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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  This Car is a Winner! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bette - December 26 - 8:26 am

  I drive an average of 800 miles a week and Im still amazed at its comfort, performance, style, and value. Like driving it more than my BMW 530I...and receive way more compliments. Surprisingly good gas 30-33 highway, 25 avg MPG. Great traction, torque and overall performance. At first glance easy to confuse for the Mercedes CLS.

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  Best Car!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MDJettaOwner - December 25 - 4:40 pm

  I just traded in my 2004 Jetta GLS TDI. This was a great car. I have no complaints. I just wish the interior was a little more upgraded. I am sad to see her go.

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  My Stellar CC - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Charlie - December 25 - 8:40 am

  Ive owned the car for 7 months now, added the gold coast accessories package on a white gold CC VR6 4Motion. I get stopped weekly at gas stations, stores, starbucks etc people asking what kind of car. if you are bored of todays boring designs and average ride quality, just go buy one. this car stands entirely above its base 26k price.

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  So you want to know about reliability? - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sam - December 25 - 8:10 am

  I bought this car in 2004 with around 50,000 km on it. I wanted a TDI and was not disappointed. Averaging close to 60,000 km a year I no have over 400,000 Km on the car and it runs like clockwork. The TDI is the best invention yet. Reliable, efficient and relatively quiet. I get consistent 55- 60 mph in my 75 hwy and 25 city driving. I laugh when people talk about reliability when they drive a car for a few thousand km. Vw is quality and I have the km to prove it. I cant wait to purchase another TDI from Volkswagen. My hope is a new TDI tiguan as soon as we get them. Best car I ever owned.

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  Check engine light - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tim - December 24 - 5:10 pm

  This is a sweet car with nice get up and go. It has several nice conviniences and a lot storage. I average 25mpg with 80% driving on the highway. My only complaint is the check engine light is constantly on and VW dealers charge $100 just to look at it. This car is like a boat, its a blast to have but is very high maintenance and costs a lot to maintain. I dont like having to fill up with premium gas when filling up either.

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  Worst car ever - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dreidjr - December 24 - 5:58 am

  I purchased this car used in march of 08 with 70k on it, within the first month my car was back at the VW dealer water magically found its way into the cabin destroying the CCM $1200 fix. Two months later ignition coils go bad causing car to have a misfire... $350 fix. 4 months later i pull off from the stop light i smell coolant and see smoke coming from engine compartment.. pop the hood theres coolant squirting everywhere.. towed to vw dealer 1300 for a clamp.. really vw?? a day later same thing happens again..within the 4 years ive owned this car i probably paid more in repairs than its worth DO NOT BUY this car unless you like wasting money

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  Run dont walk from this car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By San Diego - December 23 - 8:53 pm

  Simply the worst reliability of any car Ive owned. A full on nightmare! Repairs were always covered under warranty, but if not covered would have cost me over $13K over 3 years. From replacing full AC system, front struts, computer, cat-converter, instrument panel, full injection, Electronics a real problem voltage surges move wipers when turning off car. The painted window switches and passenger door handles scratch and interior shows age. If you buy one you must purchase with a good warranty, but they are almost prohibitively expensive as the word is out. Never will by German or American again. Drove nicely but not worth the headaches! Worst car Ive owned, run from this junker!

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  Great cars - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By rlvwgirl - December 23 - 10:05 am

  Maybe I am just anothr "lucky one", but I love my 2007 Passat. Prior to this VW I owned a 2000 Passat that I drove to 168k miles that had NEVER been in the shop for any repairs other than general maintenance. This 2007 car has NEVER been in the shop excluding brake maintenance and two recalls that did have to do with the computer system. Overall I think these cars are a great value, fun to drive, get good gas mileage, and the maintenance expenses are reasonable.

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  Please contact VW 1-800-822-8987 about your Routan porblems - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By walnutcreekvw - December 22 - 6:01 pm

  Your Routan is not a lemon. I used to think the same thing until mine shut down while driving...again! VW replaced our control module a couple of years ago, but the van loses power while driving. Its really scary! We had our rotors replaced as well. They still shake. They told us it was from the weight of the vehicle. This van is not safe. I called VW today to start a case. Does a family have to get injured/killed before they resolve this issue? Call VW and start a case so we can have these issues addressed before someone gets hurt.1-800-822-8987

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  Drivers wanted?? Make a car that drives. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By DrMos - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has been nothing but a nightmare, as has been dealer and VW corporate service. Ignition coils failed on 3 separate occasions because they wont fix them all at once even with the recall. Dealer wont fix for 10 days. Placing a new car seat in a family car should not wear through the fabric in months. Now a new recall to prevent a fuel line fire if you get a flat tire.