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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  Love It for Style and Safety - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NLH - January 28 - 10:06 am

  While other people are choosing BMWs, my husband and I decided it was time for some fun. We are thrilled with our VW purchase. My 62" husband is plenty comfortable on short and long rides. The front seating is styled so you do not feel like you are in a compact car. When you put down the top, people cant stop smiling at you. The world is your friend. Now the key - it is much tougher than it looks. I was in an accident where the Beetle got hit from the back while at a stop, by a Bonneville traveling at 40 mph. The Bonneville was totalled. My VW and I drove away with less than $3,000 damage and no injuries. The police could not believe it. This is one sturdy car!

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  Good Value for the Price - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Matt - January 27 - 6:50 am

  Ive owned this car for about five months and since then Ive put on 8,000 trouble-free miles. Its a solid car with enough power for daily driving and its interior build quality is far nicer than many cars in its price class. The rear hatch is somewhat smaller than my previous generation Golf, but VW made up for it by providing a roomier backseat. For the price, the standard safety features, power/heated seats, sunroof, and electronic stabilization are hard to beat.

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  Hesitation - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lynne - January 25 - 1:06 pm

  I am experiencing the hesitation too - to the point that I have almost been hit a few times. So now I wait and not try to cut in traffic.

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  Dont buy one - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwnomore - January 24 - 10:43 pm

  Ive had to replace the engine due to a "freak accident" where the block was cracked mid drive($4K refurbished). All of my window motors have broken, if you buy this car, yours will break too. The O2 sensors, replaced, the side paneling has fallen off. And then just random things, such as the glove box will no longer open??? The alarm system had to be turned off completely due to that going crazy. Antenna is cracked, I just purchased fog light covers (cause the original drivers side fell off), new headlight due to condensation. Etc. etc. etc. Buying parts is expensive, they almost always have to be VW. My dipstick magically broke off and I had to go thru VW to replace it.

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  2001 Jetta - Coil Ignition resolved - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Trootie - January 24 - 12:10 pm

  I Always wanted a Jetta, for its known reliability and safety. However, I discovered how it is not so reliable, Ive had multiple sensors go bad, the cat went bad along with the alternator and now the coil Ignition went bad. If your VW has issues when starting in the rain, engine light goes crazy the car bucks and feels like it wants to stall it is the ignition coil. Just got a quote from the dealer 525. to fix. I have currently 112K miles on it, young for a VW I think to have so many issues, I drove a Geo Storm Prior and sold it with 164K and never had so many issues. Luckily a lot of the stuff was cover under warranty at first.. but seems like a money pit, whats next?

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  A lemon in the making??? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RyanS - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After the long wait for the Convertible Bug. You would think that they could get the top right! I mean afterall the car is approaching 30K and yes its a BUG! I purchased this car in April 03. Since then the car has been in for service 4 times. From the top jamming/breaking, to the Transmition and tiptronic failing. THis car has been a nightmare. VW service and parts is a total disaster. They dont even carry as much as a cigarette lighter that isnt on back order. It was so exciting to get this car only to be a great disappointment. you might spend more time with a service rental.. then your own vehicle.

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  Hesitation - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lynne - January 20 - 1:23 pm

  I just purchased a TDI jetta and love it. However, I have experienced the "hesitation " to the point I have almost been hit a few times. You are right in that you have to come to a complete stop for a few seconds then it seems to be ok, but not if you are in traffic and someone tells you to "go ahead" So now I just wait when I can and let the traffic go ahead

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  Tiguan has Transmission Problems - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By bmod14 - January 18 - 7:51 am

  When they redid the Tiguan transmission for 2012 they ruined it.  The trans tries to get to 6th gear as soon as possible to save gas.  It now "labors" in 5th or 6th gear at 30 to 45 mph.  You cant drive it at a slow constant speed from 30 to 45 mph with out it "laboring" and vibrating the car.  Check out these links of people with the same problem. - [HTML removed] Otherwise, nice car!

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  VW 4 dr Jetta GLS Review - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jstich - January 17 - 7:13 pm

  I hear occasional creaking from the door and under the dash area when driving (mostly when making fast turns or going over bumps). This is my only problem with the car, aside from its seemingly lower gas mileage for a car of its size. I was told at a VW dealership that the body was re- enforced by 50% on the new body style, so that is definitely something to consider.

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  VW PASSAT - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By boomer6400 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Passat with slightly less than 60000 miles. I have had it for a half a year with only one problem. The ignition coils needed to be replaced. It is a V6 and I thought only the 1.8T had problems with this. The only other problem I have had is keeping my girlfriend from borrowing it. This is a great car for someone who wants to step up from a boring Camry or Accord.