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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  VW not worth it!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By richard - November 5 - 1:46 pm

  I have a 2007 VW Jetta and I have to say that I have had the worst experience possible with this car. I have had the fan replaced with in the first year of purchase, rear rotters and brake pads replaced (only at 43,000 which cost $400). I have had electrical problems with the vehicle numerous times. Had to take it in for repair when the transmission started slipping out of gear. For some strange reason the tires had issues holding pressure even though VW said nothing was wrong... but yet the tire pressure light kept coming on. The dealership gave me a list of what they call normal maintenance for 43,000 miles. Here it is: Pollen Filter, Gas Filter, Spark Plugs ect.ect. $2,000 total! Hate car

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  Fast Fun - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By WayneTSchultz - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The W8 is one smooth engine. The 6spd has a revised final drive ratio, and this wagon accelerates crisply. VW says it goes 0-60 in 5.9 and I have no reason to doubt it. This is a smooth and confortable cruiser. Be careful, and check the speedo often because Ive often looked down to find Im nearing the century mark. The best part is the law sees just another Passat wagon.

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  Pure FUN - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By supadupagti - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Just an amazing car to drive!!!

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  Expensive Junk - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jack Long - November 3 - 6:23 am

  My wife bought a new Passat in late December 2006. The night we drove it home the right headlight failed and it took the dealership nearly two weeks to find and install another unit. The car ran fine until mid-May 2007 when it started to make a loud buzzing noise on start-up. We immediately took it into the dealer who advised that a bolt had sheared on the oil pump and it needed an entire new engine! As of June 14, 2007 the dealership has had the car for almost 4 weeks and is now installing the third engine because the replacement engine had the same problem. This car has been out of service for more than 5 weeks during the first 6 months of ownership. This is absolutely ridiculous quality.

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  Never again... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erin - November 3 - 3:43 am

  I have had this car for less than 2 months & have already had to put $1500 into it. Ive replaced a door sensor, trunk latch, numerous vacuum tubes, & windshield wiper motor. While driving 70 mph, the side mirror cap just decided to fly off too. Just got my catalytic converter replaced too. Thankfully, still under warranty (600 miles away from being too late though). Previously, I had a 92 Toyota Celica. In the 5 yrs I had it, I put about the same amt into it and most of it was maintenance. I will NEVER buy a VW again. Everyone I talk to with a VW agrees. TERRIBLE! Dont buy one unless youre ready to invest a lot of money into this car.

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  Love it....so far - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By runnerguy45 - November 1 - 4:14 am

  Really like this car. 43,000 miles in ten months. I love this car but I do admit the fuel pump problem scares me, VW needs to put its buyers at ease by covering this issue. Knock on wood this car has been great. I averahe 44 mpg. 48 on highway.

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  best car I ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By walter oechsle - October 31 - 7:03 pm

  I have owned many luxury and sports cars over the last 20 years. The Phaeton is clearly the best by a substantial margin. The fact that it carries the VW badge should not be a deterrent for true car lovers and afficionados.

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  Passat Wagon GLS - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry Streeter - October 31 - 10:00 am

  All around best new vehicle purchased. Very satisfied. Makes driving in traffic less stressfull. A good solid ride and feel. No question best options for the price.

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  too new - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D9 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I know its too soon to rate this car. I only have 1000 miles on it in the first week-and-a-half. I wont give it all the praises of an awesome car. It is a good car. The only reason to purchase this car is for the diesel fuel economy. Back and forth to work (combined driving) for me it gets 48- 50 mpg with the windows and sunroof open. This creates some drag which would affect the mileage. On the highway it gets a solid 60 mpg on the first try at under 200 miles on it. If it continues to do as well as it breaks in I will be pleased. Gobbs of torque, merging and uphill climbs in fifth gear. Not as nice as my Passat, but $5000 less.

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  Used to Love VW - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian B - October 31 - 4:33 am

  I bought my 1999 Jetta new with a 100,000 mile warranty. The starter went out at 38,000 miles (not covered). The window motor went out at 42,000 miles (not covered). The side molding came off at 50,000 miles (not covered). Now the stereo volume doesnt work properly and the big one, I need a new tranny and the clutch went out at 65,000 miles (probably covered but forgot to take it to the dealer). Oh yeah, my second starter went out at 55,000 miles and my second and third window motors are gone.