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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  It wins your heart! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By sal42 - May 19 - 5:11 am

  I bought my GTI new and it was my first car. I have loved it!!! Its been very reliable and fun to drive, as well as economical on gas, a great value. I have had no problems with the car and it has over 40,000 mi on it now. I am happy to have had this as my first car! I hope to keep it until it finally dies one day.

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  Disappointing - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By frank gjokaj - May 18 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this car for quality. But have not received anything but aggravation. What a big lie that Germans build quality. Since I bought this car I been taking it to the dealer for electrical problems. Too many to list. And forget about vw to help, all they tell me "Im sorry to hear that you having trouble."

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  good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By shehzad khan - May 17 - 9:20 pm

  the volkswagen passat i have is only 1998 tdi sports, but is very comfortable. I have had 8 cars and iam only 21, the passat has been my favourite of all, comfortable, good handling, good fuel economy, and obviously strong as usual

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  FIRST VW PROVES COMFORTABLE, QUIET, QUICK - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By openwheeler - May 17 - 5:04 am

  Picked it up 5/31 and this Candy White with Corn silk/Black accent interior has proven to be a handsome, comfortable second family car. Critics of the interior materials were too harsh. The leatherette is more attractive and comfortable than we expected. Just returned from a round trip to PGH. My 6 foot plus son did not find the rear seats tiring or cramped. Very smooth ride and honestly quieter than our Accord on the road. The engine is a bit "throaty" but the slight rumble doesnt sound weak or cheap. Solid feel. In S mode you get all the kick you need for passing fun. Low end torque takes a bit of getting used too but that comes quickly. Confident handling. Touch screen radio is cool.

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  I love my car....but - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Phatmal - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used in 98 and loved driving it from the get go. She has a lot of spirit and really likes to be driven on the open road. Unfortunately, shes not been a cheap car to own. Most recently (last 12 months), Ive had to replace the sunroof cassette ($700), the door locks $400...they actually fell out of the car!), and the starter ($600) and had to have the vacuum system fixed ($100). Luckily I havent been stranded anywhere! Not only that but there are little things that break in the interior that are a pain. I love driving this car and am so attached to her but Im considering getting rid of her cause Im afraid of whats going to break next.

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  Nice Car, Turbo Problems - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Turbo99jetta - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, however, i have only had it a month and its been at the dealership longer than at my house. We have had turbo problems with it. They replaced the wastegate valve and yet again it went out. it seems like if u get into the car and start moving the turbo heats up and then it never comes back. Great car when its up and running I wish i wouldnt have a turbo problem. The dealership sucks, car is good

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  Run for the hills - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By sixgunbilly - May 13 - 3:10 pm

  Ive owned this car from new and from week one, yes week one, its been in the shop. After having this car for almost three years now, I cant remember a time when I wasnt making plans in my schedule to take it in. Heres a short list: 3 nav units, satellite replacement, CD changer, airbag sensor, battery, window controller, almost all of the "soft touch" pieces on the interior, ashtray lid, catalytic downpipe assembly, front suspension parts, brake parts,rear trunk springs, fuel sending unit, 2 speakers and Im sure I forgot a few! This car is worthless! Its value has decreased so fast my head spins, and its no surprise if you read the reviews. Im trading it ASAP. Ill never buy VW again!

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  Just a good car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pthomps - May 13 - 12:46 pm

  Bought it brand new in 2001. Sure, the window lifts were quick to go out, and there were several other minor recalls, but it keeps on ticking. I use it primarily as a commuter car, driving about 40 miles a day. Love the mpg, love the styling. Im just now approaching 100k miles. I sunk $1,500 into it recently for preventative maintenance (incl. New timing belt), but consider it a good investment. Interior wear and tear has taken its toll - the glove box arm is broken, as is the arm rest latch, but I can live with that. The car looks great, is fun to drive (every once in a while is quite sluggish in 1st gear), but has been a great car.

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  38 MPG at 144k miles - no BS - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By BigGuy - May 12 - 2:30 pm

  4-cyl turbo w/5-speed manual. This car is like the energizer bunny. My wife can squeeze up to 40 mpg on the highway, consistently, My huge frame fits in it comfortably The trunk is immense.

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  Electrical problems - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Roger - May 11 - 12:26 am

  Purchased as certified, in 2 and 1/2 years, major repairs, tie rods, boots,oil pan cover, master air control, electrial harness. Engine light came on 4 times, same problem. I would not buy another VW.