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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  Yep Yep my Bug is Sexy! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cheetoz - July 29 - 4:40 am

  I absoluety love my bug! Im a new driver and its really easy learning to drive in it. You just feel good when driving. It makes you comfortable. Youre not at all worried about whos going to see you in some busted up lemon. Confidence is key, if you feel good about what youre driving, you drive well. Its gotten to the piont of being annoying, because most of my friends are talking about getting one. So to keep from falling into the crowd make sure its personalized from the licsense plate to the extra long dashbroad!

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  Love-Hate Relationship - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Red-T - July 29 - 4:26 am

  I love driving my Touareg. I especially like its ability to effortlessly tow my 5,500 lb. horse trailer. And it doesnt seem to mind 89 octane gas instead of the recommended premium. But the computer system has a mind of its own, the original tires lasted only 19,000 miles, the interior trim is falling apart, and the dealer experience has been terrible. Oh, I should also mention that a simple oil change will set you back about about $120 since it requires synthetic oil, and lots of it.

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  Step Backward - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sportwagentdi - July 28 - 4:58 am

  My wife and I currently own two Jettas (2009 SE and 2010 TDI Sportwagen) and had a 2011 Jetta SE as a loner. While the handling of the new Jetta was superior to the previous sedan, the interior quality was a huge step back from the older models. Everything inside is hard to the touch and very cheap feeling. I really like the exterior styling (wife does not), but the interior is a disappointment compared to VWs of the past. Even my father-in-laws 2004 Golf has a nicer interior feel...strange.

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  A Very Good Car - Update - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark-- Boston - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  Now > 4 years into ownership and at 108,000 miles, I thought Id update my review. I still like this car a lot. It remains reasonably reliable with only fair fuel economy ( although Ive been getting 24-25 MPG on the highway lately). Cost of maintenance has been relatively high, but I do drive a lot, so I feel it has been quite acceptable. Engine (V6) is running smooth and not burning oil. Im thinking of driving it until 200K or until the cost of repairs gets too high (Ive done the TB and WP at 85K). Im still overall satisfied with the car and service Ive been getting. Ive had two electrical problems. Fuel pump died at 60K (recall) and drivers seat heater died (expensive, but needed fix).

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  An Audi in hiding - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajl - July 24 - 3:13 pm

  For those of you looking for a "drivers" small car, look no further. We bought our Jetta Wagon used with 39k on the odometer. It has been trouble free with about 56k miles as I write this. This car is fun to drive, whether around town or on the highway. Not a sports car, the handling is more then adequate for fun and the ride is firm, but not harsh. This car is basically an Audi (shares a lot with the Audi A4), not an Old Beetle. Parts and service can be pricey,especially if you dont do some things yourself. German cars are fussy about being maintained. If you dont MAINTAIN, you will have to FIX. True of all cars, very true of German makes. Keep that in mind and enjoy your Jetta!

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  Styled and well built German sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jorge - July 24 - 9:36 am

  Purchased in 2006 from a private party. I have previously owned a Mercedes 230S, Audi 80 and Volvo 240, V70, S80s and a VW Sirocco. I would consider this a well behaved, fairly high quality, fuel efficient mid-sized sedan. I looked at Camry and Accords before I purchased it. I liked the styling and performance on the VW better, plus the Toyotas and Accords looked "blah", and had little driving personality. No problems in three years of ownership, regular maintenance and two VW recalls serviced at the dealer. Gets 31 MPG+ on a 27 mile highway trip to work. VW is the master of small engines: Hits 100 mph+ effortlessly on a 1.8L. Currently costs $35 to fill the tank. Upgraded tires to Yokohama

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  Great First Car! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Juanito - July 21 - 11:12 am

  Bought a used 2000 VW Jetta as my daughters first car...reliable, sporty, and still holds up in appearance and style with todays latest new car models. Very reliable and runs strong despite the 156Kmiles!! This car is built very well, all windows, sunroof, cup holders, visor clips, and other interior and exterior features still work and are made of high quality materials....

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  2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8T 5-spd Manual - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By hawkjet48 - July 20 - 3:06 am

  I have experienced only minor defects with this car. The radio connector failed three times under the dash. Also, I had a bad bearing in the blower motor which was covered under warranty. Other than random misfires during interstate driving, this car has been problem-free and repair-free over 63,000 miles. My only complaint is about the weakly designed pop-up rear seat power receptable, which has been fixed three times at the dealers expense. For a sedan, this is a blast to drive while consistently getting 31 mpg to 33 mpg at highway speeds. This car is a good combination of performance and economy with the 5-speed manual transmission.

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  TDI Golf - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By XJScott - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Compared to other compact cars (Civic, Focus, Corolla) the Golf is much more fun to drive, albeit for a premium price. Im 62" yet fit very well due to highly adjustable seats, although sitting in the rear seats behind me would be impossible. Hatchback design provides extra flexibility when cargo hauling is required. Build-quality, although Brazilian, is solid and paint looks brand new after 2.5 years. Cloth seats are hair magnets, though, and I carry a lint roller in the car at all times. Id look at leather next time.

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  I hope its a fluke!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By littlesister - July 16 - 2:00 am

  After owning a money pit convertible bug in high school, my husband and I purchased this car (to make up for past wrongs, I guess). With only 80 miles on the odometer, it broke down! A pressure sensor in the turbo failed. Ten days later, the top would not go up. Other than that, we both love it. It is cyber green and way too fun for its own good. We opted for the 5-speed manual turbo and love the power. Our daughters think its so cool and always want us to drive them to school with the top down. It handles beautifully.