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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  At the crossroads with this vehicle.... - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By scottx25 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The diesel engine purrs, gets great mileage and will probably last forever. Great seats, handles well. Now for the negatives (at 40,000k): Sticky rear hatch, replaced, still sticks. Plastic window clips broke, dealer replaced with metal clips, supposedly warrantied 10 years. Buzzes and rattles that come and go. CEL light, replace glowplugs and relay, $500.00 Rear pads and rotors, plus one of the calipers froze and needed to be replaced, $800.00 Front door sags when opened - a bolt BROKE OFF on the inside of the door for no reason, $300.00 sunroof shade broken... Gas latch opening by itself... Blah, blah....

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By swiss - October 28 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving domestic clunkers (last car was Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - typical Chrysler lousy quality and recalls like leaves in fall), finally broke down and bought an import. So far very pleased with all aspects of vehicle.

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  the modern Yugo - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jantar - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I dont know VW can get away with selling this piece of junk to people and still laugh in people faces when they turn to them for help. Sad part is that there are still new people buying this junk...Numerous problems with mine: windows, check engine light seems to live its own life, engine stalling, finally pieces falling off. Worst car Ive ever owned.

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  Really fine car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By JB2004 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love the drive and feel of the car. Like the looks, and its a good value for your money.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By coolihigh - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I had some holdbacks in getting the VW due to misleading presumptions such as poor quality and such. I am happy to say that Ive had the car for about 8 months and have been unbelievably satisfied with its handling, interior and exterior design and most importantly reliability. This is definetly a well built and fun-to-drive car.

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  Passat Wolfsburg Edition - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By darklyanon - October 27 - 5:36 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle and I am happy with what I invested in. Car buying is a very serious and in depth look at what the buyer needs and wants. I believe I got what I wanted. This girl has kick, she might have a small engine, but when you need to accelerate out of a complete stop she definitely has some kick. The handling and turning is very smooth. The engine is as quiet as a mouse. I sometimes have a hard time hearing it when I turn it on. It is a very comfortable ride to sit in. The car came with rubber black mats for my feet as well as my other passengers. The face and the wheels of the car are quite sporty looking. Despite it not sporting a large engine.

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  Why I love my R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By VWHOLIC - October 27 - 5:23 am

  I have had the car for 3 months and love every minute i am in it. Although i live in chicago the car is hybernating for the winter so come spring it will driven like crazy.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg New York - October 26 - 3:43 pm

  As of march 06 I have 7000 miles on the car, I have realized that all the time Im looking for an excuse to drive this baby... just to get into it and drive somewhere and always put a smile on my face, stylish exterior/interior, great performance for the 4cyl. has been at the dealership twice (bad wiper motor replaced and on of the valves replaced-all under warranty) but still love this car. I wish I had gotten a multifunction steering wheel but I guess Ill have to live with it. I have no regrets after purchasing this baby whatsoever. My wife and myself feel very safe driving.

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  W8 in Arizona - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jackson - October 26 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion new after owning 2001.5 Passat wagon. I get about 20 mpg around town (about 3 mpg less than the fuel usage computer reads, however). I expected exciting performance with the W8 engine; but the Tiptronic transmission takes away all the fun. Also, the car will bog down badly (dangerously) if you try to accelerate quickly after braking to a stop (say after coming down a freeway exit). Also, the A/C randomly fails to come on, and the car has to be shut off and restarted to reset. The dealer apparently has no answers for either issue. The OAT readout is 6 to 9 degrees F high. This cars depreciation has been fierce. My wife dislikes the door that come back on her when she pushes it open to get out.

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  single mom with a car....... : ( - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By shelljj - October 25 - 11:46 pm

  that cost more than the kids do. june 4, 2010 i fell in love, 3 months later i realized my mistake. the reason reason being my engine was burning to much oil so it had to be replaced and the a/c compressor went. today june 13 2011 my car is in the shop because i smell burning oil AGAIN. Also, when my speed is over 55 i hear a low buzzing sound. does anyone else hear that? i love the way it looks, even the way it drives when Im not afraid its going to catch fire. smh! it a love hate relationship with this [violative content deleted] ride.