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 the Handling, hate the problems. - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By J.Gree - April 3 - 10:16 am

  I have a 2004 Golf GLS, automatic. Since the date of delivery, I have had nothing but problems with the car. It is back at the dealership constantly, and on several occasions, has been back more than one time for the same problem. The car is very comfortable, safe, and I love how it handles, however, it is not reliable, and has a lot of electrical problems. Needed a new drivers side seat bracket, coil in drivers seat had to be repaired, faulty cooling sensor, problem with the alarm sounding after closing the trunk and opening the drivers door, I am on my second cd player, and it is not working properly (got it installed yesterday), problems getting the car out of park, etc.

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  2007 Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Uncle B - April 3 - 2:23 am

  I like it so far. Ive only had it for a few weeks. It doesnt get the gas mileage stated but I was also told that it would take a few thousand miles for the engine to break in and then I would get the good gas mileage. Its getting about 23-24 mpg and I drive mostly around town. I noted some of my dislikes below but for the most part VW really did it right and most of it is all standard. That is what I love most is that all the "extra" features are already standard on this vehicle!! I show mine off to friends and they all ask how much this or that cost me extra and I say "Nothing!"

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  Love/Hate - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By jdzlaw - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. After having Japanese cars for years, this is so much more fun to drive. However, reliability has become a problem. First there was the issue with the coils, then replacing the rear wheel well, now the oil pump. Although VW eventually came through with replacing the coils, they have weaseled their way out of paying for the oil pump. Also a few small, but annoying failures-drivers side visor snapped off, the turn signal switch failed, one of the vanity lights failed.

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  VR6, great engine. - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Nick Euro - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The VR6 is the reference in Europe for sporty small cars. VR6 is a fantastic engine, leather seats are great, many bells and whistle. Problems are window regulators braking, noise in the sunroof rails, suspension too soft, clutch too rubbery. Overall a good buy.

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  Almost there - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By BryanH - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The GTI is close to being very good...it mainly needs a suspension that can live up to expectations. It is too mushy to be any fun. The only other thing would be a 4 door GTI. The downside to VW is the dealerships and VWoA. The simple truth is they dont stand behind there cars and unless its a warranty repair you would be very well served to find a competant local shop and NEVER go to the dealerships. 2001 to 2003 models have severe coil pack failures and my car is one of 14 at the dealership with a failed ignition coil and it will be several weeks before I get a replacement. Pathetic!

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  BugabooX2 - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the second beetle that I have owned in a year (lost the first one to an accident) and I love it!! Its very safe and fun to drive! I love my heated leather seats...its nice in Vermont! The only complaint I have is the front cup holders in the standard! I cant even fit a water bottle in it!! Other than that I love it! Looking forward to the convertible model!!

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  03 VW Passat GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By A-Mac - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 03 Passat that I bought 4 months ago. There are some things that I would change about it, tho. It requires premium unleaded gasoline which can quickly add up over time. Plus, it really uses quite a bit of gas. The tires that came on it (Continental Conti-Touring) are really bad tires. They ride very rough. I cant wait until I have to buy a new set so I can get some Michelins. All in all, its a really great car and if youre considering this class of vehicle, you shouldnt buy without driving the Passat.

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  Jettas run over 200,000K If treated well - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By carguyexpert - March 26 - 11:44 am

  I have owned 2 Jettas 1999 and a 1995. One Got into an accident and had a little over 175,000 miles and the other is still running till this day at 206,000. Jettas are great reliable cars. If somone has a complaint about jettas they either got the very few bad ones out of the bunch or the previous owner just mistreated it before it came to you. My aunt has one that is over 250,000 miles and running. If these cars are well maintained they run like champs for a very very long time.

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  Skip the Nav - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bob - March 26 - 1:46 am

  I have a special edition Touareg with 19" wheels, DVD Navigation and other goodies. The car is very competent in traffic, freeway, tight roads, and rough roads. Its fuel economy is not good, but we knew that when we bought it. In 3,000 miles, the only two complaints we have is that the radio or CD player comes on with the backup camera, even if it was off when the car was parked. The other problem is the navigation system is useless. Though not difficult to use it is cumbersome, slow, and usually does not have an address in the database. We still use our $500 Garmin GPS if we need navigation help.

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  Fun and unreliable - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Badfish73 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The list of my problems began with electrical failure in dash lights. Replaced pigtail harness. Next, the infamous window dropping problem. All this with 9000 miles on it. Next at about 30,000 miles, new rear brakes and rotors. I was told that everytime I replace brake pads to be prepared to change the rotors..BS. 38,000 miles, new front pads and rotors. Not to mention the cost of scheduled service. My dealer quoted me $850 for my 40,000 scheduled maintenance. What a joke. Next the O2 sensor went and needed replacement. Went from VW enthusiast to the point where I will never buy another.