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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  Excellent buy for the money! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rachelle - November 2 - 2:53 am

  I drove the Mazda 3 Touring and sport and originally wanted to purchase the VW GTI but after driving the Jetta, I loved it! The interior of the VW Jetta blows away the Mazda 3 since the Germans just pay so much more attention to detail. The gas mileage on the Jetta is about the same as the GTI so why not get the extra room? The car drives great, has room, looks great and should last forever! I LOVE IT!

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  Loved my GTI 1.8T, Realy LOVE the GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shadyant - November 1 - 12:56 pm

  I looked at the Acura TSX the Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport, but I just fell more in love with the features and comfort and feel of the Jetta GLI. I got an 06 GLI w/package 2, sirius, the navigation system, rear airbag and spoiler. Previously, I had an 02 GTI and loved it so much I didnt want to sell it but I needed more room. I get more for less money with the Jetta than with the C-Class or the TSX. They had similar features, but felt not quite as put together as the GLI. On top of that in most of the reviews I have read the GLI was put on top. I must say I agree with that end result! I love this car, driving and the feel of the car on the road are great. I would say they could lessen the wind noise, but I normaly have the radio up too loud to hear it anyway :-)

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  Its a Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By adam - October 31 - 2:26 pm

  I loved this truck when I test drove it. Thats when the love ended. From day one of driving it off the lot it has been in the shop for 50+ days for everything from brakes to electrical problems to a dangerous swirving that occurs when going from 1st to 2nd gear. The interior is cheaply made as buttons wear down after only a year. Ive applied for the lemon law. Make sure you get all problems documented. VW gave me hassle. Do not buy this vehicle! It is the worst buy Ive ever made.

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  Big Mistake - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By navyraptor - October 31 - 2:25 pm

  My wife @ I were in the market of purchasing a family sedan and ended up choosing the Passat SE. At first, it was a toss up who loved the car more-my wife or kids. The stereo system is awesome-the sunroof w/ its variable selections is right on, the way it handles a curve in the road or tight turns is very impressive and the leather seats are extremely comfy. At 29,000 miles the brakes started making that squeaking sound(rotors/pads required replacement) headlights are on recall from VW, the paint chips very easily and random computer messages keep popping up on the dash for no apparent reason. Just today the battery went dead and needs replacing. Trading it in on 2014 Ford Fusion SE!!!

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  An Overlooked Gem - 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By allinone - October 31 - 5:33 am

  Just got my 2015 Sel 4Mo, First off I got a great deal, money interest rate, great time to buy. We looked at some new ones on the market and so old. We just could not find anything that had the handling, the simplicity of controls and the bluetooth system. We looked at some that were a total distraction when it came to using the Nav etc. Now the Nav system in the VW has not been updated and will soon however if you are not an overly techy person and want a system that works, has one of the best sound systems (fender) excellent pick-up, comfort, Car-Net instant connect for help, directions Etc. GET THIS CAR! The CarNet is excellent. You can set it so you will know if someone exceeds MPH.

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  Great car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By daveba84 - October 29 - 3:03 pm

  I bought my passat in 2008 with 140,000 miles on it. It was at a used car lot and I liked everything about it. The exterior/interior were in great shape and after the test drive i was sold. I drive 106 round trip miles per day to work so I needed a car that was good on gas and the passat fit the bill. As of today I have over 250,000 miles on the passat and drives like the day I purchased it. I have had to put minor repairs as well as regular scheduled maint. (oil changes,battery,headlight,wiper relay) but you will have this with any car. Do yourself a favor-do not get repairs done at a dealership. With any car they will charge you 3x more then what a good local mechanic would.

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  King of the GTI - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Bryans GTI - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I must say Bravo! If you love performance, Then you have to try this wicked dream to drive. Just try to push the limits all wheel drive and Yul be left a little shaken but not stirred.

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  Good value for money! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By buachaill_og - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful little car and a lot of fun to drive. Its very responsive and very lively for a four cylinder engine. It has great build quality inside and out. I got it fully loaded with everything and it cost me $21,500. I like German Engineering, you definately are more in tune with the road and automatic is definately a waste of money. Manual is your only man:-)

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  How can you not love it? - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By StfRon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Do your self a favor- drive a Jetta TDI.

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  GLS 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By davisef - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Love it, thats all I can say. No problems whatsoever.