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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  Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stephanie - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I overall like this vehicle, the only problem that I have had is the service engine light coming and staying on for long periods of time.

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  Expect Big Bucks for Problems - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bcbirdie - August 26 - 2:00 am

  So far (1 month of ownership of a 1st complaint: the cup-holders are TERRIBLE!!!!!By far the worst design ever. Clearance is poor, the holders twist out, the rubber rings come etc. COMMUTERs BEWARE! 2nd, Expect costs to repair things to be outrageous! Headlights $94 minimum. 3rd complaint - To replace the key and the transponder, get this, $175+tax! ARE YOU KIDDING!?? Just a valet key is $125! While security is nice, for 2 sets of keys and a valet key at $500 buck this is ridiculous!

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  Turbo S is fun but watch your wallet - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By warpalien - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 02 Turbo S with 3200 miles on it, from a dealer. This used to be a corporate car, used by someone at VW in michigan. VW will NOT cover the transmission under warranty unless I sign a piece of paper saying its ok to check the transmission for problems. My clutch has been giving me problems since I got the vehicle. Now they say if the clutch is bad, its my problem. So much for a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty. This is coming from VW of Americas corporate office stating this, not just my dealership.

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  08 VW Jetta 2 year Review - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carlover - August 22 - 9:50 pm

  D suspension is ok. Car feels sturdy + looks good. Engine power is ok, n has always turned on. D brakes are good for normal driving. D interior is well appointed and designed but d plastic grill covers on d front doors side speakers rattle with music. D 5 speed manual shifters clear plastic cap is a little loose and makes noise when handled. D windshield wipers jolt after turning off car + d motor quit working at 21973 miles on d odometer. After proper procedure, reverse gear is a little tricky to engage. In Vigorous driving when shifting from 5th to 3rd gear, 3rd always gets denied at 55mph or above. Tail light burned out at 21352 miles on odometer. Minor electrical glitches from time2time

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  Good SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Eric - August 22 - 11:13 am

  I bought the 2005 VW Touareg one year ago and it has not failed to live up to my expectations. The handling is great and the interior is above average. I like the interior because it looks like a spaceship. The only thing that needs to be improved upon is when you push the gas it will shake a bit and as always the gas millage should be improved (450 till empty when you actually get 300 miles a tank).

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  No Big Problems - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Pat - August 20 - 1:16 am

  I bought the V6 Touareg before too many reviews were available. I havent had the little problems that others report. I have experienced a loud strange noise from the front axles a couple of times. Overall I am happy with the truck. I am very unhappy with the cost of service from my local dealer. Oil changes and some lubrication cost over $200.00! I cant understand that. My service is now being done by an independent mechanic.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ragekit - August 19 - 6:36 pm

  If youre considering an all round performer that can handle a family of four plus and still haul booty in the winter or summer w/the 4Motion, the VW W8 is for you. My only faults are gas mileage in the city and the sensors that seem to go bad more frequently than other foreign cars. I recommend the W8 wagon w/sport package and 6 speed manual--what a blast to drive. This car is a sleeper!

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  Good car but not a great car. - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By chapelthrill23 - August 19 - 2:34 am

  I like this car but do not love it. It is smooth, has well thought out controls, is spacious, looks good, and drives well but im not sure if it is still the pick of the class. The big let down is the five cylinder power train. The mileage isnt great, the engine isnt as smooth as the Honda four ive come from, the power output is poor for something with five cylinders, and the transmission is slow to shift. No verdict yet on reliability. The car feels well made but VW cars have not always lasted. Only time will tell.

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  UPSET WITH DEALER SHIP - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By WADE CAUSEY - August 19 - 2:00 am

  THE RACKS ON THE TOP OF CAR MAKE NOISE SO BAD IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CAR IS ABOUT TO FALL APART. THE VIBRATIONS ARE OVERWHELMING. TAKE THE RACKS OFF AND THE TOUAREG LOOKS BAD. NO HELP FROM DEALERSHIP ON THIS MATTER. NAVIGATION SYSTEM PAID FOR BUT NO CDS.. ALL WE GET ARE EXCUSES.. HAD CAR SINCE DECEMBER 2003.

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  Iam in love - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By adam - August 18 - 10:30 pm

  What can I say this rabbit has been a great car Ive owned mine for 1 1/2 years and NO problem. People complain about mileage I average 24 city and 30 hwy . Maybe there are some really lead footed people out there to be getting less then 17 city . And the power is great for this type of car NO its not like a V8 camaro nor a V8 mustang but peppy enough ,if I wanted power I would have bought a V8 car. As far as price goes you cant get a better car for it. A friend just bought a 09 civic EXL great car but cost over $21,000 and mine has more room . My friends are impressed with the room this car has. The car I had before was a volvo960 wagon and the rabbit has more leg room.I will buy another one