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:

• 

  just the best, nothing comes close!!! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By christopher dubois - April 22 - 2:00 am

  eat my dust! Its just a great car to drive on the summer only.(it only 1500 of them around you know)

• 

  very pleased - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By cchrissyy - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I am so thrilled with my new Passat wagon!

• 

  liked it in general but several problems - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cchrissyy - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I enjoyed driving the beetle because it was responsive and comfortable. However, we had reliability probems literally from day 1 until the last day, when we picked it up from a service apointment and drove it to be traded-in! I would have kept it longer but we outgrew it- afetr 4 weeks of a baby riding in the back, enouh was enough! we needed a 4-door.

• 

  VW is fine - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joeshittheragman - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased it used with 18,000 miles on it it has been an absolute blast to drive ever since. Came with all the options and sport suspension (17" wheels) it handles on rails and quick off the go. It has been in the shop a few times and in the twin cities that means 3 weeks to book an appointment. Check engine lights comes on, goes off, comes on. Had to replace the o2 sensor under warranty, at 40,000 miles the mass flow intake went out, that was $300 plus to fix. Real fun to drive, its a car, stuff is going to go wrong with it. I would recommend it to a friend, good bang for the buck.

• 

  My very first new car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jessicavafl - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The 1.8T has great pick up and is very sassy. The monsoon sound system is ok, but it could be better. I have however experienced a few problems. First, both of my front power windows broke (of course, one at a time but both on a Saturday night in the rain) which was quite frustrating, which I have come to find out is a common VW problem. Also, I had an electrical problem that drained my battery and put my car in the shop for about 5 day. I also have the tip tronic system which is fun todrive after having to drive a standard for the past three years. Although I have had a few problems, I love my Jetta and feel I made a good choice.

• 

  I Thought It Was Only My Luck - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BostonNancy - April 21 - 4:06 pm

  I thought it was only my luck when my Jetta broke down within the first few months I purchased it. After all, I did buy it on September 11, 2001. After countless visits to the dealership (for non-routine services), years of frustration and headaches, a few near-death experiences, and tens of thousands in cash, I will finally pay off my Jetta this September. But whats the point now? Ive put so much money and energy into a car that is barely drivable. This is my first and last VW ever! I am just so damn tired having to deal with all the crap this car brings.

• 

  Perfect family ride - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Kenny - April 21 - 11:37 am

  This vehicle is the perfect car for our family while maintaining a stylish look. Plenty of room for 3 car seats across the middle row and easy access to the third row. The multi zone climate control is a great feature as well as the Apple car play. Overall we love our Atlas!

• 

  I never give 10s - 2010 Volkswagen EOS
  By Rick - April 20 - 2:33 pm

  First: Reliability is for those cars at least over a year old. I wanted practical for a single man, so convertible was out of the question? Im a cautious driver so cornering like a sports car wasnt necessary. So, for me, cornering, acceleration and stopping is more than adequate. It is a pleasure to drive. I noticed the front wheel drive has potential for squealing on hard acceleration when the top is down. Probably a weight distribution issue. There is a huge blind side on the passenger side, logically with the top up. But seriously, who wants the top up unless you need to use those nice heated seats. Think Ill sit back and read the owners manual. Let you know more next year.

• 

  No problems at 47000 miles - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By jcelsa - April 19 - 12:00 pm

  Handles well in all weather. It took a while to find a spare that still only fits the rear. I pump the tires to 38 and have had no bubbles so far. Leans more than a BMW xi in turns, otherwise, just as fast. I fixed the rain sensor wiper problem with rain x on the sensor.

• 

  2004 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By crispykid1 - April 18 - 5:50 pm

  I love this vehicle. It fits my lifestyle perfectly! Its fun to drive on the street, and it tows my boat with ease! I take it camping and it pulls my dirt bike trailer into the woods easily. My only two complaints are: it has had some trim issues where the seat knobs and levers have gotten loose and the radio speakers get loose and rattle. Fortunately everything has been covered under warranty. The repairs would be quite expensive if my truck wasnt under warranty.