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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  Best SUV EVER?!? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By drivevdubs - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The Volkswagen Touareg has now set a standard for everyone else. This SUV is the best car purchase I have ever made. I am an avid hunter and I have taken this car through the toughest terrain, already!, and there is nothing that car stop this!

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  HOT VEHICLE - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By WESLEY - March 29 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED MANY SUVS IN MY LIFE. THE TOUAREG BY FAR IS MY FAVORITE VEHICLE. DEFINITLY WOULD RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANY SUV SHOPPER.

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  A bug I love to hate - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sam74 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car however the interior seats stain too easily. The paint is chipping off the interior door panels and door handles. Gunther VW repainted them at no charge. Headlight plastic cover came off for no apparrent reason while driving in Florida. The chip protectors are peeling off (cheap plastic film). Besides the cosmetic annoyances, I would definately purchase one again as it drives like a dream. Dont waste your money on the 2.0 turbo. Turbo lag, annoying sound of rear spoiler, and highprice tag. Will purchase a TDI next time around.

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  Driver Found!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LvMyConvBug - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Vw Conv Bug for a couple of months now and so glad that I bought one. Everything about it is fun down to the cute vase. The colors are also what makes the car fun. I think everyone needs a bug.

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  Diesels require expensive maintaince - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tool cat - March 28 - 6:21 pm

  I found out after the purchase that this TDI engine requires special oil that must meet the VW spec #505.01 which is very hard to find. Also the lower engine plastic guard must be removed every time just to change the oil. The filter is easily accessible. This engine (PD/BEW) has had some trouble with the camshafts. Which is why the special oil. Also the cam belt must be changed according to the schedule or you risk the engine blowing up do to the belt braking. Most other vehicle now use a cam chain instead of the toothed belt. It has plenty of power with the turbo kicking in. Mileage has been 40 - 43.5 mpg

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  repair despair - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doesnt matter - March 28 - 11:30 am

  Fuel pump failure, check timing belt repair, check electrical problems, check I could go on and on about the problems Ive had with this darn car.

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  Solid Car - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Poncho P - March 27 - 7:16 pm

  So its been a month since I got my Tiguan SE 4Motion in Blue exterior and Charcoal interior. I just cant get over the joy of driving it. For its size it can handle the road so secure. Inside there is a lot of room (and Im a tall guy). My legs and head are very comfortable. All the instrumentation is reachable and well placed for visualization. The construction of the car is very solid. Feels like one piece. Mileage is a blessing, but if you keep testing the turbo it can go down.

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  It is that good - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Pfarfegnuggen - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Waited all year... Read every review (especially here)/ Compared the CPO Audis/Beemers. Vowed not to spend the $ on the Autobahn pkg or Bi-xenons...HA. Finally took delivery yesterday of a brand new 2010 United Grey w/ every option but NAV (incl Autobahn Pkg and those Bi-xenons)for under $28K. Dealer was professional. GET YOURS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!! Price only increases for 2011... Wife and kids love it. So do I. Thanks for the info All!

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  Exelent Van - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By Enrriquillo - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Driving to NY from South Carolina tree times, 12 hours trip, very confortable and nice to drive. Not very noisy inside. Gas in average, I would like one with engine TDI. Sound system ok. Captain seats very comfortable for long trips.

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  VW Lengendary Unreliability - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sebastian - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Heres a car that does nothing well. I bought a GTI mainly as a commuter that would be fun to drive. Now, one month into my purchase, Ive barely driven it. My GTI has spent most of its time in the service department because the engine cuts out on every stop light. Two weeks this car has been at the dealership with no resolution. I should have bought a WRX or any other car for that matter. This GTI is outclassed by just about every competitor in its price range. Im so mad for buying this piece of junk. If you want a sporty hatchback look elsewhere. There are numerous better all around performing cars out there. VW= "Das Unkluge Auto"