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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  Almost perfect - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Schwe1nhund - August 19 - 5:03 pm

  Excellent car that handles extremely well on the road. Negotiates curves like a charm. I got this after wrecking my 07 Mazda 3 (through no fault of my own). The Mazda was a good car, but this one blows it out of the water. The Rabbit offers a smoother ride, a tighter turn radius, and generally a better grip on the road. Also, the Mazda is more expensive if you add all the features that is standard in the Rabbit. Its worth mentioning that because of this cars higher safety rating, my insurance went down significantly. From the outside, the car looks simple, but in my opinion that simplicity gives it a more distinguished look. The laser welded body is a big plus.

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  Love this car but more power please - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lomar - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding ride for the price, great handling luxurious interior

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  marandas review - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By maranda - August 18 - 2:00 am

  i love my .v.w. its so fun to drive and the price is so afordable and me my husband and 3 kids fit so thats what i call my type of car thanks toyota

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  airbags deploying, why? - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By trynsumthinew - August 18 - 1:23 am

  "What else could go wrong?" Yeah, that should be my headline as well. After the second week I purchased the vehicle my check engine light went on, not a bog deal, my warranty took care of it...but then everything else started going out on me: driver side and curtain airbags deployed for going over a "small" pothole, passenger heated seat went out, o2 sensor went bad 3 times, rear windows stopped working, am radio wouldnt work, edc braking system failed, vehicle stalled multiple multiple times! My car has been in the shop and have cost me a hell of a lot of money. As I am writing this review, my car is being worked on and God knows how much this is going to cost me!

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  Jetta Needs Better Headlights! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ecodude - August 16 - 4:23 pm

  I love my new Jetta! It handles well and its a pleasure to drive so far! The only BIG PROBLEM is the stock headlights! Both high and low beams are so weak that its dangerous to drive on dark roads with turns that come up on you! Volkswagen needs to provide all Jettas with higher powered Halogen or HID headlights before people start getting killed! Nobody wants another Toyota situation! Right?

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  Dont Do It - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By UnfortunateSoul - August 15 - 2:23 pm

  I bought my Jetta in August. In November, I had an A/C issue, fixed w/warranty. In July I had a brake problem - needed brand new rear pads and rotors due to some horrible manufacturing issue. Not covered under warranty since I was past 12,000 mi. August 2007 (one year later) I find paint chipping from the rear passenger window frame. Very unhappy w/this purchase.

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  Dissapointed and frustrated - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By imaqte - August 14 - 5:41 pm

  I purchased my used 2006 VW convertible about 9 months ago with 51,000 miles on it. Since I have had it, I have had numerous issues. First, the airbag light came on and I was told is a seat-belt issue that costs around $400. Next the drivers side door handle broke that cost $600 because they have to replace the entire door panel. I read online this frequently happens. My drivers side window regulator went out and that cost me $470.00 to fix..now I have to take to replace the convertible top because the back window is separating from the top and water can get in. The total for that is $770.00 from a local shop I am afraid of what will happen next. I have to get rid of this car!!!

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  Happy with recent pruchase - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MIchael - August 13 - 10:20 pm

  I have had the vehicle for 1 week. Adverstised combined epa is 24 mpg. Dealership told me to expect to get a lot more. Took a roadtrip right away and foumd my highway mpg was 38 mpg (70 mph set on cruise). No Joke. I was shocked and thrilled. This is a regular 5 cylinder gas engine not the TDL. Seems to be a solid car with good looks. If reliability holds up Ill be very happy with my purchase.

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  lots of miles, lots of fun - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By reclab1 - August 13 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased this car used in 2003 with approx. 28,000 miles on it and I just turned 218,450. I would have to say it has been a good experience overall. Most of the maint work has been done with a local VW independent garage and they really know their stuff. I usually get 29 to 33 MPG depending on the season. (Mi. resident) Most of my repair work has been related to front suspension because of Mi. bad winter roads. I still have the original clutch and exhaust system, and have used synthetic oil with oil changes between 6-10,000 miles. I never owned a car for this long, but I find its a blast to drive. Ill be looking for a good deal on a 4door GTI for my next ride.

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  Not a B5 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By ttg_wombat - August 12 - 10:56 pm

  This is my second Passat, at the end of the lease now. I loved my 2002 B5. This, however, is not a B5. I enjoyed this car, but had some problems with it. The electronic parking brake has been repaired 2x now and still glitchy. It actually disengaged itself and rolled across a parking lot once! AC compressor had to be replaced and the AC is anemic anyway. The film on the dash bubbled up in the sun. In its favor: the car is just a blast to drive. I have the 6 speed, and its a hoot. The automatic was anemic compared to the 6 speed. The sensation of a big car moving like a little roadster is comical, enjoyable and uniquely entertaining.