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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  I LOVE MY JETTA - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robg - June 3 - 2:00 am

  For a 4 cylinder its got some pep, but I wish I had splurged, because I know the 1.8 has some kick. But I love my Jetta, and wouldnt trade it for the world. The leather/cold weather(heated seats...) package are worth the price of the car altogether, not to mention the reliability. All of our friends are jealous even a year later. Those Germans know what they are doing.

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  the best - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bobw - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!! I almost bought an Avalon and Im glad I didnt. Its got plenty of power, and enough leather to kill a PETA member!

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  Awsome! - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By hybrid killer - June 2 - 10:40 pm

  This car is awesome. Its fun to drive and reliable. This is the best economy car I have ever driven.

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  Wretched little thing - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By Andy - June 2 - 3:16 pm

  What a disappointment! The engine is pathetic and sad, and gets only half a mile per gallon more than the supercharged 3800 in my 2001 Buick Regal GS when driving the same commute. Its decent for surface streets, especialy if you live in a flat area, but woe betide the poor wretch who tries to accelerate going uphill. And I thought that, in exchange for any hope of good performance, I might at least get decent mileage. Ha! The handling is OK, and the interior space is all right, though the cloth seats seem to be made from the same material as lint brushes, never seen seats pick up so much hair and dust. In short, if you have a short commute in flat land, go ahead. Otherwise, avoid.

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  2001 Golf GLS - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By Kostas - June 2 - 12:26 pm

  3 times the engine stopped running while driving. Engine losses power. Compression problem repaired at 10,000 miles. Hatch hits the pumper paint is gone on point of contact. Drivers seat makes funny noises, from inside when your lay on the headrest.

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  Love it!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By lilauggie4 - June 2 - 7:04 am

  I dont understand why people are writing such terrible reviews, you clearly didnt get the car checked before buying it. My 2000 Cabrio is a beautiful car. It runs well, looks nice, I havent had any problems yet. And ive had it for 5 months. It has a little over 109k miles. You guys just need to take better care of your car!! (Its not a manual though, im confused why I cant choose automatic.)

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  Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By c67302 - June 1 - 10:06 pm

  The 20th Anniversary GTI is a pleasure to drive on long trips. The seats are very adjustable. I dont get tired of driving it on short trips either. The only thing I wished it had is a center arm rest. The performance is fantastic in every way. It handles like its on rails. It can easily out accelerate most cars on the road today. All this, and it still gets 30 mpg on the highway.

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  My first VW - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Maureen - June 1 - 5:56 pm

  I have recentlly purchased the 2005 New Bettle converatable here in Fl and will be driving it home to Mass. I have owned BMS, Jaguars etc. I am sooo sorry I bought this VW. The warranty ran out 24 days ago, The first day i went to put the rear drivers window down it went down and never came back up. I called VW warrenty Company, they would not offer a dime for repair.Vehicle has only 14K miles.Reading the reviews there is a major window regulator problem with the plastic pieces on the regulator breaking and has been a long ongoing defect.when the class action Law Suit starts on this vehicle I will be on board. I would NEVER buy a VW again. NOW I AM AFRAID TO PUT THE WINDOWS DOWN,ALSO THE TOP

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  Buy yourself a TDI - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - June 1 - 11:43 am

  This is one well made machine. Handles like its on rails. Great lines and its a TDI to boot. I can now thumb my nose at the gas pumps.

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  Great interior quality, good looking SUV - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By HS - June 1 - 1:03 am

  Very nice SUV. Interior design and quality, power, handles great.