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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  TDI review - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By weav - February 7 - 1:10 am

  Only one defect that needed to be corrected. Electrical connection in sat. radio. Car is very enjoyable and comfortable even with 64" frame.

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  Cute, but flaky - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Katherine - February 6 - 11:36 pm

  Ive had the car over five years, after buying it used in 2003. Within 18 months, the alternator went out and had to be replaced, the clutch went out at 16,000 miles and had to be replaced (believe me, I do not ride the clutch THAT hard), the hoses had to be replaced twice, and the power windows both had to be replaced. Later, the blinkers and cruise control failed and had to be replaced (though it was always fun to flip the blinker switch and see what would happen. It would blink in some pretty spectacular random patterns, until it was fixed). It handles surprisingly well in the snow, but due to the myriad electrical and mechanical issues - I will not be buying a VW ever again.

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  06 Passat Appraisal - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By BC - February 6 - 9:40 pm

  With only 3,000 miles to date. I am averaging 26.5 pg, and 31.8 on highway during two long trips at higher speed. Wind seems to affect the Passat somewhat, steering in the wind seems affected but otherwise this car has excellent center weighting and response. Its acceleration is outstanding and its seat comfort once adjusted is excellent during long trip. This car is fun to drive, has smooth acceleration and good brakes. Mine has a few nagging issues, but nothing significant. The cup holders are not sized for to American cups or bottles. Its storage is quite good with several small storage areas or drawers.

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  Sportwagen model excels - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By oppai - February 6 - 1:06 pm

  Recently picked up a TDI Sportwagen discounted due to light exterior hail damage. So far Im extremely impressed with the build quality, handling, responsiveness, and power of the TDI. While I cant compare the 2011 model to prior models, I still remain impressed with the upgrade it provides from my prior vehicle: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. The wagen feels larger but is actually several inches shorter than the Grand Am. The DSG transmission is butter-smooth and relatively aggressive driving is still averaging 30+mpg (5 better than conservative driving on the Grand Am) The interior is suprisingly roomy as well; Im 61 260 and dont feel cramped in the least. A long haul car.

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  My 2000 Golf GLS 4DR - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By Wild Bill - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car. I understand it is the top selling car in Europe. It rides extremely well for a compact auto. Very tight, good gas mileage, and love the key. 2 proactive recalls that were handled by the local dealership. Ive owned for close to 2 years, no problems and still very happy with it.

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  Happy camper - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By luckydude - February 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Jetta diesel I have owned. The first was totalled in an accident. I was a lucky dude. The air bags worked and I had a small scratch on my wrist. The car was not at fault. It was drunk driver problem. I like everything about the Jetta. I average about 800 miles per week and on this newer vehicle, I am averaging 50 mpg, and I know it will get better.

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  Looks great, but has too many problems! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sw - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I was at first very pleased with my Jetta, but after only about 8,000 miles the dashboard light and headlamps began to flicker. There was also an oil leak. A few weeks ago the automatic transmission got stuck and I couldnt shift from P to any other gear and had to restart the car several times because the problem went away. There are rattles everywhere in the cabin, and the 6-disc CD changer skips more times than the number of bumps on the road. Yesterday one of the brakes started making a horrendous noise while I was driving on a hilly road in an isolated forest. Once I got out of the car I could smell a strong burning odor from below it. I have decided to get rid of it ASAP.

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  Poor Craftsmanship, Gas Mileage, and Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DJBoca - February 5 - 3:40 am

  This car looks nice, rides nice, but then things start to break. Ive replaced the convertible top, drivers door, key cylinder, all the window motors, various sensors in the engine, and the convertible flaps. So much goes wrong. Im in a love / hate relationship with this thing. I love to drive it and I love the windshield angle / distance, but hate the constant breakdowns. A door replacement took three weeks to fix. This car is not worth it. Find something else.

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  One word: Boring. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Bahumut - February 4 - 12:03 pm

  Ive read all the reviews for the 2003 VW Golf GL on this site, and I cant tell if everyone is over the age of 60 or just emotionally tired, but this car puts me to sleep at the wheel, and often! The 120 HP engine is fast enough for me, thus the GL works, but if I had test driven the car longer, I would have realized the the suspension is really, really tame. The car wallows in turns, the back end (even with the short wheelbase)trembles mid corner, and the nose dives under the most gentle of braking. If I could choose a VW again, itd cope with the reliability problems of the turbocharger and buy the GTi. Other than the performance issues, the standard kit is surprisingly nice for the price.

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  zeke - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By zeljko Brkic - February 4 - 9:46 am

  The 03 Volkswagen Jetta GL is a great little car. Its fun to drive with great gas mileage.