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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  Most Fun Lemon Ive ever had - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Husky44 - February 26 - 7:30 pm

  Bought my 2000 Volkswagen Beetle as a certified used vehicle for my wife to replace her 1999 Passat wagon (the 1st VW lemon we owned). I swore Id never buy another VW, but she loved it, and this was a manual, instead of an automatic transmission, which gave us so much trouble in the Passat. This car is an absolute blast to drive. Unfortunately, VW quality is poor, and VW service is abysmal. We have had numerous electrical and drivetrain problems with this car. We have thorougly described and documented all of the problems, and have been told by the dealer that they dont exist. We have replaced too many parts to list. When I complained about the turbo spoiler not working automatically at 90+, the dealer told me not to go that fast (then why offer the feature?).

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  False Premonition - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By MH - February 24 - 9:33 pm

  I am 65 and this car proved itself to be great, roomy, sporty, economical and attractive. I traded my VW Gti 337 Ed, due to thinking that it will break down as soon as I run out of warranty. Unfortunately I should have kept it. After 7 months of ownership the 07 GTi came across an issue, a clunking noise in the front of the suspension. I went to research this on a vw forum and it turns out plenty of people have this problem. I attempted to fix this under warranty & even dealt with VWOA and no fix has been found, better yet it couldnt been replicated despite the fact that I had proof on video of many random recurrence and having a service manager replicated it to the quality rep from vw.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By eeyoremc - February 24 - 4:44 am

  I bought the car used from the VW dealer in Manchester NH. Started off ok. But last week had to replace the coolant system which was about $500. Now THIS week car disengaged from gear while driving (clutch not pushed in) and first mechanic (not dealer) says I need a NEW transmission? Its only got 85K on it and I have never, ever needed a clutch or transmission in an of my manual trans cars. And I drive - often. Now at the dealer but Ive now been without a car for almost a week and Im disillusioned. This is my 2nd Bug, I do love them, but if its the transmission it was a build issue for sure. Be wary.

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  Pretty, fun - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By SpaceDude - February 23 - 2:53 pm

  Got this 2001.5 model (2001 base with updated looks of 2002) = driving older car that looks like newer. Overall quality of the car was pretty good, no dingelingding during driving, doors closed with a good, Mercedes like smack. Engine was so-so: The turbo kicked in a bit late, which created interesting situations as 4 way Stops: You step on the gas, nothing happens, so you step more into it, and all of the sudden the care takes off (rubber donuts, squeeking wheels, the whole show). Once moving, car was fun to drive. The mirror-adjustment joysticks position is inadequate when youre 6"+ tall: your knee will rip that thing right off while getting in. Had quite a few electrical issues though.

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  Very Happy... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By justin - February 23 - 10:00 am

  First off, I looked at quite a few cars before deciding on the Passat. I have to say that this is a very fun car, and is quiet at highway speeds, and surprisingly quick and powerful for such a small engine. Make sure you test drive the 1.8t and the V6, as these are two different cars entirely. Both have their strong points and personalities.

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  Very Happy... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Justin - February 23 - 10:00 am

  First off, I looked at quite a few cars before deciding on the Passat. I have to say that this is a very fun car, and is quiet at highway speeds, and surprisingly quick and powerful for such a small engine. Make sure you test drive the 1.8t and the V6, as these are two different cars entirely. Both have their strong points and personalities.

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  Stylish and Sophisticated - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By manlyman - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Just bought by GLX on 8-31-02--paid $29680.00 lock, stock, and barrel. Compared car to BMW 3-series, Acura 3.2T, Honda Accord EX V-6, and Volvo S60. Bottom line: No comparison. This cars ride comfort is incredible, the handling is good, and the styling, both exterior and interior, is very classy and somewhat understated. For the money, in this class, I dont think any other manufacturer comes close to the complete package that VW offers in the Passat GLX. Dont forget to take into consideration this cars residual value in 3 years--tops in its class also.

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  2003 and STILL kickin - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By oldvolkshome - February 23 - 8:36 am

  I purchased my 2003 1.8T Jetta 5-speed new. Aside from a new water pump at 60k miles (normal) and a faulty coil over arc this car is the best car I have ever owned. It is now 2011 and have 100k miles with original brake pads and original clutch and trans. The car runs beautifully.. It helps A LOT if you drive your car gently and DONT "over tach" and screech your tires! When it comes to having a good or bad car, its a 50/50 thing. Just getting lucky and picking a good one combined with how you drive it and maintain it. I highly recommend using synthetic oil. I have used Mobil 1 from day one and my motor doesnt burn a DROP of oil 100k miles later. Love your car & it will love you back!!

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  Im a believer - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stewsir - February 22 - 4:48 pm

  I leased my Jetta about 8 weeks ago because of a change in my commuting status. I needed something that could haul 3-4 adults 50-60 miles a day, each way. Ive had VWs, Audis and Volvos previously. This isnt my favorite car, but for what I got it for, its the best, by far. Very comfortable inside, front AND back. great mileage. I average 35 or so around town and 42-45 on the highway. Its nice to see just under half a tank left and 450 miles on the trip odometer. I think Im doing 600 or so miles per tank. Pretty impressive for a 14 gallon tank.

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  Tiquan driver - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Reggie - February 22 - 3:26 am

  I bought this SUV in may, right away I liked it. The only thing I can say is I agree with all other reviews as far as gas mileage. But only one other driver mentioned the radio which sounds like its playing through a tunnel lousy quality. I think the is to much road noise also. The brakes are great and the handling I love.