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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  Great Car!! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By rabbity - November 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for anyone who enjoys driving. The way it corners is beyond impressive. The triptonic engine is amazing especially while climbing steep grades, but youll pay for it in gas consumption. Be sure to get the 16" wheels and the ESP. The interior is well lit and European styled. Arm rests would be nice. The iPod adapter doesnt come standard. Overall its the perfect car. Id highly recommend it to anyone. Very solid car.

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  Love the Jetta - Hate the electronics - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By trainsam - November 5 - 11:53 pm

  Car is a pleasure to drive. Love the mileage (43-60mpg between 75 and down to 55 respectively). Carries a ton for a small car. Even gets great mileage with luggage stored on top. No power train issues ever. JettaSportWagon is 20 months old now with 30k miles. Lock system just went wacky. Dealer cant even figure out why some locks lock sometimes and others at other times. Completely random behavior. Changed lock control module. No luck. Now dealer is calling in expert from somewhere else. In first two months had similar electronic hiccup with ATC system. Wish the electronics were more stable.

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  Its a Blast! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BWO - November 5 - 10:50 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for about two weeks and its a blast. Ive owned VWs before, including a Jetta, but the initial quality on this GLI is a major leap beyond the 95 Jetta that I owned. The gas mileage is great, I get ~27 in my suburb/urban commute. It has nice speed/acceleration, great handling, and road feel in spades. It feels magnetically bonded to the road - you become part of the car and the car becomes part of the road - again, its a blast. The interior is nice. I went retro with Plaid Package 1. Mine is black with 17" wheels - the color/wheels configuration doesnt scream "Im a sports/performance car." It "looks" like a classy / tasteful / modest sporty sedan, but its definitely a performer.

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  Maintenance is too High! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jt - November 5 - 10:10 pm

  The car is beautiful and drives beautifully, however the cost of simple things like brake jobs is too high and it is always a battle to get "Warranty" work done. The dealership claims that simple brake pads cost me $172.00 just for the pads for the front of the car. I was quoted over $400.00 just to replace the pads for the front of the car. I think that is inappropriate for a supposed economy car. Read below as well about the two times I have been stranded.

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  Great Package - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Jean - November 4 - 10:46 am

  Although its not the fastest car out there, it does bring lots of pluses together in an elegant package.

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  Reliability below expectations - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By KEB - November 4 - 8:26 am

  This car, although it has a very good ride, has had more than its share of repairs. Mine has had problems with its water pump, defective power steering, both tie rods joints, both CV joints, door alignment, two timing belts...all in only 60,000 miles. I expected more from VW. My repairs have totaled over $2,500 in about 6 years!

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  VW CC, what a surprise - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By ross bailey - November 3 - 5:13 pm

  what a nice sports sedan, went in looking for a SUV for myself and ended up with a sports sedan for my wife.

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  New 3.6L Passat 11/21/05 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Makko - November 2 - 5:30 am

  Take this from an ex-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Volvo owner, the list is huge..., I test drove this new car on Saturday and couldnt wipe the grin off my face. "THIS IS A VW?" I put a deposit on it right away. Then I went home, did my research, read lots of blogs, (very helpful) and all the other VW model quality issues aside, I went and bought this car today. When I looked deeper into the issue, it does seem like VW has had it share of problems especailly when it comes to other and older models made in other than Germany. The fact that this was made in the Fatherland restored my confidence in this well engineered gem. Time will tell if my call was right and Ill provide updates as car matures.

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  Sad Cute Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heather Maurer - October 31 - 8:26 pm

  Unfortunately, I have had to bring my car in 5 times for repairs. 4 times because the automatic convertible roof wouldnt go up and 1 time because the motor in the back electric window broke. I love the look, feel and drive of this car and I am completely disgusted and greatly disappointed with the convertible top not working properly. According to the dealership, I am not using due diligence when opening the trunk when the top is down. They are indicating that the top is getting stuck in the trunk which is causing it not to go up and that it is my responsibility to make sure this doesnt happen. This sounds like a design flaw to me!

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  Good Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tron - October 29 - 3:46 pm

  I have had the Passat for a year now and had to take it to the dealer once. We like the car, its fun to drive and looks good. When you buy an import car you should except to pay more more service and maint. Its tight in the back seat with 2 car seats but, I would buy another VW again