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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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By derekdewaal - July 20 - 7:03 pm

  For the money, this car is tough to beat. It is economical, mostly reliable, and fun to drive. This is the best car that I have owned. It is probably the best 2-door car availaible short of the BMW 3-Series. The cupholders stink, but this is outweighed by its utility, especaillay with the rear seats folded down. I wish I could keep it forever, but I know that as a 2-Door, it is somewhat inpractical. My dealer has been fabulous in maintaining my car and has added to the overall experience. With 53,000 miles, it still runs like new, with minimal maintenance, other than scheduled. If you are looking for a used GTI, look out for boy racers who beat on them, this is, unfortunately, common.

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  MY 20th AE - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By STATIC PSI - July 20 - 1:00 pm

  I enjoy the car very much i did do the ko4 upgrade witch did make it faster and more enjoyable.. I think the ko4 should have been stock like the audi 225Q, stock handles ok.. braking power is great with the stock bigger brakes. great seats and body style..

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  A pleasant suprise - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Timberwolf919 - July 20 - 6:23 am

  When I bought this car, I wasnt really enthusiastic about it. I had been trying for a MINI, and kinda got stuck with this (the dealers were shady). However, to my enjoyment, I have gotten quite comfortable with it since then. Adding rims and a few aftermarket things made this car very classy, and I enjoyed the ride. I did get a finicky blinker, though, and the starter made a funny noise, although it was mechanically sound. But at 132k miles, I am pleased to find that I havent had to do much to the car at all. I replaced the vacuum tubing and secondary air pump for about $700, but mechanics were fair: $45 for extensive diagnostics. Looking to do a few more things for a truly killer ride.

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  2016 jetta - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robert Corwin - July 19 - 10:53 am

  I had a 2013 golf, it just seemed more spority l gas mileage is great ĺove color blue.

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  Daughters 1st car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By ncsales23 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Found this 1 owner used car with 51,600 miles. Had to replace a few minor trim pieces ($200) and put new tires on it. What a fun car to drive with the tiptronic transmission and sunroof. Daughter couldnt be happier. Excellent condition both mechanically and appearance. Was able to get 100,000 warranty on powertrain and this should be a very dependable vehicle for the next 3-4 years.

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  Overall Good Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ATC98092 - July 16 - 9:06 am

  I jave an 06 Jetta 2.5 with PKG 2 and Nav. It has a peppy engine but gets so-so gas mileage. The auto transmission is not as smooth or refined as in my 02 Jetta. The Navigation works great, but the sound system is a step backward from the Monsoon system in past models. This car has a great ride, it is quiet and smooth. It has a very roomy trunk. The Vision V wheels are very good looking, much better than stock.

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  VW Passat 1.8T Sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mrvica - July 13 - 2:20 am

  I bought a Passat 1.8T after the beginning of this year. It ran perfectly for a couple of days, then it staled on me and I had to go change an ignition coil. Now I have problems with my starter, which is very expensive to repair, and problems with my A/C. I love the look of the car, inside and out, but its exspensive to fix and not that reliable. I have to take it to the dealership every month at least once a month, for some small repair.

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  Fun in the sun : ) - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By that 70s girl - July 11 - 6:56 pm

  Purchased this car from a dealer as a 2 year lease turn in. From the minute I saw it, I was in love. Its a real head turner. This is my 4th VW, bought a new 74 Beetle for college and 2 Rabbits after that. Pure fun to drive every where I go, people comment on what a cute car it is. have had check engine light issues but I have my BIL reset until it goes off again. I like the Turbo when it kicks in on the interstate. I can keep up with just about everyone. Minor things can be annoying but I dont care. I bought the car for fun and it delivers every time I drive it :))

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  Good coupe with 56k - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By Luis - July 10 - 5:44 pm

  Stylish good gas mileage. .however make sure if you buy one comes with full service records very important the way the cc is maintained exp trans fluid change service at 30k $600 bucks regular oil changes at 6k dont wait for the 20k please. ....and you will have a great CC enjoy.. got mine with 20k now i have 56k no issues. .did have the ac control replaced under Warranty. ..

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  THROTTLE SURGE-LAG - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By Gman - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Automatic transmission from a dead stop especially on a slight incline. If you get off the brakes and on the throttle too quick just a light touch on the throttle it causes an immediate Surge then Lag all within one second. Rather annoying and dangerous when in a parking lot or close behind another vehicle in stop and go traffic or pulling into your garage. The service guy says it is because it is the flywheel engaging because it is really a standard transmission with electronic control rather than an automatic transmission. Whatever, just fix it. Yamaha fjr1300ae uses a similar electronic transmission set up and is smooth as silk in 1st gear. Love the vw Golf other than that.