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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  A Great Choice - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By rchanatry - March 23 - 11:09 am

  Ive had my 2010 Tiguan SEL4Motion for a year and have driven it through a heavy north east winter. FANTASTIC in all snow conditions with standard Pirreli all seasons. The engine and transmission are flawless. Transmission as smooth as my BMW X3. So many high end features..xenon adaptive headlights w/ turn spot light, electric folding heated mirrors, touchscreen navigation, heated washer nozzles...amazing amenities. My only complaints: 2 minor rattles (seat belt, and ac vent) and Touch screen nav/radio unit freezes after phone call occasionally. (Turn off car, open door, restart fixes it.)

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  Love it so far! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dangercart82 - March 23 - 9:06 am

  Just got my 1999- cyber green- 2.0 -5 speed with 82k miles. So far I love it! For a 10 year old car it looks outstanding, (Cyber green faded slightly but that is to be expected) It had one previous owner and was well maintained. I had to replace the timing belt right away because it had never been done and the motor for the window/lock on the drivers side was dead (also to be expected.) The ABS light is always on, not sure if thats a big deal or not yet the brakes seem to work fine. Other than all that she is perfect :)

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  love the VW - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mpsmith - March 23 - 6:08 am

  I have a 2008 vw jetta se. Love it, I also have a jeep but I needed a econ car. It was the only cheap good on gas car that I found that felt better then a wong tong box. It has nice features, heated seats, outside mirrors heated and power, pleather ;), the paint looks way better then my friends hondas or toyota after almost 4 years. I never have anything wrong with it. Its way faster then the competition in its class too, not even close. Drives 80 all day long on the freeway for 4 hours straight I never need to get out and stretch. Has safety and dummie lights for everything, even if you have a tail light out, love that. Full size spare and a HUGE truck, seriously I put my road bike in there

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  Excellent design; OK execution - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By BradyCLT - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the driving dynamics of the car; all aspects of its design related to the driving experience are excellent (powertrain, suspension, brakes, etc). However, after owning a long series of Japanese cars Im disappointed in the interior build quality. At only 5K miles I have multiple squeaks/rattles in the dash and center console and a rarely used leather seat with a seam coming undone. Really tarnishes the ownership experience of an otherwise excellent car.

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  My Blue Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DustyJones - March 22 - 10:00 am

  A lot of bang for the buck. I am a 6 foot, 240 lb male and have to say that the bug is the most comfortable and roomy car in its class. Theres plenty of head and leg room up front. This is the most enjoyable aspect of my experience thus far, but dont think for a minute that it ends there. The car has been extremely reliable and Ive found it quite a blast to drive. The 5 speed manual transmission has plenty of pep and is quite comfortable cruising at 90mph.

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  Daughters first car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joel Mccowan - March 21 - 10:24 pm

  Like everything about it, good gas mileage, handles well, comfortable, front wheel drive, enough power when you need it and stylish

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  Purchased for my wife - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bruce - March 20 - 12:46 am

  I had just purchased a 08 Passat when I found out about the CC. The pictures do not do it justice. I was having my sons Rabbit serviced when the first CCs arrived. I just had to have one ended up trading in my wifes 06Bug and gave her the 08Passat. VW hit this one out of the Ball Park! Most people confuse it for the CLS the looks I get are just like when the new Beetle came out. Do yourself a favor and test drive one you wont be disappointed

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  Money pit - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By learnedmylesson - March 19 - 5:06 pm

  This was my first "new" car. Had been driving a 93 Buick LeSabre with 100k+ miles that never gave me a problem. Bought the wagon in May 07 for $10,900 w/ 62k miles and spent $4,815.04 in 2008 on repairs ($391 so far in 09). Ive lost track of all the issues Ive had. Every time I go to the mechanic I ask "what am I doing wrong" the answer is always "its not you its the car, its a VW." To name a few: Catalytic converter, 3 recalls, front pipe leak, and after a day of heavy rain the electrical unit died.

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  TDI for fun - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Huxley - March 19 - 5:36 am

  2009 Jetta TDI I currently have less than 1400 miles. I took a short trip of 250 miles and received 47 mpg. This was great. The Sport Wagon would be my preference. Since my walker doesnt fit in the trunk with the back seat up. It appears to be a large trunk but not the depth I would like.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sawdust - March 18 - 3:03 pm

  This car is fun to drive. Responsive steering and handles well. Our car has 8 airbags and feels very safe. You feel like you are riding in a very expensive car. Pick up is slower than my other gas powered 6 cylinder car but not bad. You do not notice you are driving fast at highway speeds. The diesel engine is quiet. Only wish the car was a bit larger with a little more cargo space. average 40 mpg!