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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  Jack Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By noodles - April 30 - 11:26 pm

  This is an awesome little car, thats fun to drive. It has some pep to it. It has good cargo space and can haul 2 6 tall guys in the backseat comfortably.

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  Rattle, Rattle, Rattle - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Michael Berry - April 30 - 8:40 pm

  I bought an 07 Rabbit in Oct. 06. The car was great for the first 500 miles, after that a rattle started coming from the vents. I took it to the dealer and they said that the rattle was normal, they would glue the vents, but never fixed the problem. My model had the sunroof, the area with the controls would rattle. I took it to the dealer again and they never fixed it. The seat belts would rattle. The rear seat, drivers left was built in the factory with a latch that was to big. It would make a popping sound that drove me nuts. I took it to the dealer and they had my car for three days before telling me that they couldnt fix it. After about 2,000 miles, the fan blower would make random grinding noise. The moonroof would rattle and it makes a weird noise inside the car at 25-35 mph.

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  R32 Really Delivers - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By dcurrie - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Though the R32 is a potent machine, boy racers need not apply. It has been engineered to deliver a fine balance between a high performance driving experience and a supple daily driver that you can live with. Engine and mechanical sounds are fabulous, stops like crazy, and for added safety it offers great grip in the wet (phenomenal even.) And in black, as mine is, it doesnt attract a lot of attention. It does sometimes go too fast, but were working on that togther.

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  Great car ... but Ive out grown it - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eloquence - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This car was amazing while I owned it. I purchased it with about 60000 mi on it. In almost 4 years the car has given me little or no trouble whatsoever. I have had to dish out only about $1000 over and above regular maintenance costs. I was in an accident in 2001 and I almost totaled the Jetta. It needed over $5000 in repairs but when I got it back it was just as good as ever. A robust, stout, little beast... thats why I choose VWs. Overall, its an amazing car...which is why I am buying a 2001 Jetta now! Great trunk space, excellent handling, and VW reliability have made this car a winner in my eyes. Keep up the build quality VW.

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By jstn4102 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Im glad I forked over the extra cash for the Vr6, it was well worth it. Before purchasing this car i was considering either a 1.8 rubo GTI or getta gls and the civic Si. I am glad i chose the VR6 GTI. Handling is superb and there is nothing better than a naturally powerful engine. No turbo lag and ltos of torque puts the VR6 engine in front of the 1.8 anyday.

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  Wow - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By caman - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is not only the best car I have ever puchased.... its probably the best purchase Ive ever made. Quality through & through.... quick, very fun to drive, roomy on the inside, but looks like a jetta on the outside... I strongly recommend this car to anyone who has to drive.

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  Dont let this happen to you!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kellikate - April 30 - 10:00 am

  My jetta has always had problems. The front bumper fell off frequently. Stan Olsen wanted to charge me over $900 to fix it each time. It was very hard to find someone to work on a Volkswagen. Also, my transmission went out at 60,000. When I called Volkswagen, they were not at all concerned about the quality of their car. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Numerous Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rodenhuis - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The car drives great, but..... I have experienced numerous problems and VW does not appear to be willing to stand behind their product and resolve all the issues. Problems include Steering wheel not straight, tire balance issues, sunroof seal, transmission shifting problems, compass display, window washers, cracked interior trim, etc. I keep wondering what the next problem will be.

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  The Ultimate Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JETTAMAN - April 30 - 10:00 am

  What more could you want in a $25,000 car? It has every option that is available for the Jetta and a custom interior. The ride and handling are superb. The 18" wheels add even more handling and style. The six speed transmission gives you torque and flexibility throughout the gears. The body kit is subtle but sets it apart from other Jettas. With minor modifications, this car can really scream and still get 30 mpg.

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  VW Lover - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwboy - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Jetta after owning the Accord, Camry, Mazda 626. Outside of the fact that I had a minor problem with my drivers side window, it has been perfect. Of all the cars in its class it is bar far the most exciting to drive. I have driven friends Audis and BMWs and although they are better (I cant lie) for the dollar this car holds more than its own. Great car.