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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  A great car for the price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gary - May 26 - 3:13 am

  I have around 6500 miles on the car and would unquestionably buy it again if I was in that position. I drove several cars in the same price range and I was unimpressed with most, as soon as I sat in the VW I knew Id like but driving it sold me instantly. If you are in the market make sure you drive this car before buying another! Feels solid, nimble and powerful compared to its opposition.

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  Buy Something Else - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By NoMoreVWs - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but PROBLEMS and expensive maintenance. Serious problems: engine coils failed (recall), replaced a power window motor in 1st yr, computer problems at 20k, $800 brake caliper at 45k (dealer couldnt believe it - "very rare"), check engine light at 60k - dealer said we might have to replace the engine!. Fit and finish problems included loss of interior molding over curtain airbag and broken trunck latch, armrest and cup holders due to flimsy contruction. Simple light bulb replacement for A/C panel - dealer suggests not to fix due to cost of removing dashboard!

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  Dont Ever Buy One!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By M. - May 25 - 9:53 am

  I had very poor customer service. I had been doing service with them for sometime on a 99 Beetle that ran like a charm, 135K. Traded in for the Passat. Fell in love with it for one day. Light came on, and stated it had a vapor leak, the axle and cv joints were shot, front passenger seat replaced, oil and transmission pan replaced, two hoses replaced, very squeaky brakes, back right window didnt work, and two different sets of tires. Dealership had never shown or mentioned any of this until after purchase, and after I had been in 5 times in less than a month. I finally had enough and as I was about to trade it in, all of a sudden it started leaking transmission fluid everywhere!!!!

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  I like the T-Reg V-8 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Kent Pridmore - May 23 - 1:16 am

  Very nice SUV. Handles great. Fun to drive. I have not had any problems at all. I knew about the gas mileage before I purchased the SUV. The bells and whistles are a little much.

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  Great Car, Very Problematic - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By VW EHHH :( - May 21 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this car and it seems I got unlucky with the buy vs other GTI owners who have never had any issues with the car. It has been one year, and already I have had about 3 major repairs done to the car. The car is great to drive, very fun, but I guess in my case very problematic and have been to the dealer with repairs in the last year over 7 times. From electrical issues, to an intake manifold being cracked from bad mold casting, to air conditioning falling apart and need replacement. However, I do recommend you purchase an extended warranty and VW has completed all repairs, but as far as satisfaction with the car. I am VERY VERY displeased and dissatisfied.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By G. Newsom - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Touareg has an excellent feel for the road. It is comfortable and spacious. The car does offer a real offroad ability and easily manages city potholes and traffic. The negatives are that you must get use to the large rear headrest that seemingly block your rearview and the gas mileage. Also there is a little vibration sound from the sunroof. None of these factors are so bad that I would not have bought the car again. Though I may have bought the V8 or V10.

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  Do Your Homework - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By S Wascak - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Beetle "burns an acceptable" 1 quart of oil a month. Had rings replaced at 30000 miles. I just traded it in on a Toyota at 35000 because in 1 month it went through a quart of oil. We were told that that is common and acceptable for the VW Beetle. That its the way it was designed. Stay away from this vehicle!

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  Ask how much to change the oil. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By keiller - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive found only two oil brands that are certified for use in the new diesel. My dealer charges $70/oil change. They will sell a quart for $10/qt. Otherwise you may need to find Motul oil on line to order. Thats what I plan to do. The dealership seems confused about the oil situation. I dont want to take my car fo them for care.

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  First and Last VW - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By North Coast - May 19 - 4:03 pm

  I love driving this car. It handles well and is the perfect size for me. But...I its been pretty high maintenance. So far the fuel injectors have been replaced while still under warranty (whew!). The front brakes have been replaced and the most recent and most expensive repair was for the drivers seat heater which burned out.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike Chad - May 19 - 10:00 am

  First, only 28 days after I take the car home, its radio/stereo/cd suddenly stop working, it wont even power up, will have to bring it back for repair. And with a 180Hp engine, I thought its acceleration would be much better; this baby cant even compete with my 2001 Civic LX (115hp); and the acceleration pedal is too close to the side wall, so if you have a fair size feet, you have to squeeze it in there.