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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  Would Recommend - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Amy - February 1 - 10:43 am

  Ive had the New Jetta for about two weeks, and Ive been very impressed with it! It is much bigger than the previous model and has tons of luxury features that were not available before. Overall this is a great car and very fun to drive!

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By myownb - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Ive had this for a year and enjoying the car and the drive .. will recommend.. go for it...

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  Love it so far but well see - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BREEZE - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine used after shopping around for what I want. After much research I got my car. It was fine for the first 3 months but now the engine light goes on and off alot and the Passenger Window motor went out at only 34K miles

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  Love it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sfultz13 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have nearly 78000 miles now. I have had a few problems with the Jetta. 1) Window regulators times 2 (one fixed under warranty even at 38000 miles.) 2) Rear brakes wearing prematurely. Overall, I love my jetta great cargo space, great performance, comfort. Would by another VW.

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  try me honda youll regret it - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GMZ - February 1 - 10:00 am

  just got my 2002 1.8t ride is excellent braking awsome. Sound is outstanding, cant change cds if your thirsty i am pleased that this is my only complaint my vehicle also has to have the turn signal replaced at 300 miles??? On the positive side have you ever been in bumper to bumper traffic then seen the perfect opening in cars that would let you leave it all behind? I have and belive me there is nothing more satisfing then letting that turbo suck in air as your heart picks up then whistle it out as you realize the traffic is no longer around you and the only place you see it is in the rearview mirror. Bravo VW

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By silo3 - February 1 - 6:51 am

  I love this car. After serious comparison shopping, no other car in the class came close in terms of interior size, instrument layout, and aggressive pricing. The car is well appointed, handles and rides nicely, and has a great service agreement. Many reviewers have said is that the styling is boring. Sorry, but I got mine in black/black and its anything but boring. Id call it "classic." And its a design that will stand up over time. In fact the 2012 Passat is an antidote to the excessive curves and swoops of the Japanese makes. Definitely put the 2012 Passat on your list if youre looking for a mid-priced sedan.

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  Meet the Jettasons! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sean Go - January 31 - 9:13 am

  Man, I recently purchased an 04 Jetta Turbo and it is a blast to drive! I had an SUV and am loving the gas mileage of this awesome car. The manual tranny is a must....what fun! The Jetta holds the road quite well and when you need power, its there baby! I have and will continue to be impressed with this little German (but made in Mexico) firecracker. The back seats that fold down are terrific! Its a nice car.

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  Never ever going back again - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By notlovingmybug - January 30 - 10:39 pm

  I consider this car a lesson learned in poor decisions. I purchased this car new in 2008 and have had numerous problems. So many in fact Im not sure I can list much less remember them all. I will make this short (as possible) and sweet(as possible). The passenger side window motor stopped working, the radio buttons stick, the console top has broken twice, the compressor is barely working therefore I have almost zero air conditioning and the transmission is failing. Not to mention the car has an odd odor that I cannot get rid of. A light continually stays on that I was told needed a computer upgrade but the dealership never seemed to have the "disc". Too many problems to list.

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  Fast easy riding and driving Fun Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By zcarid - January 30 - 11:36 am

  Each year the GLX has pleased us with the performance on long trips averaging 2500 miles. Cruises easily at highway speeds between 80 and 100 mph. Will go a lot faster but so will the police. Quick responsive steering and at end of long days feel like we have been treated to an easy ride. Visibility is great all around. Acceleration with the Turbo is a real safety feature in itself. Have had a few problems all easily fixed by family mechanic. Not a fan of dealer maintenance who seem to be way too expensive and eager to replace assemblies when an adjustment or a minor part is all that is needed.

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  VW Routan Brake Problems - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By carshopper82 - January 29 - 2:14 pm

  I purchased an 09 Routan, and have driven it for 33,000 miles since. The van is nice and is perhaps the nicest minivan ride based on my experience. However, there are a lot of design issues with it. I have replaced the brakes all around including rotors, pads, and calipers three times - this at no cost because I documented to VW of America this is a design issue. Similar vans from 2009 (Chrysler Town Country) had the same issues - my in-laws own it. As you know, the Routan is a brand-labeled T&C. Othe rissues pertain to transmission hoses. So far VW has taken care of me but it is definitely a lemon.