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 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pglauninger - October 11 - 12:35 pm

  so alot of people have been complaining about the cam and dual mass flywheel problems on this car, frankly ive had none of those issues. i purchased mine second hand with low mileage, im not at 170,000k and the only problem ive had was a rad hose broke roughly about 6 months ago. frankly i got the extended warranty with the car and never had to use it, actually never had to use my warranty on any of my past VWs. i keep coming back to the brand (4th one now) because frankly dollar for dollar you cant find anything quite comparable from ford, hyundai, nissan, mazda... ect. i love this car and all of my previous Vws never had any problem and i swear by these cars. truly an amazing brand.

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  Love my Bug!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By KariF - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, has a lot of power for a small car and gets great fuel mileage. I wasnt sure that I wanted a diesel at first, but now Im so glad I did. I visit the gas station once a month. This car makes me happy every time I get into it. It is also so comfortable to travel in. I love that you feel like you are sitting up very high. I never feel like Im in a small car. I will be keeping this car for a very long time!

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  Interior trim quality - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By James - October 11 - 2:10 am

  After spending almost $40,000 on this Passat, I am very angry with how many trim rattles this has. I previously owned a 2002 Passat motion, this was far better in the interior quality department. It really does go to show that build quality is still an issue for VW. I will be spending my generous budget elsewhere in 2 years.

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  Psycho bunny - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By vadersv8 - October 10 - 8:18 am

  Very fun car to drive, handles almost like a BMW until you realize you only have 200 ponies under the bonnet! Favorits: handeling, seat bolstering, practicality, gas mileage, moonroof, ninja star like factory 18 wheels. Dislikes: Lousy mechatronic issue, stereo is a big joke, low horse power, leather seats arent plush, light electronic issues such as signal lights. Ugly black back bumper!!!

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  I Like it! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Leigh - October 9 - 1:56 pm

  This is my first new car in a long time after driving vans/mini-vans for the past 15 years. Handles great and very good acceleration when you want it. Feels real solid and sporty. I have 3900 miles on it and have been averaging 36 mpg. I am hoping that will improve in the summer to make up for the .80-1.00 more per gallon over gas.

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  2006 Volkswagen Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sam - October 9 - 6:00 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Beetle is a great, fun to drive, the engine is peppy with plenty of power, you get a lot for your money in this car. I have only a few concerns, the wind noise. With the CD going youll never notice it though. Also, the cars ride is a bit stiff and it doesnt take bumps well. There is an engine (drivetrain) rattle/noise about 1,500 rpm that seems to get better the warmer the car gets. Overall this is a lot of car for the money. The base price gets you air, electric locks / windows, cruise, and more.

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  The Worst Car I Have Ever Purchased - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth A. Donovan - October 9 - 12:20 am

  The top hit the back head rests. VW of America had to come in twice to fix this issue and it still does not work perfectly. Also, my cars windshild wipers had to be replaced at 10,000 miles. The air conditioning leaks on my feet. The headlight fell out after the second week. The alter light does not register when the top is down and the alarm sounds, 8 out of 10 times.

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  My husband got his first speeding ticket - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paula Crosby - October 9 - 12:16 am

  Wow, this vehicle is great! What a difference from my soccer mom minivan. It is very responsiive, very comfortable, and very fast. This is quite a change UP.

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  Great Car, who needs a hybrid - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AJM - October 8 - 2:10 am

  I was surprised by the features and how solid the car is. We have gotten over 50 mpg on the highway but mostly see 44 overall avg. The TDI powerplant runs well in the WI winters and offers power that few gas engines can offer. I purchased used for under 10 grand with heated leather seats, sunroof, 6 disk, 5 speed, alloys, etc. Why waste money on a hybrid - TDI is a "green" alternative.

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  2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By brady - October 7 - 7:56 pm

  I picked my Volkswagen Jetta TDI up today. I drove the 175 miles home from dealer at 70 mph and averaged 51.7 mpg. The navigation system worked flawlesly. It is very user friendly. Disappointments, no DRLs, no wood, no homelink, no auto headlites - not that you cant live without the above its just that they were available on the 05 Jetta TDI with Pkg. 2. Electric steering allows a good feel for the road and robs nothing from the engine. Road noise is not obtrusive and the car feels typically German! You cant beat the fit, the finish, the economy and the fun.