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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  Eurovan is fabulous for family of 5 - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By WAeurovanowner - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I can not imagine why VW does not sell more Eurovans. As configured with the 201 hp VR6 and the lower price it is less expensive and more usefully equiped than any true minivans. At the same time it is big enough to handle every need without having to endure a Econline-type full size van. As a 40 year old father of three I have to admit I get a kick out of the fact that the young VW crowd thinks my family hauler is cool. Ive received accepting nods and other positive gestures from 20 year olds driving Golfs and Passats. Not too many minivans owners can claim they get positive gestures from these younger drivers.

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  The car is cool!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ldfuller - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a Beetle from the first time I heard about them. I got my wish. The only problems Ive had with the car were not because of manufacturing it was because the dealership sold me a car that had been damaged and repaired. I absolutely LOVE my Beetle. Everyone should drive one. Okay not everyone, Just me the PRINCESS :D

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  Worst Car Ever Made - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Whatajoke - July 17 - 2:00 am

  What a piece of crap. In the first 10,000 miles - bad window regulators, windows fell off the track, heated O2 sensor (twice), bad fuse block and wiring, replaced truck lid activator, replaced fuel door activator, runs rough and hesitates and thats on a great day. Engine light constantly on, rear brakes ground to the rotor at 23,000 miles (how is that even possible), coil wores/plugs $ 560. Catalytic converter clogged at 22,000. Absolute joke, VW service equally as pathetic.

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  NEVER BUY A VOLKSWAGEN - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ckbell - July 17 - 2:00 am

  With the promise of gas mileage of 20 city and 28 hwy, it was a sensible car to buy. Unfortunately I am getting between 13-14 mpg since I bought it. I do not sit in traffic or have unusual circumstances that would cause such a problem. Our Ford Explorer gets better gas mileage - unbelievable. I have pleaded with both the dealership and the VW Corporation to fix my car or replace it with another one but they will not do anything to help me. They actually told me that the lemon law would not protect me because gas mileage is only an "estimate", not a guarantee. I will NEVER own a Volkswagen of any kind again.

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  I Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By LoveMyVW - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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  Looks can be deceptive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rich Boyde - July 17 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive..but just enough problems to keep you occupied for a few days per month.Most of the good reviews on this forum are by people who just bought a new VW car. All the bad reviews are by people who have used it for more than 6months/8000miles. Too many electrical faults, horrible Monsoon sterio, ignition coil problems,inefficient wiper system,trip computer has a mind of its own,works once in a while. Windshield allows too much glare from vahicles coming in the opposite direction.So please dont drive VW in rain or foggy conditions,take a cab. This is a car which brings to the mind the proverb...All that glitters is not gold

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  I Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lovemyVW - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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  Wouldnt buy a VW again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eric Lederman - July 17 - 2:00 am

  too many problems....the first 6 months was good and then it all began. Ignition coils failed, Monsoon sterio stopped working, fog lights stopped working,trip computer works few days a month,cannot drive the car in rain or fog ,wipers dont work efficiently.DOnt buy a VW, if you are real crazy lease it

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  In love with my 03 Silverblue beauty! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Maiden - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in August and I love to drive it! Many standard features that are optional on other competitors cars, ultra safe, dig the German touches-first aid kit cabinet in the trunk, chrome tie downs, etc. Fabulous car, I will do it again!

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  Lets call it a piece of Shetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By E - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Everything is so plastic, including the sales pitch. He tried to sell me on all the wrong Items. The car is all plastic, so its all gonna break. Then the clutch, throttle, A/C and windows will break. Then you realize half of it isnt even covered under warranty. This car is tempermental, and has made me tempermental. DONT BUY THIS CAR. If you do, make sure to get a lot of headache reliever too!