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:

• 

  V-Dubbin in my Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Atomicbri - October 4 - 10:50 am

  Ok I love this car! There is no doubt about it! It drives and handles excellently. I have the auto box and it is excellent. All around this is a great car for the money. I see a lot of owners here saying they are not as happy w/ the mpg and while it is a bit lower, I will take the fun to drive factor any day! I get about 30 on hwy and overall I have averaged about 27 total w/ mixed driving. Overall have never been to the dealership except for maintenance. My dealership is pretty friendly I live in Chattanooga where the new VW plant is being built and so the dealership there just got rebuilt and is top notch!

• 

  Excelent - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kevin - October 3 - 4:10 pm

  I would never buy any other station wagon. This wagon is more fun then most cars Ive ever had.

• 

  Electrical problems galore - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cttguy - October 3 - 2:00 am

  In the year and 3 months that I have owned the 2002 Passat wagon, I have encountered numerous electrical problems. First, the entire security system went out after only 7,000 miles. After 9,000 miles the entire rear light assembly stopped working. After 12,000 the front headlight and rear cigarette lighter went out. After 17,000 the other headlight went out. Overall, this is an enjoyable car to drive but the reliability is a real issue. If you dont mind constant trips back to the dealership, buy one. Otherwise, avoid it like the plague.

• 

  Surprised and delighted - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Rodzilla - October 3 - 2:00 am

  OK...tested the Protege5, Focus ZX3, Focus SVT and PT Cruiser. Never considered purchasing a VW and was prepared to buy the Protege5 until a co- worker insisted I test drive the Golf. The test drive changed my mind! This car feels much more substantial than the other cars in its class. Handling, brakes, and comfort are very good. The list of standard safety features is awesome! A very good value IMHO.

• 

  Biggest mistake ever - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jeffd - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great looking car and fun to drive when it is moving but this car has been a hassle from day one. Gone through 2 radios, the ignition coil problem that VW of AMerica has finanlly acknowledeged caused it to sit in the shop for 2.5 weeks one time and has broken down 4 more times.The computer, oxgen sensor, 2 other sensors have been replaced. The passenger side door sticks. The exhaust system was damaged while driving in the snow. Doesnt it snow in germany? All this under 17000 miles. Good looking vehicle but cheap parts and poor engineering make it big regret.

• 

  What a car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Wood - October 3 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to return to VW. I had a 1995 Jetta and then a Ford and could not wait to return to VW. The new Jetta is fun and has everything you could ask for. The wagon is a nice family car.

• 

  My TDI Wagon sips gas and zips along - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By balttdi - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for about three weeks and have been delighted. With the manual, it has plenty of pep and is fun to drive. The mileage is awesome with the diesel, and this makes a big difference with fuel costs being so high now. The handling is great, and the ride is firm without being jarring. After eight years is a cushy and mushy Taurus, this car brings back the fun I had in my very first car, which was a stick shift Accord. The Jetta is also quite solid and can very quietly exceed the speed limit. 80 does not feel much different than 50. For utility, fun, and efficiency it is tough to beat this car.

• 

  1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Paul Davis - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in February 2002, since then it has left me stranded 3 times with a faulty ignition coil. There has finally been a recall on them, but it does nothing to restore my faith in the car. Nice car, poor reliability, first and last Volkswagen Ill ever buy.

• 

  Great SPORT wagon - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By naessj - October 2 - 2:33 pm

  Moved up from a 2000 Golf GLS. The build quality is excellent, very good road feel and on the road track. Low-end torque from the 2.5 is a little disappointing (compared to the Golf), it can be stalled quite easily. That said, the car is great, wagon very roomy (almost as roomy as my 2004 Passat Wagon). I recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Serious Safety Problems - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Kriss Mellor - October 1 - 4:10 pm

  I owned my 2007 VW GTI for about 6 months and its been in for repairs well over 2 months in total. The information center was defective. It took over a week to replace. Most serious problem could be related to the engine, transmission, turbo - dont yet know the source. The dealer cant identify the problem and VW tech support has been useless. Possibly related to heat, since it occurs most often when the temperature is high. As you step on the gas the car drops out of gear and will not respond. It feels like you are slamming on the brakes, according to my friend who was driving with me during one of these "seizures". This is a very serious safety issue. Car was bought back by the dealer.