top. I have only had the car for a week, but I am impressed with the performance and design. The only option that did not come with the car is the navigation system. The instrument panel layout is great and easy to understand. I particularly like the ease of the multi-function steering wheel that controls the computer. The most impressive thing about this car is the 280 HP engine that has great pick up that beats the 190 ponies I had in my 2001 Audi A4. If you want or need an AWD drive vehicle that is roomy yet feels sporty this car is for you.

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  Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Lacey - February 7 - 12:13 am

  I did a lot of research into Civics and Rabbits, and finally decided on the Rabbit! I love love it. Its amazingly fun to drive, has great pickup, and lots of bells and whistles that the Civic definitely lacks. The road noise is a little loud, but the 10 speaker stereo system drowns it out just fine. I would definitely recommend.

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  What was i thinking.... - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Emmaly - February 6 - 1:30 pm

  I love VWs I really do. And then I got one. It has been nothing but problems. I have finally stepped out of denial. The check engine light has been on for three years. You name it, Ive had it done. The warrenty has more than paid for itself! I think Ive had $8,000 worth of work done on it. I had the infamous window drop problem, faulty locks, peeling rubber/leather, a constantly broken cup holder, console, seat adjuster. It is time for this car to go. Maybe one day they can get me back - I hope so.

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  Solid Car...Falling Apart - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robin - February 6 - 7:36 am

  When I first bought my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta I was excited about how well it handled and how solid it felt on the road. That might have a lot to do with the fact that it is so low to the ground, which at times makes it tough to get out of. My biggest concern has been the electrical problems and incidental repairs: the window fell out, the drivers side window motor broke twice, the catalitic converter was recalled, the cup holder broke, the glove box broke, and the trunk light and panel lights are out.

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  Wish I had stepped up to a GTI - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By jordan23 - February 5 - 10:20 am

  In general, Im pretty happy with this car. I had a problem with a rattle at the top of the dash, but the dealership fixed it without charge. Quite a bit of tire noise-probably the 17" wheels. The door mirrors are quite small so you have to adjust them perfectly-used to hate this but not anymore. No reliability issues at all. Handling is very solid-buckled down generally, but a bump in a turn will upset the chassis. Great safety with all the airbags and traction/stability. The cabin feels very open with high roofline-very nice visibility. Comfortable even for the long haul. Generally a joy to drive. At this price point the Rabbit cant be beat. Would like power/DSG/handling of a GTI though