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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  Fun Fun Fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By HoosierRealtor - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2004 VW Beetle Convertible in Sept. 2003. I had a sunflower yellow Beetle prior to it for 4 years.

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  Love my BHAPPY car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PattiP - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My second New Beetle. This 2003 Aquarius color convert has none of the electical quirks of my first 98. Ive had it now for 9 months and have been nothing but happy with it...in New England weather. Added weight of the top makes it even more stable for slippery driving. Love that top down!

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  drove it, bought it, love it. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By poppy doing - July 21 - 2:00 am

  im 48, retired, and this is the least expensive car ive ever purchased since getting out of school. i still have and love my v-8 landcruiser, but i drive the beetle as much as possible --- more fun for the buck than any vehicle! i thought it might just be the 6-speed that was so much fun, so i considered trading for a 350z or an rx8 --- drove both ---no way! beetle is more comfortable, roomy, smooth, and makes me feel smart for saving so much money. its clearly not the best performer you can buy, but unless you have a need to race everyone on the road, its satisfying. this is a great car and an unbelievable value.

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  Customer VW 1998 tdi beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By John F McCourt 3rd - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The car has been one of the better vehicles that Ive owned and operated and have put on a lot of mileage. The fuel efficiency is very good and the beetle has been very reliable.

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  Love the bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Neus - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Initially had some problems with the top. The problem has since been fixed and works perfectly now. A little bit of trouble at first in getting the boot on without a lot of elbow grease and sweat. Now its easy. Theres not a lot of storage space in the car since I used up the arm rest with the CD player but the trade off for the wonderful sound system is worth it. The back seat is great for groceries but forget passengers for anything more than a short ride. Riders sit low at a 90 degree angle with not a lot of leg room. I bought the wind screen so that uses up the back seat anyway but its a worthwhile purchase.

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  minor changes - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By peter - July 20 - 11:10 pm

  Great car, only issues, car is not level, higher in rear. Driver seat feels like you are tilted forward (falling forward), not sitting level. Also front windshield is smaller than previous Jettas and window pillars are obstructing drivers view, saftey issues. Car has great mileage.

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  7 months later and still in love - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Jboogaloo - July 19 - 4:30 pm

  An update to my original post in June of 08. This car is still doing everything I expect and then some. I have used premium since day 1 and havent thought different. This car still gets me roughly 26-27mpg (goin 70mph down the highway), I still love the comfort of the automobile (drove to Myrtle Beach and back from DC, and was very comfortable with 3 other adults, luggage, and 2 golf bags). The style is still cool and I dont regret one thing about this car. The quality is great, the ride is smooth, and its still fun for me. There is ample storage space (I dont have sunroof) and its VERY safe (read the safety ratings that came out last year and see who was on top). Great car, I love it!

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  Back to Diesel - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By john a miller - July 19 - 6:26 am

  This cars power and responsiveness are remarkable. Its styling is classy for small car. Its economy is as advertised. It has unexpected roominess and comfort. VW maxed-out the design of the interior. My first car was VW Beetle and last a BMW, VW has me back.

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  Love my TDI with DSG - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Miles - July 17 - 2:03 am

  I bought my 09 Jetta TDI sedan in January and I just passed 10K miles a few weeks ago. Recently took it in for the FREE 10K service, which is a nice plus, as the 09 comes with 36K no charge service. So far I love it! The ride is smooth, somewhat tight, and very easy to handle. Acceleration is phenomenal considering the mpg. The diesel is quiet but has a nice exhaust note when pushed. Fit and finish are near perfect. The seats are very comfortable but not soft and cushy. The dash is clean and un-cluttered. Plenty of room for even the tallest drivers, but a smallish back seat. The trunk is decent size and pass through storage is handy.

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  SWEEEEET!!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Milojenkins - July 16 - 2:13 am

  I have had VWs for the last 8 years, and this one tops them all. We have had Golfs, GTIs, and most recently a 2004 Passat, but this Jetta is the best package I have ever seen in a car at 25K or less. You cant touch it in another make for the money.