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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  Wish I never bought this car... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By domdpt - May 25 - 2:53 am

  I was new to VW and relatively impressed by the Jetta, although I really wanted the GLI I was not ready to pay $30,000 for a small sedan. The car was ok to start, however within 2 months all door panels were rattling, suspension squeaked, and engine became sluggish. Almost 1 year later and after a few trips to the dealer, all door panels still rattle, the engine is not responsive, and MPGs are getting worse. VW quality has slipped a lot from what i can gether, and the dealer is less than willing to help fix the problems. Unless you get a GLI, do not waste your money.

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  Too expensive to keep it looking cute - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Toni - May 23 - 2:50 pm

  The VW Cabrio is cute but frequently needs high cost bits and pieces replaced. The latest is over $260 for a plastic front grill which took several weeks to arrive at the dealership. The grill ws broken by the dealership because that was the only way for them to get to the broken hood latch. It is also very expensive to insure, even if its just state minimum requirements. This high maintenance for its appearance and high insurance costs eat up any savings from the good fuel economy.

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  Fun Car to Drive, But... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By PKF Passat - May 21 - 10:00 am

  After being a two-time Honda owner, I decided to take a chance with the much better-equipped VW Passat. I bought my 99 Passat GLS V6 in 2002 under the certified program, which came with a supplemental 2-year/24,000 mile warranty. The car is easily the most fun I have ever driven. The V6 is peppy, and the features are great. Unfortunately, the quality has been nothing short of a complete disaster. In just over a year, Ive replaced the rear brakes and rotors twice, the entire front suspension, radiator, all of the interior dash lighting, and the list goes on...while the the warranty still exists now, Im dreading owning this car without one.

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  Wouldnt buy another one. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Biff_96 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Check engine light came on three times since purchased due to burned out carbon sensor. The glove box hinges have broken twice. There is unknown goop oozing out of both door hinges. Like the look of the car, fun to drive, but their have been too many irritating problems since I purchased it in 2000. Would not recommend.

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  dissappointed - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By blues - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Not yet set up to service car.Mine was delivered with faulty a/c and still not fixed for sure.Sub par in town handling.sloppy acceleration from stop or low speeds.

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  Where do I start ? - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rasta - May 11 - 7:43 pm

  I thought was getting a good german car.To my suprize I have been in the service department more than I have ever had with any car before. I have so much repairs done on my Passat it sits in my Garage. I you my more reliable RAV 4 to get me where I have to go. Thank you VW :( for a great buy!!!

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  Candid Review of My VW GTI GLS - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Krafty - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is horrible. The reliabiltiy and quality is not commesurate with the selling price of this vehicle. Yes it is fun to drive and has a certain appeal to it, but it has been one expensive problem after another, with no end in sight.

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  We are leaving the fo;d - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By dandi-andi - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a nightmare. The broken air conditioner in the first month, ruined our vacation plans (we spent it in the repair shop instead) The tires wore out by 10,000. The seats are impossible to get out or back in. We think they are in securely and then 1 hour later they fall out, with a child in the seat. Cant drive with the windows open. The whole car vibrates and sounds like a helicoptor. Bad choise. Never again.

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  octoberfest leftover - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jayjay - May 10 - 10:00 am

  In less than one year I had 3 sensors replaced (gas,exhaust sensor,Icant recallthe 3rd.)At just over one year the water pump broke a part & was replaced. Istill cant trust the gas sensor. Mirror came off cracking the windshield,It makes crinking noises everytime I go over a small speed bump (felt in gear shift(is starting to loosen up) & drivers side.Cant find out cause of this.It does start every am & is fun to drive.Lack of storage in passenger compartment.

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  Piece of junk! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By just me - May 8 - 10:00 am

  2004 Volkswagon Passat. Bought used at dealership. Oil blew, coolant blew, destroyed the thermostat. Dealership could not tell me why. They were clueless. Sounds to me like the oil sludge problem but wont openly admit it. Cost 2000 grand to fix. headlights went out. dealership wont change them without charging me 150 becuz they claim you have to pull off the bumper. I will never again buy a Volkswagen!