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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  Great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Happy VW owner - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great example of a combination between safety, reliability, and sportiness. The price tag is a little heavy but this is better than anything Japan or Detroit could dish out.

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  The GTI - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By kevykev12 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. Its got good power, it looks good. The hatchback gives some extra space. The moonroof is cool. My problem with the car thus far, has nothing to do with the car but the manufacturer. It seems that all repairs on my car when they become necessary will have to be done at the dealer. An overpriced dealer, where at this point, Ive been unsatisfied with their lack of professionalism and lazy service. With all of that said, once again, I love the car, and would consider buying another GTI/Golf in the future if the rectify some of their buisness practices.

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  Love it, BUT... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By patboomer - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have loved this car. Its great to drive, its a great size, its comfortable, its great looking, Id do another if it werent for all the problems. 02 sensor out at about two minutes after the warranty on it expired, power moonroof I never use had burnt out motor to the tune of $600, Ive had 5 problems with the four windows - 3 fixed under warranty, rear two I havent bothered to fix since estimate was around $250 to fix just one. Every time you need to fix the brakes, it needs new rotors to the tune of $500.

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  My First VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By First-time VW Owner - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Only had the vehicle for a week, but so far its a blast. The automatic is a bit sluggish starting out, but it quickly bites and gets going fast, pinning you to your seat. Ive only had one problem with quality so far and its a simple paint problem on the left rear quarter panel. Looks as if they forgot to buff or polish. Looks like a light haze, just a couple of inches in area. Ill see how the dealership handles my request to fix it.

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  Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RJ - December 22 - 9:10 am

  This is a great car - the only drawbacks are its limited number features. You cant order an 06 model at this point so had to take what I could get. It is still a great car that looks good and is great on fuel. Its acceleration is definetly there, though it takes a little while to get going from a dead stop. It has plenty of acceleration so long as you arent racing.

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  Love my CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By B. from FL. - December 22 - 4:06 am

  My first German car, and Im impressed. Before my purchase I looked at several American made cars and I was disappointed in the materials used, the power of the 4 cylinder motors. I have owned both Toyotas and Nissans. No style in the Toyotas and not happy with service Dept. with Nissan. The CC drives great drove 9 hours to Key West second week I had it, averaged 32 Miles to the gallon using high test 93 Octane. Get lots of compliments on interior and exterior. Please dont make this a 5 seater 4 is perfect, this is a Sports sedan. I read that several people have had trouble with transmission, I think it is there coordination, I enjoy it better than my Nissans sport CVT trans.

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  Best Wagon Compromise - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Elijah Gregory - December 21 - 7:26 pm

  Have had 2 Audi A4s with quattro, but just moved to an area with no dealer, and like to have them close at hand. Also with the birth of our third child, the A4 became too small. With the larger interior of the Passat, this was perfect. Looked at the A6 wagon, 535 wagon, E class wagon, Volvo V70. The first three were just too expensive right now and the volvo may show up for my wife in a few years. For the price, the VW could not be beat. I only wish it was at least RWD if not AWD. The torque steer coming out of my office parking lot (rough traffic - have to gun it) has been rather harsh. I certainly miss the sportier character of the 2 Audis.

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  I So Much Prefer My Husbands 2002 Buick LeSabre - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KP - December 21 - 7:21 pm

  I own a 2006 VW Jetta TDI and my husband owns a 2002 Buick LeSabre. My vehicle has less than 140,000 miles whereas his has 165,000 miles. Other than front wheel bearings, he has had no major repair issues. Before my VW reached 100,000 miles, I needed to replace the engine turbo and have my manual transmission (not the clutch but the synchro "gearing") rebuilt. I now have learned that the vehicle has an engine "belt," not "chain," which needs to be changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles at a mere cost of $1,700 (inclusive of water pump which, because of its location creating labor costs, has been recommended to be replaced now as well)! The black sprayed knobs on the radio had peeled off within two years after purchase, and the dealership says that they cannot be repaired short of buying a new radio. There are many "blind spots" when driving the VW chilling dependence upon rear and side mirrors when changing lanes. The Buick has great visibility. Those who say German engineering is superior to American ought take heed that, in my opinion, such generalization is false. Next time I buy General Motors!

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  Not impressed - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By car lover - December 21 - 10:13 am

  Have owned the car for 4 months and already had 1 recall, rear windshield wiper stop working, passenger door seal came off, airbag fault. Dealer had to replace the harness.For a new car with 3500 mile Im not impressed. Have always owned Hondas or Subaru and the Germans have got a bit of catching up to do. Oil filter is in an inconvenient place. You need to remove the shield on the bottom of the engine for access and it cost $12. Car lacks top end. Handles nice but awd would be a plus. Nice styling, comfortable seats, convenience of hatchback, My first and probably last VW

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  Glad to be rid of the Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Goodbye Jetta - December 21 - 3:26 am

  Be ready for MAAAAAANY trips to the service department if you buy the Jetta. I traded in my Acura for the Jetta in 2002 - bad choice. Heres the laundry list of problems I had: windows fell into the door, brake switch went out - meaning no brake lights for who knows how long, radio replaced x 2 (plus two other trips for repairs), check engine light x 2, heated seat short - yeah, that really burns when that happens, and new battery x 4!! (they were never able to tell me WHY the car couldnt hold a charge - I always kept the jumper cables handy). I finally sold it two weeks ago and bought a BMW - it HAS to be better than this one. Do your research BEFORE you buy (oh, and find a good mechanic).