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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  Still fun, still not dependable - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By susanne - February 29 - 5:06 pm

  Having owned another Beetle and a Jetta before this, I have come to realize that VWs on average have a shelf life of about 4 years, then its time to trade it in! Despite the frustrations that come with being a VW owner, I keep coming back over and over. Why? The handling - the driving experience. There are so few cars on the market, in my opinion, that combine compactness and great handling. Having driven other compact makes, I find that the Beetle is heavier, handles better, has better features and more road presence. While other compacts feel like they are likely to get blown off the road in a high wind, the Beetle tends to clutch the road and hold its own in snow, rain, etc.

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  YES IT CAN - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By FirstVW - February 28 - 5:36 pm

  This car is fun in every way and has all the little features that make it feel more expensive than it is. The engine is so torquey, I never wanna drive a VTEC again. Perfect gear ratios in the 6 speed. Makes my 20 mile daily commute fun. Your car should be fun.

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  Major Improvement From MK IV - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jorge F. - February 28 - 10:06 am

  When I saw the new 2010 GTI online, I fell in love. For the first time, the outside of the GTI is as beautiful as the interior and driving experience. I traded in my 2005 GTI and was amazed at the changes. The manual transmission is smoother, the car feels "tighter," and the electronic upgrades like the I-pod charger and touch-screen radio blew me away. I also can feel the extra 20 HP on this model, and the acceleration and pull is as fun as ever.

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  Great ride ! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dano - February 28 - 6:50 am

  I just purchased a leased 2006 conv. beatle...pale blue/black top. Ive read these discontented reviews ,but, I feel great about my bug! When I purchased it there was still a 2 year original warranty on it. I also added 2 more years, which I would recommend with any used vehicle. I cant believe it rides like a large vehicle for such a small wheel base. I did have a/c compressor go out but it was under warranty and repaired in one day. Its ice cold! rear window would not go back up. again repaired in one day NO CHARGE. folks at the dealership are very nice, friendly, and professional. Absolute fun. People often let me know they love the look.

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  Good Car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW - February 27 - 5:03 am

  This is very comfortable car. The seats are the best I have ever sat in. The interior is well designed in general the styling is good. I am writing because so many people have written about the emissions workshop light. This happened to me as well. The dealer said that there was a recall on it and simply reset the computer no charge. The dealer has been OK but they are out for every dime they can get. The interior door handles plastic is flanking and the steering wheel is worn as well. As many have mentioned the cup holders leave something to be desired. On the highway this car is great. It feels like an Audi. However this V6 is all top end power, off the line it is a bit of a dog.

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  Good daily commuter car. Not fun. - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajt36 - February 26 - 4:42 am

  Weve owned our 2.5L Jetta since new, but Ive been driving it since about 44K miles. Now has 127K. This is a well-built, full-featured, and generally dependable daily commuter. New it was $27K and it has some features missing on my wifes $50K 2011 Audi A4. While it is a good "A to B" car, there is nothing fun or inspiring about this car. If that is not a priority in your car ownership, then no worries, the interior amenities will more than make up for it. But if you want something thats fun on the on/off ramps, and inspires confidence when you go to pass, then the 2.5L 5 cyl. is not your engine. Go with the 2.0 Turbo. Just regular maintenance, but some inconvenient repairs.

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  Buying a VW is a coin toss. - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Weiser - February 26 - 3:23 am

  Overall, I like Volkswagens. I have owned a 2002 Jetta and now a 2007 Passat. Ive had my Passat in the shop about 6 times so far for all sorts of problems, minor and major. Seems to be electrical and sensors not working or going bad. I get about 31-32 MPG Highway and 25 City. Not bad for a 200 HP Car that performs like a V8 Mustang. Overall quality is good and the ride and handling is excellent. You get a lot for the money compared to a comparable BMW.

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  Decently awesome after a month!! - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Heimbachae - February 25 - 6:00 am

  First thing I noticed is that this car isnt as fast off the line as the 1.8T I had (04 Jetta GLI). It had an upgraded ECU, but even with that turned off it was quicker than the TSI 2.0T that is in this new car. This is probably due to the fact the MK5 is a much bigger car than the MK4. Other than speed off the line this car is my saving grace. It is much smoother than the MK4 Jetta I had, and on long rides its so nice. Manual is a must on this car. Also, I should have gotten the upgraded stereo because sometimes I just want to rock out that 6 free months of Sirius (could sound better) Do NOT get additional ipod adapter plug in that is in center console. GET JUST THE HEADPHONE JACK!!

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  new engine - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ihatevw - February 25 - 2:00 am

  replacements: glove box, tail lights, gas tank door wouldnt open, windsheild wipers stopped working, weak front end, new oil pump $600, check engine light on $600, cup holder, trunk opened when i shut car off, and the LAST STRAW>>>I NEED A NEW ENGINE- VW said $7000, im getting it done for $3000 then selling it...oh...and window fell, and it died every time i shut it off...service SUCKS

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  One of the best - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Todd - February 24 - 8:40 am

  I have not driven a car that gives you so much for the price. Its fantastic the way the motor and transmission work together. The DSG is the best auto-manual there is. The car feels very refined and stays relatively quiet on the road. The seats are awesome and I love the steering wheel. Loaded with features that are usually offered on luxury cars. Turbo lag is there low in the RPM range, but after driving a couple of weeks it is easy to get used to. The 4-door version has all the room I need. Carries 4 people comfortably, and my kids car seat fits great. Have had no reliability issues. All around this is one of the best cars money can buy. Could not be happier with my purchase.