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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  Return of the Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sir Drives Alot - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Fit and finish of this car and its rock solid feel have it all over the Japanese competitors. The exterior paint is almost flawless I get between 42 and 44 mpg no matter how fast I drive.Lots of standard features even in this entry level GL model like the standard CD player. Dealer support is excellant. I have had two problems that they fixed right the first time (transmision shifting problem and pinched fuel injector line). Everyone loves the dash board lights. The attention to every detail of the interior is amazing at this price level.The folding split rear seats give it plenty of cargo room.

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  Even Better Than I Imagined!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Levnew - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My Jetta was my graduation present to myself. I absolutely love it. I had wanted one for years - it has far exceeded my expectations! It is a solid, stylish fun car to drive. I have the Manual 6 GLI - the most fun I have had driving a car in years. It is loaded and I look for reasons to drive it. So, from this 50 year old to you: try it! It will be hard to walk away from!

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  Jetta - Great Value For The Money - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vdub - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Twice the window fell into the door (once the passenger window, once the driver window). Ive had a few minor problems otherwise, but overall, I would lease one again - perhaps the more upscale GLX! I love my Jetta and I would recommend it to first time drivers (very safe) or drivers who want a German vehicle for less!

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  #8 and still liking em - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bigfoot16 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for my wife and cant get it away from her she loves it. Weve had good experances with our vws and this one is no exception. Fun to drive and the performance has picked up since getting a few miles on car and changing to synthtic oil, gas milage around 32 on highway. by the way I drive a 2002 GTI 1.8 with chip and some other mods.

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  The new Bug is Incredible.... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brandl - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The Bug is an amazing little car. Its so spacish, very clean cut, and a nice look to the car.

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  8000 miles/9 month update - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jamievidd - April 2 - 8:43 pm

  My SE with the 1.8L turbo has been sublime so far. Anyone who bothers with the way underpowered 115hp 2.0 base Jetta should check themselves into a mental hospital. Dont go near it. Head straight for the 1.8 in the SE for only a 2-3K more. This car is so fun and engaging to drive. The 1.8 really performs and its even better once its broken in. Never at a loss for power and the ride/handling/comfort are stellar. This car was a steal for what I paid for it (under $20K with discounts). And love the v-tex leatherette heated seats, soft leather steering wheel..etc. Yes the dash is kind of no frills but who cares. Its the driving that its all about and this car delivers it comfortably.

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  $4000 in repairs in less than a year! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By katie - April 2 - 12:00 pm

  I bought this at 59,000. Two weeks later it went in the shop. 6 of the 8 ignition coils went bad $620(there was a recall on this so if they need repaired again VW will not pay 4 it). Intake bad, fuel sensor bad, coolant sensor bad. Total that time $1,890.00. Before I bought the car Lithia put $500.00 in what they called basic repairs, 2 weeks ago I put $900 in electrical probs and 2day my valve gaskets blew out of no where (they are new btw) $1,192.00 for those to be replaced. Front light went out and thats $500.00 2 repair bc they have 2 take the front panel off! Oh and the car is now stated to be worth $8,000.00. So in reality I have thus paid $12,982 for a car worth $8 grand

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  Outstanding Value - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By RL - April 2 - 7:53 am

  This car, with the outstanding deals being offered, represents great value. The quality of the interior materials is above average for the class. Yes, its heavy, but it rolls down the road in fine style and the structure feels bank vault strong. Ive been averaging 17-18 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, not bad for a large car. Overall Im very impressed so far, and look forward to driving this car every chance I get. Those who dont consider this car because its has the VW emblem are making an error, there is nothing like a Phaeton for the price. Consider this; the Bentley Continental is built on the same platform and shares most of the Phaetons running gear!

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  Poor Reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By misty - April 1 - 9:40 pm

  Have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Volkswagen Passat since it was bought new. The engine light comes on at least four times a winter with evap issues, I had to replace glove box door, the shifter, and a pump. My Saturn was more reliable than this. Too bad it is so fun to drive.

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  First impressions - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bodyshopboy - April 1 - 6:13 pm

  Traded in my 04 Acura TL in search of better gas mileage. Mission accomplished - the Jetta gets 34 mpg on my commute that yielded 19-20 mpg in the TL. The Jetta TDI is fun to drive, I feel even more confident through the twisities than in the TL. There are many thoughtful details like ample storage in the door and glove box as well under the floor of the rear cargo area. The Ipod connector is delightful as well allowing full menus. Touch screen audio is well done. Surprised that I liked the 16" wheels over the 17s Bluetooth connection is "answer only" no voice command or interface for dialing. Found a work-around using the cell phone voice command (sad that a $50 cell trumps a $30K car).