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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  Acceleration woes - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kshanagahn - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Impressive looks, excellent handling, and smooth, powerful engine. The all wheel drive was excellent even in deep snow - better than prior suvs Ive owned. Only complaint: Ive have had a problem with acceleration when I really needed it. Slammed the gas and nothing!! It hesitates for maybe 2 seconds and then takes off. Very scary when an 18 wheeler is about to T- bone you. The dealer doesnt have a clue as to why.

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  Paint Problems - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sean - November 18 - 12:30 am

  I love my Beetle. I have always driven Cherolets, but I love my VW Bug. It is amazingly fun to drive and looks great...BUT...it has major paint issues. I have the Harvest Moon (Cream) colored Beetle. My front bumper has been in the shop six times in under a years time! It has been very disappointing.

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  Why I bought a new Jetta - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pragmatist - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Why did we buy this 2011 Jetta (SE w/Conv. and Sunroof)? Balance between content and price. Quick summary: Enough power for easy highway merges and handling a full load of passengers; Smooth driving dynamics; Sleek/current exterior; Full complement of current high tech (IPod adaptor, Bluetooth, AUX, XM radio, touchscreen audio interface, CD changer, wheel mounted audio controls); Full complement of current safety features (front/side airbags, ABS, stability control, impact beams, blinkers on side mirrors); Comfortable seats and interior— Interior pleasant to look at (I don’t touch my dashboard except when wiping dust off); Great dimensions: Overall length shorter than Audi A4 even though

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  Its a Good Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DJ Arrington - November 15 - 7:50 am

  When I first bought this car I loved... Love the vr6 with the 6-speed Manuel, its a really comfortable car... But I wish I wouldnt have bought it... Its a great car but Im not a car person... I had a 2000 pathfinder that I traded in and I really miss the utility... I have had the jetta for almost 2 years and I miss having a ton of room on the inside... Thats my only complaint... Its a great car to just roll down the Windows open the sunroof and crank up the radio and just drive... Perfect weekend car...

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  Bought mine used and no problems - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bananarama - November 12 - 2:00 am

  bought my little GLS used with 40000 miles on it, and no problems to tell you about...As stated in other reviews, the cupholders need work, needs a bigger windshield mirror, and the 2.0GLS needs a 6 speed tranny...the 5 speed revs at 4000 rpms at 80 mph, sounds like the engine is going to blow!...All together, a very fun, reliable, gas worthly car to drive.

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  Owners found short love affair - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Terry Poole - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car started out as a gem. The problem experienced are the same as most bug owners( window switch, window track, mirror knob, dead battery, trim coming off, abnormal tire wear, The worst being it burns oil and intermittantly runs hot. The dealers cant seem to correct the the last two issues.

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  Love it! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PMeyer - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I had a 97 Jetta before purchasing my 01 Woflsburg in March of 03. I love it! I bought it with 20,000 miles on it....Only problem I had is that the senor for the hazard lights/turn signals had to be replaced at 22,000 miles...the clutch needs to be lubricated once in a while because of it squeeking. Other than that, Ive had no problems (keeping my fingers crossed)

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  Would not purchase again - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By j__c - November 11 - 6:30 am

  I purchased this 2013 TDI SEL Premium in October 2013. It already had one owner and 32k miles. I now have 45k miles on the car. Fuel mileage is about 40 MPG with 60% hwy 40% city.

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  Good car, but too many annoying problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tam - November 6 - 2:33 pm

  I leased this car a couple of years ago - it goes back in December. I love the styling, the interior room, and the comfort. (We call it our "van" because its so accomodating.) But there are a lot of little things I hate about it. I hate that to make the seats recline, you have to use a stiff knob rather than the usual lever. I hate that the windshield wipers are special ones you have to get at the dealership, which cost tons to replace, and are not nearly as good as I had in my Honda Civic. And the radio reception is poor. We havent had any mechanical problems with it, and its been a fine car to own. Just do some comparison shopping first!

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  New Beetle- Holds up well & Fun to Drive, but get a warranty - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wizbang_fl - November 6 - 5:25 am

  Ive had my Beetle Convertible for over 4.5 years and have been overall happy with the car. It is a compact convertible. Dont expect a big trunk or having tall people in the back seat.