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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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill Baker - September 28 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car for the looks even after hearing about problems with this car. I am so happy with this car and all it hasdone for me. I live where it snows 3 to 4 months out of the year and it dose a great job. I get 30mpg on the open road. And this car has a fit and finsh of a 40,000 car. I am sorry to say that I sell cars for a living and I did not buy some thing I sell. Happy Happy Jetta Owner

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By richmond20657 - September 28 - 9:00 am

  The pros of my 2007 Jetta GLS TDI include excellent fuel mileage, reliability, and excellent handling for its size. The cons are VWs terrible dealer service and a few rattles here and there.

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  Just a Comment - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Tuckett-Reddy - September 27 - 11:43 pm

  I originally leased my 2003 Passat and intended turning it back after the lease was up. The car was such a great car that I decided to purchase it. I have owned this vehicle for 5 years now and have only replaced wear and tear items, like brake pads, and tires. I recently replaced the timing belt which again was a scheduled maintenance item. The car has been a super car to own, reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and a overall feeling of safety. I intend to keep my Passat for another five years and would pass it down to a family member without hesitation.

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  Feel like Luxus, but - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By German Car Fan - September 27 - 4:13 pm

  I like my new 06 Passat very much for his performance, solid body, and quality. Feel very safe while Im driving. However, the car is way too sensitive, I took my car to the dealship because the gas cap is not tight enough and engine light went on. I wish the dealership can ask me to check those little things before I have to bring it in.

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  Fun with flaws - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By matmik - September 27 - 10:00 am

  sunroof clips broke & they fixed this twice. Was fine for 25000 miles until the front passenger window dropped off the PLASTIC! clips that held it up (this happened twice). The yellow-green grease in the door frame came, and continues to emerge in warm weather. Had the O2/Mass Air issues as well. VW repaired the o2, but not before the mass airflow went, which I had to pay to fix. Interior molding coming off is whats erking me now, but rubber cement fixed that.

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  HATE IT - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MichaelJ - September 27 - 10:00 am

  If you loved the old beetle You will hate the "New" beetle. This car is a nightmare. Gas door Cable,Pwr windows,very poor. Quality of build is terrible.Most problems seem electrical in nature. Heated seats Change their control switchs at will? Throttle is dangerous it ignores your foot and does what it wants, another computer marvel.The transmission needs reset frequently as it learns driving habits according to the service people. My wife and I cant figure out who it is learning from.

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  VW bug = fun - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MindyKae - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for almost 4 years and have had no major problems. I did have to have the trunk latch replaced and have the windows worked on, but all was under warranty. Overall, I have really enjoyed the car and I would recommend this car to someone who wants a somewhat unique car with a practical side. I think the turbo would be a nice touch, although I have never driven one.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BRM10984 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Jetta 1.8T w/ leather, cold pkg, Monsoon, and sport pkg on 1.25.2002. Overall, I have been very happy with it. The build quality is comparable to a low-end BMW, but certain parts lack some quality. I have had a couple coilpacks fail, and I have had the ECU replaced. All issues have been painlessly taken care of under warranty, so there is no real problem. The interior is classily- styled, yet does not have an over- abundance of wood trim. It is very fun to drive. I only wish I had gotten a 5-speed. Maybe next time.

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  Yes, Almost Grown UP - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mary - September 27 - 7:03 am

  I have owned VWs for the past 36 years (Bug, Rabbit, Jetta, Passats, 11 all told) and the NEW 2.5l, 5 cyclinder is the most fun yet. Had the GLX-Jetta five years previously and the 2.5 has many more accutrements and handles better.

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  German Craftsmanship - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alf - September 27 - 2:06 am

  Bought this car after lease expired on an accord v6. I always had Japanese cars but a relative convinced me to get a European car. BMW and Audi is a little bit over my budget then comes this car. I got the wolfsburg edition. This car offers a lot for your money: interior leatherette seats, 17-allow wheels, moonroof, Sirius radio, auto tran with economy and sport mode. Did I mention a 200 hp 2.0 turbo engine! Awesome, awesome, awesome performance. Only gripe is the aux jack for the mp3 player which is way inside the arm rest which should be by the dashboard along with other radio controls. Also ride is a little stiff but helps the car to be stable at high speeds. True German breed..