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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  nice car but probably not again - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bnienhau - June 1 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the new 2005 Jetta with the 2006 body style. I bought it new with about 32000 miles and within about 20000 miles I had to to take in for a tranny problem. good thing it was under warranty. I havent had any more problems except for the interior. Raido is peeling and the handles black paint is peeling. The cosmetic issues inside are garbage but all in all a good car if that is not a conern. I have 2 years left on my loan so I hope it lasts cince it now has 100000 miles on it. Will the car last. Any suggestions on making it last are welcome.

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  2000 Beetle - Cute, but never again! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PDW - May 31 - 6:50 am

  We bought the car brand new and had problems with the air bag lights right away. We have had the car into the dealer numerous times for the air bag light indicator. The check engine light comes on frequently and many sensors have been replaced. I would not buy another VW. (We learned how to replace headlamp bulb ourselves - its very expensive to have it done at the mechanic shop.)The car has a reputation with many mechanics!!

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  OK, but disappointed - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - May 31 - 3:13 am

  I do mostly city driving in my 2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T. There is a lack of power while in 1st gear. Getting into 2nd gear still has a lot of resistence. In the 29,000 miles that I have had this car, the tires went bald, the driver door latch stopped working and I had to hold the door closed while I drove it to the dealer, the drivers head light died, there have been rattles, the ride quality diminished (takes bumps harshly), the auto up driver window hasnt worked once since day one, and it is true what they say about VW service...short and rude. I pity those who have bought the $70,000 Phaeton and have to put up with VWs dealer attitudes. Ill go back to Lexus soon.

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  Nicely engineered/poorly built - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob - May 30 - 7:33 pm

  Ive had the car around 9 months. Its a great road trip car - with the TDI, Ive gotten nearly 700 miles on a tank of fuel. It corners nicely and mileage has been over 40 mpg on every tank. Gets over 50 on highway. Pleased this car even starts up in below zero weather this past winter. The DSG transmission is very nice - the diesel/trans combo is the best part of this car. Trip computer is nice, too. But the stereo stinks for $25k car, little/no sound from front speakers. Also not a fan of the "leatherette" seating surfaces - drivers seat already showing wear at 9,000 miles (and Im only 150 lbs.) Overall, my 01 wolfsburg was more fun, but equally unreliable. Why do I keep buying VWs?

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  Silver 5 speed in VA - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By phylnurs - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my vehicle for about 1 1/2 years. It only had 14000 miles on it at the time so I have spent alot of time in it. I am considering upgrading to a newer one of the same type. I bought for the fel efficiency and it has been great! People smile when they see on of these cars pull in near them. Kids love "punch buggies" too :)

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  Nice Car. Needs a better engine - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By BPL - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice chassis and excellent interior. The oil leaking underpowered 1.8T is the weak point. Ive known the original owner since she purchased it brand new. She took excellent care of it and kept up on regular services yet at 60000 miles it is leaking oil like the exxon valdez from almost every gasket and seal. I would expect better from a company like VW/Audi.

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  So Good Gonna Upgrade to a Passat - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lumberjack - May 28 - 10:00 am

  A V-6 with stick holds 220 km/h like it is on rails. Problem free. Fun to drive. Been thru 3 Chicago Winters with great traction and performance. So good are going to upgrade to either Jetta or Passat Wagon in Sep when new ones come out -- to get better price and trade in.

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  best vw ive owned - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By allan p - May 28 - 10:00 am

  its fast, very comfortable and relatively economical to run. the new 4 yr. warranty is a plus. this is the 3rd jetta weve had in our family and its the best yet!

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  Not as promised - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By Ben - May 26 - 11:16 am

  So here is the skinny on this - If you promise something, stand behind it and deliver - does not matter who the company is. The reason we switched from a SUV to a Minivan was because the gas mileage was supposed to be so much better 17/25. Instead I am getting similar mileage to the 7 passenger SUV that we had before this. 13/19 My wife loved her SUV and I convinced her that this would save us money on the gas, instead I feel like a fool but that is because, I / we were lied to and deceived.

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  Not what I had hoped for - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By 13passatowner - May 24 - 6:45 am

  I really enjoyed driving my 2013 Passat diesel but the turbo charger failed on it with 32K miles on it. We live in a rural area (sparsely populated/closest dealer is 1-1/2 hours away) and I have been talking to owners in the area and two others have had the same problem. This is my first VW and I am getting very concerned. I have had three Hondas and have not had any problems. Am thinking of trading off.