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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  Import Quality Without Import Price - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kjfpottery - February 19 - 12:33 pm

  We fell in love with the Jettas solid build and peppy drivetrain during the test drive. Purchased at 37,000 miles, we now have 100,000 with absolutely no problems. We maintain it well and expect to enjoy this car for another 100,000 miles. Parts and labor could be expensive, but it is rarely needing either so it is no matter. I highly recommend the 2010 Jetta 2.5L inline 5 cylinder!

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  Jetta TDI Going strong - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tooled - February 19 - 10:53 am

  I have driven 37500 miles in 16 months. My problems included a 1 hour dealer visit for speedometer and satellite radio software programming and a 1 day visit to correct an airbag fault. That aside, this vehicle has been perfect mechanically and a blast to drive. Lots of torque, 42+ MPG cruising at 80 MPH and great seats. AC is fantastic in southern heat. Oil changes myself in 30 minutes. Elf Synthetic for $5.25/litre and $12 for an oil filter. Even did my rear brakes in 3 hours. Maintenance is easy, like any other new car. The car has a tight build and excellent quality of fit, finish and materials.

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  Couldnt be more pleased... - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Eos Lvr - February 18 - 3:46 pm

  So, Ive been driving my new white Eos with the corn silk beige interior for a few weeks now. I have been wanting a convertible for quite some time and this was the perfect fit for me, 27 and just broke up with my boyfriend. Perfect timing. ;) Every time I get into the car I love it even more. Rain or shine, day or night, you get the best of all three worlds in driving this car, a convertible, a sunroof and a coupe. I really like the power and the many features it has. I researched this car for awhile before purchasing it and really couldnt find any reason not to buy it. So, if you’re looking to purchase one, you won’t go wrong!

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  My vw limited edition convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By KAREN DENTZ - February 18 - 1:03 pm

  I have the special edition, dark flint editiion, the 2.0 Is well worth the price compared to the turbo. You aint going to race anyone in your beatle

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  Why so many bad reviews? - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vic40 - February 18 - 4:01 am

  I dont understand why there are so many complaints about the New Jetta. After looking at everything, I settled on the smartly priced Jetta S with Sunroof and manual trans. Admittedly, its no speed merchant, but it does just fine, has no trouble keeping up, and returns decent mileage in the process. I just dont see how you can look at most of the direct competition and find the Jetta lacking. The Americans are either too small (Fiesta and Sonic) or more expensive (Focus and Cruze). The Japanese competitors are just crappy. Complaints about the Jettas interior??? Seen a Civic lately? Yikes! And perhaps most importantly, all 63" of me fits in the Jetta with room to spare in back.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Luke - February 17 - 5:16 pm

  I love the car! First time I have ever bought a diesel engine or German car. Love the mileage I am getting, well over 30 mpg and that includes around town driving. The car handles very well, tight steering, monsoon sound system is awesome. No problems so far with diesel in cold weather. Diesel engine is no louder than a regular gas engine.

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  I love it! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By mg - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year now and I still love it. Everywhere I go, I receive compliments on the styling. When I have passengers they comment that its roomy, comfortable and luxurious. I think this car is sporty and fun yet classy and full of features. I set out to buy the BMW 325i but the Passat had so many more bells and whistles than the Beemer at less cost, that I decided to try the VW. I have been very pleased with its performance.

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  A true winner - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By pdboy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Everything good you read about the Passat is true, and then some. Fantastic styling, performance, reliability, and service. Buy one!

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  An Unknown Treasure - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ermin - February 16 - 9:26 pm

  There is so much hype surrounding Japanese cars that the Passat remains relatively unknown and overlooked. The car is outstanding, it oozes quality everywhere you look. The other day I left it at a public parking lot in a posh neighborhood and the guy who drove it back to me said, "This is a really nice car." This from a guy who sees all types of cars in that neighborhood. The car drives so well, its responsive, fast, comfortable, and it has so many optional features Im still discovering some of them after one month of owning it. In fact, after I checked Accord with all added options that come standard in my Passat, the Accord was actually more expensive. The Passat is a family, yet sporty sedan with a German touch!

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  The Best - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By marshn - February 15 - 7:53 pm

  My Volkswagen Jetta Wagon is the best. I am a musician and haul lots of instruments and gear. I loaded all this up in several wagons for a test drive and there was no question. This car held more equipment, drives much better (its a blast to drive), is more comfortable for long drives, and the sound system is outstanding. The heated seats and sunroof add to the joy. I could not be happier with this car. Ive got 115,000 miles and never had a problem. I have only had to make oil changes and 3 tune-ups. Fahrvergnuegen! Danke Volkswagen!