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:

• 

  First German Car, Love It - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By calpolyrabbit - March 11 - 5:43 am

  I was excited to own my first very own car a few months ago when I bought a Scion xA in automatic. After being rear ended and having the car declared totaled, I ended up buying the Rabbit in manual 2 door paying about a grand more than I did for my xA. I think this car drives and feels much more luxrious and upscale to the xA and 01 Civic LX of my past. Though it is harder when trying to fit people in the back only having 2 doors, Then have plenty of room back there. I am one who likes buying cars from manufacturers who builds cars in their country as my xA was made in Japan (Toyota). The Rabbits are currently made in Wolfsberg, Germany. I am sincerely impressed with my purchase.

• 

  Smooth operator - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By big guy cool car - March 10 - 8:03 pm

  I always wanted a Volkswagen ever since my brother got one. I finally got a jetta wolfsburg and I love it. When you want to hit the ground running it responds immediately. One of the main reasons why I went with this car rather than a Honda is because I love the expensive look of the car, the little details and strong sheet metal that holds it all together. I recommend this car to all my friends.

• 

  Lack of Quality - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By NA - March 10 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my 1997 Volkswagen Passat new in 1997 after having good luck with a 1989 Golf. However, the Passat has been of poor quality and I will never purchase another VW. Problems include the door handles, power windows and front end (tie rods, bearings). I get nervous when the "check engine light" is not on (faulty air pump, does not impact drving). It is a great handling car, it is roomy and I like the VR6 engine with the 5-speed manual transmission. I am at 135,000 miles and the next major repair will force me into a Honda or Toyota dealership.

• 

  German Engineering - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By mb - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my VW Passat TDI in March of 1997 after reviewing several articles on the TDI engine. Hard to believe you can get that great fuel mileage in a mid-size vehicle. No American made auto can do that. I have almost 150,000 miles on it now and it still runs great. I like going almost 900 miles before I have to fill up again. I change the oil every 5,000 miles and the timing belt every 60,000.

• 

  German Engineering - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By MB - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my VW Passat TDI in March of 1997 after reviewing several articles on the TDI engine. Hard to believe you can get that great fuel mileage in a mid-size vehicle. No American made auto can do that. I have almost 150,000 miles on it now and it still runs great. I like going almost 900 miles before I have to fill up again. I change the oil every 5,000 miles and the timing belt every 60,000.

• 

  Poor mans Audi TT - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By desertguy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about the car so far. A little disapointed that the spare is a 16" while wheels ar 17". Very comfortible, easy clutch, smooth trans.

• 

  Got Quality? - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By ShelbyCobraFan - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my new Golf GL TDI yesterday morning. By 1pm im back with an electrical problem. When I touch the brakes the rear lights come on and so does my dash lights and the rear wiper. Turn signal has my dash flashing like a christmas tree and the rear wiper jerking across the rear window. Its really quite funny till you think about the fact you just dropped 25Gs C$ for this thing. I really like the rest of the car. The fuel economy is amazing. The power up hills is great. The ride is a good blend of tight response and smooth feel. Im sure the dealership will try to make things right. I have to wonder what will go next though.

• 

  My 02 1.8T... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vocus - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for about 14 months now, and managed to put almost 30,000 miles on it. I love the car alot! The power is great, the interior comfort wonderful. What I didnt like was the countless trips to the dealer to fix rattles in the car when I first got it. They shouldnt have been there, VW Q&A should have caught it. VW did treat me very well though, but still it was uncalled for. A couple of improvements I would like to see: A stiffer, more sophisticated suspension to reduce body lean, as well as a roomier rear seat.

• 

  I Love my TDI - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Markusbarkus - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I went back to school and needed a more economical car, so I traded my 2000 323i sport/premium for a 2002 Platnum Grey New Beetle GLS TDI. I love to low end grunt in the city. I am shocked with the amazing fule mileage. With the BMW I had to fill up every 6 days or so, with the VW I fill up about every 3 weeks. I just had it chipped with no degredation of mileage and GOBS of Torque!

• 

  Just a Bit Better - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By checito27 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my car, but it could be just a bit better. I bought this car b/c of the way it drives, but consider this: For the same price I paid for my car ($22,807) I couldve bought a Honda Accord w/leather seats, alloy wheels, and a six disc in dash Cd changer. I bought the base model GL. Besides the way it drives, and how cool it looks, it has the little things that the accord didnt: On the trunk and hood, there are spring loaded supports, very nice, on the honda its cheapo hinges. Also, I get an extra pair of airbags (curtain). I chose substance over the luxuries of leather seats and alloy wheels, thats what it comes down to.