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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  so far so good - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By paller - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Only 6500 miles and I love this car. I traded in my second Accord to give German Engineering another chance (my 88 Jetta was a lemon). Im optimistic and very happy with my choice thus far. I wish it got better gas mileage- avg 23 mpg - and had a more functional center console, but aside from those minor complaints Im satisfied.

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  The yellow is starting to show - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sandra Bartlett - February 3 - 8:57 pm

  Bought in Feb last year and cant make a yr with it.I have replaced multi things catalytic converter.2 batteries abs battled check engine light for 6 months .Now theres an electrical drain the no one can find. Fed up here.MY UPDATE-UNLOADED this crap vehicle no one ever could figure out what was draining the battery

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  Not all that Bad - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By LJ - February 3 - 2:13 pm

  Reading all the reviews on the car Im a little surprised. But I noticed most of them come from the wagon or v6 model. Then again Ive had this car for only 6 months. It performs fine. I do have a problem with the abs module. But my brakes work fine for now. Its a German import. The parts are known to be expensive. That is a given and known fact that most people know, its no secret. The car is smooth and has plenty power for a 4 cyl. Good hwy mpg. The seats are a little hot. And engine displaces a lot of heat. But that doesnt make it a bad car. The high octane thing is annoying. Octane booster still helps even with 91 octane.

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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By verucasalt - February 3 - 10:46 am

  I will never again buy a Jetta. I was warned about how many electrical problems they have, I bought one anyway and now Im selling it, less than a year later. I love my VW, but she loves the shop and constant weekly (no joke) repairs. Research wisely before buying one.

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  Reef Blue Heaven - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeffrey Kweller - February 3 - 6:54 am

  We love our 2016 VW Passat. Have not had the car too long, but love every part of it. My first VW since my 1969 Bug. Never had a car this nice, have had many cars in my 66 years. Subarus, Saabs, Chevys, Fords, and Chryslers. This is a top quality auto, great price, and safe car. Handles and performs well. Good looking too. My wife and I are very, very, pleased with our new Passat. Dont hesitate, go buy one.

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  2001 GTI GLX - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Scott Swanson - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Extremely solid build and attention to detail. Practicality of hatchback and performance of silky smooth VR6 engine. I have had no problems over the last year.

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  PleasereadMy2000gl - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Oregoncar - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, it is a nice car, but I do not like the rattles in the doors and dash. Started around 7,000 miles. With the 5 speed, I can not believe the fact it burns a quart of oil ever 1,000 miles. The sound system is so nice that it makes the cheap plastic mounting in the doors rattle. I Love the room throughout and the feel on the road (with earplugs on)! What is the issue with the Jettas, mine included, with the rear tail lights going out? A short somewhere?

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  VW Passat SW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MAPSS - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My Passat SW is very fun to drive. I recently drove down to Florida with it and it was very comfortable. I just wish I had more power (but thatÂ’s why you can buy it in V6 or W8 and if you can afford it I highly recommend it. Overall this is the best station wagon in the market!

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  Good, but not great - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By York - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I was expecting more from VW. Though my Beetle was a fine car by all standards, it didnt offer much that was great. The second row was very cramped, and the side-view mirrors were a pain-- they gave a blindspot. It was, however, quite interesting to own.

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  Best so Far - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tony B - February 2 - 7:23 am

  Had a lot of questions on the Touareg Read all I could find . Went out and test drove the touareg and I was HOOKED, had to have one. Talked to the wife and went out that night and bought my Venition Green with Tan leather... sharp looking combo. V8 runs like a bear. Had a Lincoln LS, performance is as good if not better then the LS. Car is solid, heavy feel, pulls 7700 lbs. I feel it out performs the BMW X5, Benz ML, and Lexus 330. Very quiet on the road and cant hear or feel if the engine is running. Recommend it highly. So far soooo gooood. Mileage could be better, but when you look at the performance, Guess you have to pay for it. Avg. 16mpg. Heavy-foot it and you get 14mpg. Very happy.