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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  DISAPPOINTED IN VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By # 1 Queen - April 14 - 2:26 am

  Where to begin... tail lights flicker on/off and then go completely out on numerous occasion. Plastic fins in water pump rot away, causing car to overheat while driving. Clicking noise coming from dash by hazard lights button. Extremely stiff suspension. Door ajar light on/doors trunk closed, interior light switch doesnt work properly. Trunk/gas release fell into door, sunroof switch doesnt work correctly. Piece of junk- had a 94 Golf and 98 Passat, loved them- hate this!

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  Simply the BEST - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By gkmclaug - April 13 - 1:36 pm

  I have never owned a European car before. Now I can say that I will never own an American made car again! I have been driving GMC for the last 12 years - and every car had been in the shop for the same issue multiple times - the quality just is not there. The CC v6 is hands down the best car for your money. I looked at Audi, BMW and Lexus - no one had anything that compared to the CC in price, form or function. It has everything a guy could want in his new toy, I mean car!

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  Very Reliable and Fun - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Barronae - April 11 - 11:40 am

  I have had this car now for 5 years and am just now going to get rid of it due to my growing family and needing something bigger. This car has been WONDERFUL! Ive never had to do anything other than routine maintenance!! I hate having to sell and I recommend this car to anyone!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

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  Best Car Period Under $25000 - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Japanese Car Killer - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a beast. Everyone knows what you are driving when you are driving it. You get a lot of respect from the RSX and Civc people. They know you are no joke. Amazing amounts of power especially when chipped(GIAC). I have had window and ignition coil problems, but that is about it. It is worth it. Buy this car for everyday driving or customize it to the extreme for a fraction of the amount of money of other cars.

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  A Terrific Car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Normando - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new, and it has been flawless for 46,000-plus miles. The V- 6 is smooth and powerful enough, and I get 30 mpg on the highway with the 5- speed manual. I have had nothing done to the car besides scheduled maintenance (5000 mile oil changes with Mobil 1.)

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  Worthy of consideration - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dldean - April 11 - 10:00 am

  There is more to this vehicle than it first seems. I have actually taken it offroad on the old Barlow Trail over Mt. Hood! If not for the support by the folks at the dealer, the little niggley things would drive you crazy, things like missing manuals, wrong size wheel center medallions, and a broken carbon canister for the emissions control system. None the less this is the best, the most fun, the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Thrilled! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By eap - April 11 - 10:00 am

  After owning 2 other VWs and a few other makes, this is the best one by far. Fun to drive, plenty of space for people and stuff. It feels like a car costing much more. I would but another one without hesitating. Car had a foggy taillight on delivery. Took it home and did what dealer suggested to remedy the problem. When that didnt work, they replaced it under warranty. Have also had a few rear bulbs burn out already but they, too, have been replaced for free. Service before and after the sale has been fantastic. The 1.8T is plenty quick, but like most people, Id love a tad more power.

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  New Salsa Red Sedan - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JerryI - April 10 - 6:23 pm

  Had to take back to dealer after 450 miles when engine light came on. Oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. First non-Japanese car so Im hoping reliability isnt too much of an issue. Purchased for gas mileage, sporty nature and uniqueness, durability of diesel engine. I drive many highway miles. Standard radio has very tinny sound, not for listening to music. Will need to upgrade. Air conditioning is weak. Vents hardly blow out much cold air. No complaints about the ride, acceleration or gas mileage. Feels solid and looks good.

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  Volkswagen Passat 2.0T - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jasvir sandhu - April 10 - 4:03 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T is a great car to drive everyday. It makes the day more fun because it is so fast and has such a great supseption.

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  Phaeton - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By F Dohring - April 10 - 12:53 pm

  Have had Jaguars, Cadillacs...the Phaeton is the best car I have ever owned. Creature comforts, toys, ride are all exceptional.