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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  Only thing good are the looks - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By arnabiitr - January 15 - 4:40 am

  It has gr8 looks ,acceleration is very sluggish and engine makes lot of sound while picking up speed .It has a electronic gas pedal which is very sluggish and stiff .

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  Poor Quality and Service - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fully - January 15 - 4:06 am

  Fuel pump failed in 700 miles. According to VW website, with Navigation option, park distance control is included. Mine came without, when questioned dealer he would look into it. Result was you bought it. Called VW customer care and they say buyer beware. They point me to terms and conditions and read liberally they can lie and you have no recourse. Car is not built according to website. Buyer beware

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  Lemon, Lemon, Lemon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - January 14 - 3:03 pm

  I was very pleased with the Passat at first. That is until I found a small dent upon delivery, it broke down due to a loose ground strap, the Dynaudio stereo has a problem with losing the lower bass, a constant morris-code rattle at the driver side pillar, the hesitive fuel peddle response, and of course the poor service from every dealer Ive been to. They never seem to be able to fix anything right the first time. Im going to sell this waste of money the first chance I get. That is unless VW and their sorry excuse for mechanics can fix these tivial issues.

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  Driver Found - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NTHUZIS - January 14 - 8:20 am

  Settled on a new 92 Jetta GL because I was young and couldnt afford the insurance on a GLI.Im twelve years older and VW felt my plight and made the GLI that I always wanted.What a car.Driving is fun again.Love the European styling,classy upgrades,and grin quotient.I feel 21 again.Traded in a 96 Impala SS for it.Enough said.

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  Buzzy Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ahk - January 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Passat GLS has more interior buzzes than my sisters 1996 Civic DX coupe. Ive had my Passat in the shop 3 times already for noises in the dash. The center and right a/c vents were replaced. Yesterday the ENTIRE DASHBOARD was replaced, but the genius mechanics forgot to reconnect the wiring for the steering wheel controls to the stereo! Why didnt I buy another Honda??!!!

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  Dont think about it just get one! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By love my VW - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. its secure to drive in the snow and rain. smooth ride all around, comfortable sitting, well designed interior and exterior. compact exterior with a spacious interior and a huge trunk.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scotthsv - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Unlike other reviewers I have had fairly good luck with my Jetta (knock on wood). Its interior is very handsome for its price but has some faults. The arm rest and glove compartment doors have both broke and the console creaks around the shifter. The VR6 is great and the exterior has nice conservative lines. Although I have liked the car I will probably buy my next car from a different manufacturer.

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  Im in love! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By e_inx - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with this car. Its absolutely gorgious and Ill be hanging on to it for a long time. When I do consider selling Ill be right back in line for a new Jetta!

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  The best car ever - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By belarus - January 14 - 2:00 am

  In 2001 me and my wife got Jetta GLS sedan. My friend told me not to get a Mercedes. Well, I wanted to get Jetta and I did. My friends bought MB (e320), BMW (528) and Lexus (rx300). We agreed to collect every paperwork from dealer if there are any problem accures.After 1 year of driving we got our paperwork together and here what weve got: BMW - 7 visits MB - 8 visits Lexus - 5 visits VW - 3 visits That was enough to make my choice for second car. Just 1 month ago we dot VW Passat GLS...

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  Lovin It! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By clj - January 13 - 12:53 pm

  This little SUV is awesome! Love the handling, great pick-up! Stylish and unique - I havent seen another one on the road yet. Love it even more than my CRV - which I never thought possible. I got the base model (sunroofs get to hot in FL!), but my dealership upgraded me to leather seats. With the tinted windows and wood-trim kit, this ride is styling! People stop me all the time to ask about it!