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:

• 

  A lot of Car in a Small Package - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By SteveK - September 12 - 5:10 am

  I just bought my 2005 Volkswagen Golf GL two weeks ago and so far, so good. Its comfortable, even for a big guy, handles very well, and has tons of great features standard. You do pay a bit more than other hatchbacks on the road, but the quality of this versus the others is worth the extra money. Since I seldom carry even three passengers, the 2-door is fine. The trunk is as roomy as most small sedans. I would have liked the TDI but you cant get them in NY state. Maybe because its new, but the engine revs higher at speed than most cars, and has curious shift points at times. For what you pay, I would like a little more power, better gas mileage, and a simple trip computer or something to set it apart.

• 

  Grinding Noise 2013 Jetta - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sparkfire - September 11 - 9:00 am

  I really like the car, it handles very well in the city and on the road, however, it makes a grinding noise when simply driving 25-30 mph down a city street. The noise is right under my feet! At first they couldnt find anything so I had one of the guys ride with me and when he heard it he was puzzled. I was told to bring it back one day and theyll have a Tech ride with me so when I have a chance, Ill take it back! Had I known it was assembled in Mexico I never would have purchased it! I thought they were being assembled at least in Tenn. Im so disappointed that I wished I had purchased a Chevy or Buick!

• 

  Headaches - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Headache - September 9 - 10:00 am

  So many minor problems. Ranging from malfunctioning electronic displays to car not starting. It has caused nothing but headaches and worries about what is going to happen next?

• 

  99 Jetta Wolfsburg Edit - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JaJ - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR:)

• 

  2003 GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kevin223 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are extremely happy with this vehicle, although not with the dealer. Overall this car does get average gas mileage, it just has a small tank. This is the only complaint I have with this vehicle.

• 

  Its all good - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dude - September 7 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased my Jetta new, it now has 21,000 miles. Havent had any problems and only had one recall which was not a safety issue and only took a few minutes to fix. Dealer service is always good and quick but can be expensive, although I dont mind paying more for fast service thats done right the first time. Car has been very reliable so far, looking forward to putting a lot of miles on it after its paid off.

• 

  Fun, but... - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beachbum66 - September 6 - 3:26 pm

  Very fun car to drive, but consistent reliability and quality control issues throughout. This is also a very expensive car to get serviced and repaired. Ours stranded us (wouldnt start) several times due to a problem with the theft control system which was eventually fixed via a recall. Also had problems with the headlights , window motor and convertible top which resulted in repeated returns to the dealership and the car being off the road multiple days. Car is also exceedingly susceptible to dings. It is a fun car, but its reliability issues and extreme service costs really detract from the overall satisfaction with the vehicle.

• 

  Back to Driving Fun - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By jgs5607 - September 5 - 7:06 am

  I have had my car for 3 weeks now and am very happy with it. I did not opt for the DSG (as nice as it is); to me the manual is more involving and fun to drive. The interior is outstanding in quality and overall layout; better than any previous car I have had. I have been breaking it in gently and my average mileage on 2 tanks has been 28 MPG (70% Hwy, 30% City) so if gas goes nuts again, and I drive sanely, it will not hurt too much at the pump. I expect when I put my foot in the turbo hard, that it will drop to low 20s, which is as good as my old car. Handling is great and the car is a blast to drive. Highly recommended. This is my first VW product by the way.

• 

  Money Drain: $5000.00 in 6 yrs. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ileangoodnite - September 4 - 4:20 pm

  I loved this car. I believed the seller: "it might last 12-15 years". Excessively expensive routine- maintenance, + $ thousands for major system failures. In 6 years, they sucked $5,000.00 for: Sensors x 5; Ignition coils; radio; left axle; right axle x 2; gas hood strut; water pump; left rear door lock x 3; motor mounts (1 month before engine failed & replaced under recall); intercooler; heat shields;(recalls) rib belt; timing belt; homelink dropped off...fix cost= $500; tires replaced x2; transmission range switch cleaned ($101.00. Following week: same switch replaced: $1,000.) Upholstery frayed; paint peeling; Disappointing. Stressful. Friends and I will not buy another VW product.

• 

  Poor Mans Bimmer - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Seekrr - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Passat on a trade-in and what a difference from the Mazda I drove! Solid, responsive, balanced...yeah, a little underpowered with the auto, but a blast down the hwy. or back roads. Sure it needs fixing more than a Ford and parts arent cheap (not to mention my dealer sucked!), but for pure driving enjoyment, I couldnt have made a better choice!