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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  Reminds me of my old GTI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JDK Ents - March 1 - 2:20 am

  What a joy! After years of driving Tauruss (including a SHO), a Maxima, and an Altima, Id forgotten about driving fun. I had a first year GTI (1983) which I loved - it was quick, a good highway cruiser, but not too reliable. After that I moved into a series of borrriiiing cars and forgot about fun. That has changed! I have about 4k miles on a brand spankin new 2005 Jetta GLS TDI. This beast is amazingly quick. The engine with the 5 speed manual is exceptionally well matched to the size of the car. It is perfect for the cut and thrust type driving required for stop and go traffic. The low end torque is great and is available RIGHT NOW when you stomp on the gas (diesel?) pedal.

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  Georgeous Car - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Bevmo - March 1 - 12:43 am

  I moved up from a compact car to a compact SUV to accommodate my growing family and deal with the decaying CA roads. The Tiguan is right-sized for urban life in the Bay Area, quite compact exterior for nimble driving and parking, but a very spacious interior. In comparison, Rav4 and CRV are weird/dull/dated. I had hopes for the Forester but the interior was extremely cheap - read the reviews. The Tiguan is in a class of its own for build quality, design, and driving experience. More expensive yes but better value as I will be enjoying this for many years. The 2.0T engine is fantastic, I feel I have the GTI from my youth wrapped in a responsible family package with all safety features.

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  Trouble free - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By edsel4u - March 1 - 12:30 am

  Bought new June 2009 and now at 33,000 miles we have not had any major malfunctions. Well own the Routan till the wheels fall off. Its an excellent transportation appliance and if people respect the Routan minivan for what it is, and for what it is not, theyll be satisfied too.

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  2010 VW Jetta SE - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Coop - February 27 - 4:33 pm

  I am leasing a 2010 Jetta SE sedan with the 5sp manual. Manual provides a little more control and makes the car more fun to drive. Great interior design and finish, though the headrests get complaints from my wife. Sporty drive and solid feel on the road.

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  What a GREAT car! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan R. - February 24 - 10:03 am

  Second Passat, previous one was a 2000. This car is head and shoulders better, with improved styling, performance, and safety features. I love it! Cant beat the price for a near-luxury European sedan.

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  GTI 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By CHUCK BITTMAN - February 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR PICKS UP AND MOVES JUST AS QUICK AS THE BMW 318 AND 325 FOR MUCH LESS. I GET MAD LOOKS DRIVING IT. MY ONLY ISSUE IS WITH THE MOONSOON STERIO SYSTEM I GOT THE UP GRADE WITH 200WATT AMP AND THE SPECKERS CANT HANDLE THE OUT PUT. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED ONE SPECKER WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF BUYING MY CAR AND NEED TO REPLACE MORE.

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  You gotta love a VW to own one... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sfbrian - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Okay, so ive only owned my jetta for about a month (2500 miles) but i havent had any problems yet. my wife and i bought this car as a compromise. she hates driving a stick and i hate driving an automatic, so we bought the tiptronic. i was sceptical at first to be sure (i wanted a 1.8t gti) but im now totally in love with this car. it has major balls! it handles well and accelerates like mad. the interior could be my bmws!

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  Great car - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By matt - February 23 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased this car at a auction. I had no idea what it was like. I kno it sounds dumb. But I got it and it ran great! (even though it has almost 200,000 miles on it) but its my first car and I have little problems with it. The main problems consist of the two passenger doors, the back which does not open at all nor does the window work, and the front that only opens from the inside. But im not too worried about those... Seeing how I dont sit there. Overall its a great first car. I even raced a 1999 eclipse and blew it away.

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  Engine hesitance. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By SBDGE - February 23 - 4:36 pm

  Approx. three weeks after receiving vehicle it started to hesitate periodically. After documenting fuel- ups and problem occurrences I brought it to the dealership. Was told I probably topped it off. I probably did. Not an issue with my four previous GTIs. Dealership replaced a faulty charcoal canister unit and purge valve. Was given a rental. They were excellent. Filled it up today. (Repaired on 4/28/08) Engine malfunction light never went on. Will see what happens this weekend.

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  My terrific jetta - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By doctorbob - February 23 - 10:36 am

  Almost 4000 miles, and absolutely nothing to complain about. Only compliments for this comfortable, well- built and equipped car. My city/hwy mileage averages 29 mpg. The five cylinder power plant provides me with great pickup and passing ability. The Jetta exceeds my expectations and I recommend it without reservation.