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 so far, but for the windows - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By charmcity22 - September 28 - 7:49 am

  Just bought the 2012 Beetle on Saturday. Got a good price, and loved the style and feel of the car over the Golf I was originally thinking about getting. Like most of the others, I have the window issue where it is a pain to get them back up. At first I thought it was some kind of special feature I couldnt figure out, but after poking around a bit it seems Im in good company. Hopefully, with enough pressure they will speed up a fix.

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  update........ - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By resipsa - September 28 - 2:36 am

  Have now had the car for approximately 10 months, just under 15K kilometres. So far, no problems, though it did need the DSG transmission flash. Warranty on trans. extended by VW as well. I look forward to driving it daily. Has plenty of grunt and hugs the corners like its on a rail. It just feels pleasant to drive, very ergonomic and everything makes sense how its situated. Good cargo capacity and has stood up to two young kids well. The diesel engine is a pleasure and the mileage, as far as I can gauge, is great. Its parked outside during the day and has never failed to start in a Calgary winter. Would gladly purchase again.

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  Nothing but frustration - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - September 27 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle is enjoyable to drive and not bad on the design. However, as far as quality, I have had nothing but problems since I drove it off the lot. Between the recalls and the other problems Ive had with it, it is in the shop more than on my driveway. The list of problems is extensive ranging from the latch on the trunk to the wiring and the brakes. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle.

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  My Sporty Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Louis Rocah - September 27 - 7:23 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GL is surprisingly sporty, nimble, and has plenty of power,

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  A Cayenne for $20K less - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ScuzzyHash - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The SUV is great: Performs well, looks great inside and out. Comfort could be better in the backseats. Front seats take a bit longer to get use to but are very comfortable. Fuel Economy is not good...but whatd you expect, this isnt your uncles Honda...This is still not as bad as a Range Rover or Hummer.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mvbjmd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  have had problems with the fan...even though not on AUTO...still adjust self. For some reason, when you hit AUTO, it sometimes changes to 72 degrees. Do not like that dual control but only one fan speed control. Have had problem with back hatch not unlocking. Seat belt must be on...if not on, even though in Park, bell continues to ring. Have problem with air continually blowing on window. Tends to have condinsation problem at night and in rain. There is a "Rain X" type of solution in the washer fluid that causes terrible glair problems at night when it rain.

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  Very Expensive in Puerto Rio - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Cherry - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Here in Puerto Rico then VW company has a very hight rates in everything, but the local distributor (Autos Vega)that is the owner of VW Frinshise (Euroclass) have the new VW SUV at almost $ 68,000 and this makes it unbuyable for Puerto Rico VW Lovers.

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  Windshield problem - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By riobuenavista - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is fun and comfortable, however we have a defective windshield. The glass is wavy and very hard to see through. Purchased on Sept. 30, it is now Oct. 22 and we have yet to get the replacement. Dual air controls are not working and check tire pressure light will not go out. Gets stuck in soft sand quite easily as well, had to get towed out. Cant wait to try it in water. Back hatch does not alway open with auto key, it takes many tries.

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  Not impressed, But satisfied - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mr Jay - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Back in the shop w/less than 2500 miles. This vehicle has a tendancy to give ghost codes (caution/warning lights for no reason) the only problem with that is the inconvenience of the drive too and wait at the garage. The controls/levers are a tad bit confusing but youll get used to them. On the up side the W8 has great lines and is very attractive. The interior lighting is neat. You will enjoy driving the W8, it has good exceleration (not great, good) If you dont like paying high gas prices dont buy this car. It runs on 91 OR BETTER OCTAIN that is what is suggested by VW.

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  Good design, almost flawless exectution - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tboneharry - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a wonderful car and highly desirable. Fantastic interior design and execution makes me feel as though Im driving a much more expensive car. 4Motion system outstanding in poor weather conditions, but adds weight that hampers acceleration. Solidly built and extremely comfortable, with a great compromise between ride and handling characteristics. Overall, a much more appealing design than its chief competitors in the midsize family sedan category (Accord, Camry), which seem competent but utilitarian in comparison.