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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  Love it, hate it - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vincef329 - February 24 - 8:43 pm

  2 years into my 3 year lease on my salsa red SE Jetta/auto now, 26,000 mi. I still love driving the Jetta and enjoy everyday commuting. The interior has worn well but mechanically and the paint have suffered. At one year old the car had a PCU failure and spent a week in the shop, VW reimbursed my partially for the rental. The red paint is very poor quality, chips off constantly. Finding the power through the electronic pedal and the mush transmission can be a challenge. If I had bought this car I would be very mad about the paint. I probably will not buy another VW. With so many nagging common issues, Im disappointed that VW cant get it together and fix them and really have a great car.

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  Love my GTI - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By texasgti - February 24 - 3:43 am

  I have a 2005 Volkswagen GTI and I love it. It is a blast to drive, the turbo spools up at about 3,000 to 3,500 rpm and then from there to redline it is a pocket rocket. The torque is there as well, even at low rpms. Passing on the highway is a breeze. You never need to downshift, just keep it in fifth and it will spool up and go. As far as comfort for the price nothing can touch it. It comes with heated seats, leather, power everything, a sunroof, great stereo, and 6 air bags. Also, when it comes to build quality, there is nothing that is better. I have a 7 year history with Volkswagens owned through the family, and no one has ever had any major problems to speak of.

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  This is one classy automobile - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By trmichaels - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I spent 6 months car shopping and researching, and test drove over 12 vehicles. The Passat stood out from the pack. It has a head-turning exterior, a sumptuous, well-appointed interior, superb German engineering, and is a fantastic bargain when you consider how many features it has (in GLX model) that competitors charge extra for. This car is fun to drive, and exciting to own.

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  2002 Eurovan Poptop - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By cathy - February 20 - 8:13 am

  We bought our Eurovan this summer for frequent weekend trips. It is wonderful, exactly what we needed. Its very roomy and easy to change the interior to match our needs. The seats come in and out quickly, The poptop is easy to put up. The car holds us, our kids, and our dogs with no problems. Put the bikes on the back and we are good to go. This is the best vehicle we have owned.

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  So much for the Germans - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scott1483 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have 6000 miles on a brand new GLI. Its been in the shop for a cumulative of 20 days for the same electrical problem. This electrical problem inhibits the use of this car and makes it very unreliable. VW will not take responsibility and repurchase the car, and it falls way into the ball park of a Lemon.

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  VW Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By rrucier - February 18 - 2:00 am

  A great car.

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  What next? - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kim - February 17 - 3:23 pm

  This car was great until it hit about 43,000 miles. Then the entire ac system had to be replaced and the parking brake was stuck on and the car had to be towed. Everything was fine for a little while and then the recall work on the ignition coil pack. Check engine light back on before it left the dealership. My 93 BMW 318i with 210K miles is more reliable!

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  My new 2002 passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By smoknn - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price and I would have regretted not getting the upgraded sound system - glad I got it. Car handles well in the corners and great in the braking dept. Good comfort for road trips and a smooth rider. 1.8 T, Auto, Sandstone Grey, Monsoon system, Luxury package (a must have)

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  Not quite sure - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MeeToo - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this bug with 24K miles on it. teh previous owner kept excellent care of it. Ive had it a month and the window regulator needs replacement...$317.00. As I look through the records, she had some things fixed which werent mentioned...sunglass case didnt close, windshield leaked, passenger mirror didnt work. The transmission (auto) takes 2-3 seconds to grab, which the dealership says is normal. Difficult to believe. Car is a lot of fun to drive, had a Civic before. BUT, not sure if it is built very well...my Honda went 150K with only one mechanical repair besides maintenance. Next time, Ill buy a HONDA!

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  Bestnof both world - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Samberken - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased mine in June to take advantage of Fed incentive. Very happy with the car so far after 3000 miles. Good pick up, good range in city driving, easier access than A3.good leg room, seats are more upright than A3. Only option I took was the xenon light. I find this car has most of the convenience in luxury cars. Tilted tele steering wheel, temporary turn signal, adjustable centre armrest, adaptive light, automatic lock.