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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  Second Childhood / Cool car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dottiegarrison - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for anything but another minivan. My sons all have their own cars now and my daughter and I were looking for something fun. Shes 9 and I am 45. I remembered my fathers VW bug and it brought back many good memories. We bought a mello-yellow VW (2004) convertible bug. The car is fun, handles well and we love the car!! The VW stero/radio and CD player in the car is fantastic! I drive a lot for work and now I can blast the beach boys on the CD player with the top down/work/save on gas (the milage is great)/all with a smile on my face. I would buy the car again! Even my 18 year old son says the sound system is awsome!

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  Lemon? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By HAKOSAMA - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car (with 40 miles on it) because it was a VW and Ive been hearing about the wonderful quality of VWs. 3 days later the Clutch went out. If I ever get it back, its been 2 weeks, Ill let you know if I still like it. I did talk to a friend who has had one for 4 years and his turbo has gone out twice. Lets keep our fingers crossed or Ill have to go back to Kias and Mazdas.

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  Classy and FUN - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By ILGrammy - July 21 - 2:56 am

  Ive had my 2008 Eos for about a month. The exterior design is classy and it s FUN to drive. The back seat is perfect for my 4 year old grand daughters car seat plus groceries/shopping purchases. Rear visibility is good. Seats are comfortable. With the turbo its impossible to know youre driving a 4c. I drive to work with the top down and put it up in the parking lot for the day. Then, put it down for my return drive home in the evening. It only takes about 25 seconds to put the top up/down. So far its the absolutely perfect "classy and FUN" car for me. One drawback. Its hard to get out of the car. At 56", I need to pull the seat forward to use the clutch.

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  Fun Car with a lot of speed - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KJN - July 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought my 2002 VW Jetta VR6 GLX in late 2005 right before the new models started to hit the dealerships. I knew I was paying more for a VW and this model has all the extras that reflected the price. The Pick-up for a small sedan without aftermarket enhancements has to be one of the best. The fuel economy is not great, but it is a V6 so that is expected. I have done minimal maintenance and the car is still running great. I wish there was Mp3 capability with the car, but I guess since it is a 2002 that was not an option. It would be great if they made the Jetta in an AWD model!

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  Love/hate relationship - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By lilcoop - July 20 - 4:30 am

  I loved my GTI from the 1st time I drove it. I even traded my BMW 330ci for it. I love my GTI, still, except I hate it when it doesnt run. Which is altogether too often. Unfortunately, I feel I have to let it go - there have been so many little bugs and repeated check engine lights. It has 42k on it, and has spent 14 days in the shop for warranty items, in addition to regular service. I cant afford to come out of work to a car that needs to go for service or wont run. It makes me sad that it isnt reliable. I love my fast.

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  Could be greatly improved - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By raul - July 19 - 2:00 am

  1) Head rests dont come up far enough for a tall person (Im 6.2) 2) Sun shades should have sliding attachments, also better "sunshade -- center mirror" shape interaction, so that sun light doesnt get in through so easily when sun at right front. 4) Should have more room for the right knee. 5) Tighter suspension for the turbo version (car wabbles easily when stopped and a car passes next to you at fast speed). 6) Wiper for the back window 7) "Check engine" light should provide a number or letter code, so that owner can look up whats wrong. 8) Should be a little more silent in highway, there is quite some road noise at high speed.

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  2013 Owner manual Errors - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By mikewlv - July 18 - 3:00 am

  I am disappointed in Volkswagens Customer Service and Support. One of the features that was important to me was the Rear Backup Assist and Park Distance Sound Alert. During my demo I was shown the operation of the rear camera, the salesman walked in back of the vehicle. The camera worked camera, but no sound alert. When I asked, I was told it probably needed to be turned on in the setup menu. I check the manual at home and on page 217 it does show a picture of a sound on/off soft key. When I call WV they to told me it is not available, even through it is listed as available on their web-site.

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  Not so great - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gretchen - July 17 - 8:36 pm

  This car was great for the first 2 years of ownership. Throughout the third year, I have had nothing but problems: 2 oil leaks, 1 coolent leak, brakes had to be replaced, and I have had to have the ignition rebuilt twice. Luckily it is still under warranty but this car has turned into more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

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  I love my Jetta! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By happy jetta owner - July 17 - 2:30 am

  I love this little car! I bought it from a private individual on Craigs List. Paid $5,700, but then it needed about $1,400 of repairs! But I think it just needed some TLC, and now I absolutely love the car. I like the design, and how smooth it handles in city driving as well as on the freeway. Pretty, sporty, LOVE the sunroof. Easy to park and bop around town!

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  Hippie car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By richard - July 16 - 3:03 am

  Bought the car new in march of 2005. A fun car to drive, gas mileage is 24 around town and 29 on the highway. We have taken this car on three long distance trips with no problems at all. We use the back seat for luggage as the trunk is not of any use for suitcases.