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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  10 cars in one! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By clarkma5 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I had a loaded 2002 GTI 1.8T Tiptronic before that I loved, so I got another GTI 1.8T, but this time I skipped all the luxury stuff in an effort to get a better performance feel...so I have cloth, stick, no sunroof, and 17" wheels. The result is amazing. The engine feels so much stronger than before, the handling is much more neutral, with only light understeer, and the brakes feel positively fantastic now. Strip out all the luxury options and you end up with an RSX-beater for $18k, compared to $25k for the Acura. Its more comfortable, better looking, and more practical, and is also the best drag machine this side of a WRX or Mustang GT! Perfect!

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  Next time, Im getting the VR6 - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By gti dreamn - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited 5 years for this GTI. So far its been great. However, I will say it isnt for the impatient. The power is there, but some times it takes a second or 2. Gear selection is key. Fit and finish of the interior/exterior is good. Controls are within easy reach, but the HVAC knobs are a little too low for my taste. Well, at least the cup holders dont block the radio anymore. The front seats have plenty of adjustment to fit anyone. I compared this car to the RSX & A4 Avant, but liked the GTI better overall. On my next VW, Im going with the VR6 motor for driving simplicity and for the extra features that come with it. Get the R32 if you can afford it.

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  A nice change from a truck. - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By pinkpilot - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a few weeks, but I love the mpg I get out of it. I have the 2.0L gas and its not the most powerful, but it gets me all around town and has good acceleration getting on the highway. Perfect for me. I looked at other cars (Toyota Matrix et al) and this Golf had all the saftey features I wanted (airbags and abs 4 wheel) for a really good price.

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  So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By djfllmn - April 23 - 9:06 am

  My dad purchased this car in Feb. of 2009 on the same day that I got my 2003 Ranger. Ive never been much for German cars, but Im slowly starting to like them. I read all of the reviews that mention the sludge problem. They dont change their oil frequent enough. It should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles and you will be good to go.

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  I LOVE it... When it runs! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mphillips - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  Wanted a VW Passat for a long time. I looked for over 2 months and finally found a car in great shape. I had the mechanics checked out and drove the car for about a day prior to making a decision. I have now paid to replace the head gasket, valve cover seals, viscous fan, electric fan, radiator, electric fan switch, front wire harness and more. I have spent an additional 2700 dollars in repars since early 2007. I run full synthetic oil as recommended by VW. I change it every 3000-4000 miles (5000 recommended). I change filters regularly and run premium fuel (for the turbo). NOBODY should work on VW but dealer or VERY experienced. Dealer will rape you for part AND labor. Buy new w/full warranty

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  Solid, zippy, reliable, 48mpg(70%hwy) -54mpg(95%hwy) stock! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By genegenre - April 22 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my 2000 Beetle tdi in 10/11 with 110k. It is now 12/12 and after getting a job as a courier recently, I have put about 40k miles on it. Zero break downs. Since Ive owned it; 1. had to replace starter 2. AC compressor failed 3. Cruise control failed 4. stock speakers all blown (I listen to jazz & NPR so lil disappointing) 5. original shocks/struts really wearing out... Not perfect but damn good where it counts. The interior panels and dash are cheap and look awful but the seats are comfy. I sit in it 6hrs a day now & am very pleased with the lumbar support. Eng hums @ 70-80 and through rolling hills of Pittsburgh, I got 48mpg b4 w/ a 24mi trip to work now 50+ nearly all hwy.

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Long Island - April 21 - 10:23 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Passat which was great for a 2006 model. It is hard to believe they could improve a great car this much but they did. The new Passat is faster, gets better milage and has more space. The 2006 model has the luxury feel that was missing in the previous generation. It feels like Im driving an Audi A6 for $25,000 less.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By new11gti - April 21 - 6:01 am

  I am one of those types of people that buy a new car every year. To name a few of my favorites I owned, Honda Prelude, Suburu STI, Jeep Wrangler, Honda Accord. My 2011 GTI is by far my favorite. The look, the feel, the performance..I could go on for days. If you are thinking about getting one, take it for a test drive and you will not regret it.

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  One of the best cars to own! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Raynmann - April 21 - 3:53 am

  This car is the second of my 2 volkswagen Jetta TDI wagons. I have had no problems with this car so far and expect none. This car comes with a 12 year no rust through guarantee. In MN that is huge!! It means no need to buy another vehicle due to having a rust bucket. The diesel engine will run at least 10 years at the annual mileage before having significant maintenance. VW is approving the use of Biodiesel in their engines, so I can have a more environment friendly automobile.

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  Dishonest maker - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Lisa - April 20 - 10:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Touareg by default, the first one had so many electrical issues that I took it back to the dealer and refused to pay for it any longer. So being the generous automaker/dealer they decided they would let me out of that lease but only if I would resign a lease with them for the NEW AND IMPROVED 2006 Touareg. I did, I really liked the look and the way it handled. The 2006 version has been a nightmare, first the noise caused by some unknown vibration, dealer fixed by adding foam behind the dash, then when I complained of the continued vibration I was told it was my tires. I replaced my tires it improved put did not fix. Brakes bad, ridiculous cost to replace but its not just the