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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  Consider yourself spoiled - 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Nothing like it - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Previously I have owned a 7 series, a few acuras, lexus, and cadillac escalade. This vehicle has definitely trumped them all! The massage seats for instance, the heated and cooled seats. The hidden vents, the adjustable seats, the programable keys, the power trunk...should I continue? EVERYTHING on this vehicle is powered. Mileage. Well, it could be better of course, but it is a awd vehicle and a very heavy one at that. If you are driving in snow, there is no better vehicle to protect you and your loved ones. I average about 330- 345 per tank and that is combined driving (mostly city though). I love when people do not even know what it is. They think jetta/passat until they get close!

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  Great Car! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lafayette_la_boy - November 12 - 2:00 am

  FUN FUN FUN! The VR6 is silky, fast, and reliable. It goes almost as much power as the BMW 325! But make sure you know someone that will be able to fix the car. It doesnt give much trouble, but the parts and VW mechanics seem to be few and far between if you live in a smaller town!

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  2001 Wolfsburg Edition - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Q_200Hp - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta a year ago and I absolutely love it. The 1.8 Liter turbo provides plenty of power, the sports suspension is great, and the breaks are incredible. With a 1/4 inch stainless steel exhaust down pipe including the CAT and a wideband O2 sensor ($300 part alone!!!!! Most cars only have a $50 part). I don’t know any other car with those stock components. I have tunned my car putting in a strut bar and increasing the boost. It was a lot of trouble to do so, but well worth it. Now I have 200hp and can take on a VR6.

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  New Beetle "Fun to Drive" - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JPick - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Although not a Turbo..has enough power to get you where your going. Very comfortable and dependable. Overall quality...excellent. We owned several bugs..no comparison. New Beetle drives and handles like a big car. Wonderful Volkswagen reliability..need I say more.

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  Good Solid Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hawk - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I brought my passat in 2003 new. We are know in 2010 and I have not had any problems that I am surprised about. I drive my car on a daily basis. I currently have 97,500 miles on my car, and plan on changing the timing belt at 105,000 to drive the car another 100,000 miles. I plan on replacing the shocks and springs with Eibach brands and I plan on finding some factory 17 inch vw wheels to place on my car. I dont plan on buying a car anytime soon. This car has treated me very well.

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  Routan is a great Minivan - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Vdub Routan - November 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had our SEL Routan for a little over a year and can recommend it to any family. The 4.0 V6 is quick and fuel efficient. The handling is the best in mini van class. We love all the friendly feature and use it much more than our full size SUV. VW has given us FREE service and a loaner when ever we need oil changes or any work done. An added benefit of having a product with Chrysler volume parts is aftermarket upgrade or optional products for cheap. We are Happy owners.

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  still in love after 1 year - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By ed - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle 1 year ago and drove 16000 miles without any problems. I bought it with a 9300 usd discount brandnew! So I spend 33000 usd for a car that I still love.. Great performance, love the awd system in every condition, great looks. Wished they could offer tdi versions in the US with the 4motion. Overall very satisfied!!!!!

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  One fine auto... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VDubBub - November 12 - 1:30 am

  This is now my second consecutive Jetta and I love this one even more than my first. The interior is flawless: from the svelte aluminum accents around the gauges to the totally killer Recaro racing seats--Im in love! The car is relatively quick, and very responsive. However, the car lacks upper end torque. When doing 60 mph in my VR6, a slight pump on the gas would send me sailing above 80; the same is not true with this 1.8T. Dont get me wrong, off the gate this car would blow the socks off of my old car, but it definitely lacks the get-up-and-go at higher speeds. Aside from that, I have never been happier with a vehicle.

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  GR8 Bug Convertible - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robert Preston - November 11 - 7:56 pm

  I hesitated to buy a new beetle for a two reasons - first because it was not Germany made. Then I learned that Hondas are from Ohio, so that was silly. Second, what would the resale value be (now who cares, I love it). I have the Harvest Moon Beige with a Beige Top and Tan interior, in my opinion the most sophisticated looking. One issue I have is keeping it showroom perfect. The first big wind in a parking lot allowed the door to hit a car parked next to it, not unusually hard, but enough to ding my door (the other car had no damage). This made me feel the metal/paint finish was inferior to other cars I have owned. I may get a daily driver and try to keep it for weekend fun!

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  2000 VW "THE PEOPLES CAR" - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By codyle01 - November 10 - 1:33 am

  I have had my VW GLX 4-motion for almost two years now. All I can say is this car has been there for me I have owned mostly trucks and SUVs but Im very impressed with my VW purchase,I bought it with 80,000 miles on it and now has 111,000 miles and no problems. A good tip for those looking at VWs is to stay away from the 1.8 turbo they seem to be nothing but trouble. If you have a check engine light take it to auto zone first and get a free diagnostic test done this can save you a ton of money. You can also save money by buying parts online and taking it to a good independent mechanic they can do most hardware repairs but not so much computer repairs.