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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  Refined sport coupe - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By gti238 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Since day one Ive been overjoyed in owning 238/4000 of these truly enjoyable cars. It drives smooth even in triple digit speeds. Easy upgradibility for someone wanting more power, and more then enough get up and go for someone just needing passing power. One trip down a windy road and you realize what this car is really all about. All in all nothing else in this price range compares. The srt-4 may have more power, but hardly any refinement, the acura rsx just isnt at par either in my opinion. As far as a civic or focus... yea right.

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  This car rocks! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frank Shard - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My Wagon has 155K on it, and I have not had a single thing go wrong since I have owned it. The tires may have to be replaced with only 35K on them, but I think thats the tires, not the car. It sounds like some of these people got lemons or something, because my passat is rock solid! I think I can easily get 300K out of this car before its all said and done.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By irteknishun - January 2 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car for a year. This is the nicest car i have ever owned. This is out of ten. It reminds me of the first car I ever owned which was a 1972 mercedes 280sel 4.5. You know solid and fast. We have had no problems until recintly. Both headlights went poof. I have read in the message boards that this is a 60.00 replacement. We bought this as a certified used car so hopefully they are covered under warrenty.We have the 5 speed. The car is comfortable, stable, and fun to drive. When my wife lets me have it.

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  Power Buggy - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gunnerdd972 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 00 Red Beetle w/ manual at 39,000 miles. I checked the car out on Carfax, and the cars history came up clean, and no major defects. Ive had the car over a year, and still no problems. Gas mileage is a huge factor in this car alone, plus overall exterior and interior perks such as heated seats and leather. Dependability and longativity of the vehicles engine was also in the back of my mind before purchase. No matter which make or model you buy now days. Some tend to be more dependable than others, its like playing Russian Roulette. I highly reccomend the New Diesel Beetle for gas mileage and power.

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Boomhauer182 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I recently just purchased a 2003 New Beetle Turbo S. I used to have a 2.0L, 115 HP, and decided it was time to get a boost. All I can say is that the Turbo S is worth every penny..the great thing is no one ever thinks that beetles go fast...but little do they know. Its neat to think that no one ever suspects the Beetle.

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  If you find hybrids dull and boring - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By StrikingViking - January 1 - 6:26 am

  4-door DSG TDIs are very rare where I live, so I flew from Los Angeles to buy mine in Atlanta. Drove it back across the country, and with a heavy foot, A/C, and 11,000 ft mountain passes, I still averaged 39.5 mpg (knowing full well that diesel mpg improves with age). After 4K miles, nothing has gone wrong. My previous car was an 08 HCH, and my TDI has all the same benefits and more (I describe it as "my old car, but with balls"). The torque makes it genuinely fun to drive, and the solid Germanic-ness (esp. the seats) makes it feel like a luxury car. I too have heard stories about VW reliability, but I have seen zero evidence of them so far. Great car, great value, and no regrets.

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  Love this car - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By HenryH - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2010 GTI for just under 2 months, and it has been a pleasure to own. My last car was a first generation Mazda6, and as a single guy in my 20s, I wanted something smaller, better on gas, and sportier. This car is a much better fit for me. Looked at the Mazdaspeed3, WRX, and Evo, but this car, while not quite as fast, is better rounded and much more classy. The plaid cloth seats are one of my favorite things about the car. Paying more for leather is pointless. Ive been averaging 25 MPG in mixed driving and can easily get 31+ under highway conditions. My first mod was installing the European-spec cup holder, which has an awesome VW-engraved bottle opener and a sliding cover.

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  Love the Tiguan - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Hectares - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I just got mine, but I was sold 10 minutes into the test drive. It accelerates nicely with minimal turbo lag, handles well on curves, and is very comfortable to sit in.

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  Love it, but one regret - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bodyshopboy - December 31 - 10:00 am

  3 months and 3000 miles later and what a great little car! Fun to drive, 45 mpg highway (cruise on 69) overall average of 35 mpg +. Flexibility of a wagon is great. Ipod integration nice, if a little slow at times. Had I known that the navi system was navi only, no upgrade on the bluetooth, I may have thought twice about this option. VW has a bluetooth "Low" and "High" and the JSW TDI is low, so no voice dial or phone book import. Presented upgrade instructions found on line to the dealer and they offered to swap in the 9W3 unit for a mere $600 or so ($465 control unit, $25 for the antenna, 80 labor). They were as accommodative as could be, so no hard feelings... Oh well, live and learn

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  I Love My Bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By dragonlips - December 30 - 5:06 am

  My only complaint really is that they seem to feel drivers of the 4 door model should be more comfortable than those of the 2 door model. The seat in the two door Rabbit is not as adjustable and it is missing the front middle arm rest. Otherwise, I love the car. I have had it for four weeks now and already need to get it in for its 5,000 mile check-up! Oh and of course the dealership had no clue (anyone) about the stereo input.