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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  Im in LOVE! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JordanHarris - November 9 - 11:33 pm

  I got my car a week ago tomorrow. I know what youre thinking...:Isnt that a little early to write a review?" well I cant control myself...I LOVE it! Its a blast to drive (especially with the top down), it is SSSSUPER cute, and it gets lots of stares, honks, waves, and compliments. The color is sexyyy (salsa red). I love the interior, its leatherette, but everyone thinks its real leather. The gas mileage is great! The trunk space is more than I had expected. And the key is cool. Well Im going to go drive some more!

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  Great little car, just dont do what I did..... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cheeriosquirts - November 9 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car is 2007 with 30k miles on it, as of right now I am at 115k. Ive been a bad VW owner and havent done the scheduled maintenance like I should, in fact I havent changed the plugs, timing belt or the pads. That being said with the abuse I have given it (which I suggest you dont do) this car has continued to run like a champ. I do have the oil changed regularly but other than that I have been lazy. Right now I have it in for all the scheduled maintenance that I have failed to do, not because it broke but rather I feel badly about not treating this car right. All you other folks that have had serious issues Im sorry you didnt get my car, otherwise you would be very happy!

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  Dont buy a Jetta! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lrm80 - November 9 - 1:53 am

  This was the first "new" car that I ever purchased and I thought I was buying something reliable! Instead I spend most of my time at the service department. Ive had a laundry list of problems including needing all four coil packs replaced, a new transmission at only 30,000 miles, the drivers side window falling into door three times, both coolant fans needed replacing, the seat heaters short circuited and I still have trouble with the Tiptronic gear shifter! I would never buy another VW again, it has been nothing but a waste of money and when you buy a new car you expect reliability!

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  Awesome Car for the Money - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDICali - November 8 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car 3 weeks ago and so far Ive been very impressed by the performance and fuel economy of the TDI. I stopped buying VW cars because of the reliability issues in recent years, but hopefully thats all in the past. The car came fully equipped and the only extract I got was the bigger wheels, which make a big difference in handling.

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  Buy a diesel! Then convert it to HHO hyb - 2006 Volkswagen Golf
  By seamist - November 8 - 10:33 am

  Awesome car made better with HHO system. I wouldnt bother with a VW thats not diesel, why would you? 40-50 mpg race car! How can you get any better?

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  2001.5 GLS V-6 - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Summit - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle new in 2002. Within three weeks, two taillights had gone out (bulbs). At 45,000mi the rear brake calipers had to be replaced as they were warped. Warranty did not cover it. On long trips, both my wife and I find the seats very uncomfortable, causing backache! Two speakers were blown with the Monsoon system. Great styling, no doubt. However, concerns about reliability haunt me. As this is my wifes car, I am used to the rock solid reliability of myToyotas. The Passat is a great road car though. Would I buy one again? Nope.

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  Driving again! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Flo02 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I really fell like driving again in that car.

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  Crazy VW Desirer - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Natraj - November 8 - 2:00 am

  My new Jetta is a grand car. I love it. I really enjoy the smooth ride, and it is seems exceptionally roomy for the front passengers. 1.8T engine is incredible, the build quality is great. I looked at Altima and Civic, but nothing can beet Jetta 1.8T. It gets good mileage, and its cargo area is pretty big.

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  This Wagon Should be Illegal to Drive! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By fun2drive - November 7 - 10:00 am

  5k miles and no problems. Performance is top notch, handling is great and it is too much fun to drive. Had the autolock feature disengaged by dealer but the rear door on the wagon has an annoying lock that wont stay open when all the other locks are open.

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  Poor Build Quality - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rey - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The car has a tight feeling while driving. Around Chicago where the highways are in poor condition, I found the stiff ride very harsh.I was surprised at this as most reviews gave accolades for ride quality. At about 14000 miles the car had an electrical meltdown. It would not start reliably, internal lights would flash, windows did not work, and neither would the radio. The dealer in Appleton WI refused to help me.Since then I have noted a number of squeeks and rattles .Most bumps even small ones are transmitted right to the interior so this is quite annoying. Gas mileage is mediocre. I cannot really recommend the car based on my experience.