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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  2015 Jetta 1.8 T auto trans rocket. - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger Ramjet - July 18 - 5:07 am

  This motor really was a blast to drive thru the mountains to Reno and back. Plenty of power even at high elevation. On the ride home I traveled 205 miles in 2 hours 40 min and used about 5 gallons of gas. This car has amazing performance with gas mileage approaching a hybrid. I may buy one.

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  Perfect car for a second childhood - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By josjaws - July 15 - 10:00 am

  When the time came to replace a 1966 Mustang Id used as a daily driver for eight years, I had all but signed the dotted line to order a new Mini Cooper when I discovered the GTI. A weekend spent comparing the two cars quickly showed the Mini couldnt hold a candle to the Volkswagen in terms of build quality, handling and just-plain- fun. Now that Ive had the GTI for just over a year, Ive had no reason to regret my decision. My wife and I recently completed a trip from Denver to Dallas [910 miles] in one fifteen hour drive. Neither of us felt beat up or exhausted. Great seats!

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  Reliable Engine, Cheap Interior Finishes - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VW_Convertible - July 14 - 9:06 pm

  I am generally happy with the reliability of my VW engine but am disappointed with the quality of the interior fittings. The Front Power Window mechanism (was faulty) broke several times when the car was nearly new and had to be replaced with re- designed motors and chains (very expensive if car is out of warranty) The rear power window mechanism breaks often and is expensive to repair.....The Car overall is beautifully designed and finished on the outside, has very comfortable front seats, and has a quiet, smooth, stable ride with a well appointed dashboard and easy-to use controls. Automatic transmission started to jerk & stick at slow speeeds > 75,000 miles...Keys cost > 350$ to replace

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  Basic trans to and from work. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nick Mancini - July 12 - 12:37 pm

  Only had the car a week, diesel , 5 speed manual trans. About 40 mpg, too soon to give honest review.

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  20001 Jetta Wagon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim Hastings - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with to car overall. The car has a smooth comfortable ride and is very dependable. The only thing I don,t like about the car is the fact that when we put our babys car seat in the back, you have to put the front seat up close to the steering wheel to fit it in.

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  Carbon Build Up - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By Tom - July 9 - 9:50 pm

  We are loyal VW owners. We are on our 5th VW, a 2005 Golf TDI. After on 10,000 miles we had carbon build up on the fuel injector which was not covered by the 4 year / 50,000 mile warranty. The repair cost about $1,000. VW blamed the problem on WA & OR not having fuel standards. When asked if the vehicle was garaged in any other state would the warranty cover the repair - VWs answer was "no." VWs quality has gone down in the over the years and unfortunately this will be our last VW since the company will not stand behind their product.

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  Style versus Quality - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jrainer - July 9 - 2:13 pm

  My wife wanted a beetle ever since they released the new version. We bought a certified used, so had a warranty on it which has come in handy. Dont buy a Beetle without a warranty! We had 2 or 3 warranty repairs that would have been $400 or more. Now that its out of warranty, weve spent about $1,500 on repairs that are quality issues, from leaking cooling systems to exhaust pipe cracks to window motors. The interior looks stylish but cheap and is cheap. The armrest, mirror adjust switch, and a cup holder are broken. Sun visors are worthless; back seat folds down to an odd and annoying position; glove box is too small.

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  I still love mine! 2002 Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Woodenbee - July 7 - 1:33 am

  I bought my silver Turbo S used in 2005, and I still love walking up to it every day, its a gorgeous little car. This car is six years old and has its share of dents but still looks awesome, previous owner managed to make sunroof leak (fixed myself with amazing Haynes manual) and misalign drivers door? The doors on these things are really solid so how they did that I dont know? listening to the turbo whistle rocks and the six speed is cool, I have taillight issues on the left, but other than that she goes great. Anyway Ive really come to think that VW did reinvent their peoples car, used or new these are cheap and practical cars that anyone smart enough to want one can afford.

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  not bad - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By william h - July 6 - 2:00 am

  i have a 02 gti 1.8t.fun to drive,love to use the tip tranny.i know but wife doesnt drive stick! i test drove the rsx, no thanks!i have had problems with the coils. 6000 miles 1st coils went. vw will not replace all coils the 1st time it happens! u have to wait until it happens again! great! lucky i have a great dealership,they replaced both coils in 45 min.car rattles to much!

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  03 jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By troy - July 5 - 11:16 pm

  Purchased as used in 08 with 65000 miles, now has 95000. Love the drive and especially the handling. The problem is a harsh shift from third to forth ( auto trans) and have spent $1500 on a valve body R & R with no help. No codes in computer and not sure what to do now. For those who do their own maintenance, VW uses there own fluids and you cannot go to the local auto parts store and buy oil trans fluid etc, and they tend to be spendy at the dealer. The 100000 mile timing belt R & R is $+-$1000 at the dealer. Frustrated vw owner.