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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  Love/Hate 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Melanie - December 29 - 2:53 am

  I ignored all of those typical issues with wiring, bulbs out, handles coming off seat, chronic top opening problem because I loved the fit and finish and the drive, but then last summer my transmission started to go. A new transmission on a car with 75,000 miles on it is 6,000 plus installation? You have got to be kidding me! So I continue to drive it jerking all around until I think up what to do next. This was supposed to be handed down to my 13 year old.

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  Passat Convert - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By 21jazzy - December 28 - 7:13 pm

  I test drove the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T and compared it to the Honda Accord, Acura TSX, Mazda6, and Pontiac G6 and this was my top choice bar none. Its got a ton of features and neat options not found in other cars. It looks great too.

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  The Best Car Ever! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By alf - December 28 - 7:40 am

  Buying this car was the best decision I ever made! Ive had it almost a year now, and I anticipate driving it at least 20,000 miles. Every time I get in my Rabbit, I feel good. I love everything about the car. The design, the power it gives me behind the wheel.

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  Fuel Economy Baby - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KP - December 27 - 3:53 pm

  I bought TDI after putting too much thought and reading excellent reviews buy other proud owners. I would say they are spot on!! this is a very fun to drive car amazing torque and handling zipping around in city is a blast do not under estimate the low end torque you absolutely do not need to rev to pass or make a quick lane change. averaged about 4o MPG on a 800 mile HWY trip cruising 65-75 mph, still breaking in, I heard it takes about 5000 miles for diesel to just break-in

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  first jetta - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By steve - December 27 - 2:40 pm

  I drive a lot. The car does everything it should very nicely. When asked to work hard something is lacking. There is to much body roll,the peddles are a little to close together and a little more power would be nice. That said the car is a very good bang for the buck with all the standard features you could ask for. The 16 in. aluminum wheel upgrade is a must.

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  OWNED!! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By mark p - December 27 - 2:00 am

  ok if your looking for a fast and luxurious car this is the car for you. looking for performance??? chip this baby and you will be close to putting 200 hp to the wheels. this thing is a tourque monster were talking 230 ft- pounds with the chip. with a cheap 500 dollar upgrade you will own any honda. i bought this car a year ago and i still get that grin on my face every time i start the engine. i have added an uber amount of aftermarket accessories 2 this thing. VW says drivers wanted and i say DRIVERS FOUND!!!

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  Wait and See - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By lash - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Thus far, I have experienced the same problems documented by others. My first trip to the dealership was positive, to my surprise given the heavy criticism leveled at VW service. They fixed the excessive rattling (which was present right at the start; what the hell did I pay PDI for?), but failed to fix the intermittent illumination of the brake light. When I telephoned the dealership and reported that the problem was not fixed, I was promised a free rental which they renegged. I telephoned Volkswagen Canada to lodge a complaint. If the problem is not redressed, I will make a follow up post and name the dealership.

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  Wont Be Any More - T5 Unlikely Here - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By mjo_ai_net - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Photos of VWs new T5 abound on the net, but I doubt youll see one in the US. With VW bringing the MicroBus, youll have to decide whether the last Eurovan is for you We purchased a 2003 GLS (built in April 2002) & the Eurovans overall utility is setting in. The Eurovan has certainly made errands & family trips much easier. It rides & handles much better than its height suggests, & build quality is high. We are impressed with its ease around town: power to accelerate/pass, no harder to park/backup than our 4Runner, & right size for a family of 5. All of this could be said about the vanilla minivans. But, the Eurovan has a niche & one youll recognize

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  Happy not Thrilled - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DAB - December 27 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my variant for 38,940 miles now. Only 2 problems, the window regulator broke and my battery died. Both of which the dealer replaced under warranty. The gas mileage is not up to what was advertised on the sticker. I did look at other compact wagons before signing on the dotted line. The Mazda P5 was down on power and the WRX wouldnt hold my golf clubs in the boot with out intruding into the back seat. Each of which you cant throw a baseball and not hit one of them on the street. For the money it was a fine purchase. I did opt for the dealer extended warranty, so Im good up to 100,000 miles. If I did have a family I would have spent the extra grand or so on the Passat Wagon.

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  Luv it! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By grcn - December 26 - 1:23 pm

  My Jetta is smooth riding & has great pick me up. The trunk space is bigger than I expected and the stereo is awesome. The only downfall is gas mileage. Only about 18-20 miles per gallon. I have to fight my husband for the keys! He calls it "the sports car".