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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  Great Practical Value! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By hpowders - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  Came from a BMW 545i; and while this is no BMW, it is pretty much fun to drive. Terrific value for what comes standard. Love the Satellite Radio. Drivers seat is more comfortable than the BMWs. Legroom is more generous too up front. Would love a bit more power. Could use larger side mirrors. These create blind spots. Adaptive steering should be optional. I dont care for it. Mileage could be a bit better too. A lot of room in back with back seats folded. My 68" road bike fits in completely when I push the front passenger seat down. I have the car for two weeks and everything works the way it should. My first two fill ups were 24 mpg. The last one was only 22.6. All in all, a steal at $20k.

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  Fun and efficient diesel, questionable reliability - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By austin28 - August 12 - 3:56 pm

  I have just finished putting a 1000k miles on my 2012 Jetta TDI. I have averaged 39MPG in moderate city driving. I highly recommend the diesel to anyone who is looking for added driving fun, longevity, and a higher resale value. The leather steering wheel, heated seats, and touchscreen audio system make this car seem luxurious. Despite negative reviews on the cars interior, I suspect it will please almost everyone who experiences it. Unfortunately, within the first week of ownership, I had 2 different problems with exterior body work. 1. The gas door would not shut. 2. The trunk squeaks loudly when you open or close it. The dealership noted both problems would be fixed under warranty.

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  beetle disapointment - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carrie - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was very excited about my New Beetle. After it hit 30,000 miles, total disapointment. Window controls broke off, trunk open light stayed on, battery died, speedometer stopped working, and dash light went out. At 35,000 miles the window support gave out and window got stuck inside door. Poor interior electrical everything.

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  Downsized but Happy - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By redstone - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Not the car I wanted, but I was going to get a convertible or use a bicycle! Didnt even look at it until I realized I couldnt afford any of my first 10 choices and thought I might have to get a Miata! Then I found out they had a model with automatic top. Some small design annoyances and it isnt a sportscar, but I knew that when I bought it. It is inexpensive to own, has lots of safety features and the top comes down so I am not complaining.

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  Volkswagon Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Lee Munson - August 11 - 7:43 am

  This is my fourth Volkswagon I have owned. I find that Volkswagons are quality built, safe cars. The only negative I have with the Touareg is the mpg. Other than that I love the Touareg.

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  My 2.5 Volkswagen Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By IMPERIAL_DMOR - August 9 - 3:23 pm

  Getting a Jetta was the best decision I have made when buying a car! I love this car. It suits me perfectly. I love the way it looks, the way it handles and how much more luxurious it is compared to previous models. The only thing is I wish it had a more ponies under the hood. For some reason my fiancees Beetle, with the same i-5 engine and and only 150 lbs lighter, has more punch! Other then that, and a few warranty issues, it has been my most enjoyable car yet!

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  Out-of-touch Car Manufacturers - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mr. B. E. Etle - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Uncomfortable back seat because of headroom; car much too low to the ground for pot holes and poor roads, interior falls apart (fourth beetle owned) colors boring - this is a fun car, and the same colors over and over, or shades of the same do not sell cars. But...... best design exterior appearance, excellent handling, best most comfortable seats. Also,hate unmovable new console, seat belts very hard to use. Most of the improvements on these new models stink. Who is designing these anyway? Why did they mess with a great car? Pay attention to my comments because I am a very loyal Volkswagen customer!!!!!

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  our 98 Beetle - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ourlibby - August 6 - 8:53 pm

  We like ours, runs great, good on gas, inside is a joke ! But for a good sound,,, take off the muffler just run the cat :)

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  Over 315,000 miles and still getting 49.5mpg! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By twincitytdiguy - August 5 - 4:15 am

  I bought this TDI Beetle from a customer at 300K. He had it from new. The car is in great overall condition, original clutch, rustfree, and still gets an amazing 49.5 mpg highway at 78mph in the summer. I bought the car a little over 4 months ago and managed to put on 15,000 miles. I go where I want. I am not afraid to take this car across the country, I am planning a trip to Florida in the spring for some baseball action. Very fun car to drive. Gotta go with the folks upset by the cupholders. They seem to be an after thought. Germans cant understand why we drink beverages in our cars. If you are a taller person, Im 67", This car has a lot of room. I can nearly straighten my left leg.

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  My VW nightmare - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Peter Boyde - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Buy a VW and all your nightmares will happen to you. In a matter of 4 months of buying a new 2002 VW GLS I had my Monsoon sterio system not working,inition coils failing(it took 2 weeks to get that fixed) and had to be replaced, fog lights stopped working and had to contend myself with inefficient wipers and defroster. I dont know whats more in store for me. Iam thing of looking to the lemon laws for help.