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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  80,000 and going strong - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - July 13 - 6:50 pm

  We have owned this car for 2 1/2 years. I drive over 2 mountain passes nearly weekly with heavy snow in the winter. The car accelerates well, is great in snow, runs as well with 4 adults as it does with one. I am not sure where others get their numbers for MPG, but I consistently get 40+ at average speeds of 60 MPH with an automatic transmission. The only time it gets less is when the air conditioning is on. Prior to purchasing the VW we owned a Honda Accord which was a great car. One very significant difference between the Honda and the VW is how much more it takes to ding the sides of the VW as compared to the Honda. Without a dozen dings, pride of ownership comes much easier.

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  Great So Far - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kenner - July 12 - 11:23 am

  We bought our diesel Jetta in August and so far we just love it. It is surprisingly quick and also gets great gas millage. We have been getting an average of 850 KM to the tank, or a little over 500 miles. We have been told that once this car broken in it will get even better. I cant wait.

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  A Nice Alternative Worth Considering - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By EuroDad - July 11 - 10:00 am

  A good value given the standard equipment. Materials do not feel as cheap as in some competitor vans. Drives a bit more truck-like than some competitors but not harsh. The view is commanding and pick up is outstanding. Weve averaged about 19.5 MPG so far. Features such as the storage shelf in the rear are great. My wife loves the room and that she can actually move between the seats easily as we are loading things. Build quality is generally good, but glove box has broken twice and a rattle in the door pillar caused by missing/ damaged liner clips from the factory was disappointing. Response from VW has been sympathetic but not what we hoped.

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  Nothing but Trouble - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Adam - July 7 - 10:06 pm

  I purchased my 2001 Jetta a year ago. The 2.8 VR6 engine is very sporty and fun to drive. Its suspension is tight yet comfortable. Since I bought this car I have had to replace an ignition coil ($500), spark plug wire set ($170), transmission (under warranty thank god), O2 sensor ($200 under warranty), and ECM ($1500 under warranty). I have had the car back for six days and everything seems to be a ok.

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  at the garage al the time - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By gabor - July 7 - 10:00 am

  We loved the design and many other things. However, this car is at the garage all the time. The warning message comes up all the time , falsely stating that the tires are flat, or we shud check tire pressure. The break lights failed, then the radio/ nav system failed (they put in a new one, now we cant get certain chanels), then the hazard switch could not be turned off and neede replacing etc. We did 10000 miles and already need new tires. Tomorrow is the fifth time within 10 days that I am going to the garage...

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  Service to Death! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marj - July 6 - 7:23 pm

  Let me start by saying I love my Passat, but my husband hates it (hes a loyal Toyota fan). I dig the performance drive. I can overlook little things, but the number of times I have taken this car to the shop is insane! Repairs range between $300 and $1,500 each, even the little things. I never use anything but synthetic for oil changes, which are $50. Last week the power door lock on the drivers door stopped working, its a $400 repair. I also need tie rods and an alignment. I am considering ditching this fun to drive wagon for a vanilla vehicle. Can VW say low maintenance?

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  Reliable, Comfortable - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hozer - July 6 - 3:40 pm

  Bought the car new in 2003 and am about to turn 100,000 miles. Still getting 32mpg on the highway. Very comfortable car for the size. Only problems are the plastic water pump (replaced at 70k) and a touchy check engine light.

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  Great car, needs to be better built - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By dts - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Like the title says, I absolutely love the car, but there have just been too many reliability issues. It fits my needs perfectly -- its sporty, practical, and luxurious all at once. In the GLX level, it feels like an Audi hatchback would feel if they sold one in the U.S. But in the two years I have owned it, I have had to have the drivers side airbag replaced, the airbag wiring harness replaced, the drivers side door realigned twice, a speaker replaced twice, the drivers side window regulator replaced twice, and the engine mass air flow sensor replaced.

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  Fast Is My Co Pilot - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DFWGLI - July 3 - 7:13 pm

  I have an 06, Salsa Red Jetta GLI with 17 in. wheels, all seasons tire, and all of the options including XM. This car replaced my 05 Mercedes C230 Sports Sedan which was replaced by 03 Mercedes C230 Sports Coupe. I will never buy a MB again, my cars had nothing but technical issues. I looked at the Audi, BMW, and found the Jetta to be a better bang for the buck. Now I just have to wait for a couple of years and see how it stands up.

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  DO NOT BUY A USED PASSAT - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By clarkdt1 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car. 1998-2002 VW Passats and Audis with the 1.8T engine are doomed for failure. There is a HUGE issue with oil sludging. My engine seized on the highway. They claimed a timing belt, but the cause was oil sludge. They would only replace the engine IF I had all oil change reciepts (I did the oil changes, but I didnt have reciepts.) I had all but 5, they wouldnt do anything. A great car to drive, but that cant compensate for a $4000 rebuild.