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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  Fun to drive! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Danny Wilson - June 8 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car new from the VW dealership in 2004. I drove it for 120,000 miles and then gave it to my college aged son who has put another 130,000 miles on it. I loved the car and he still loves the car. The car has always been quick and it still runs just as well now with over 250k miles as it did when I drove it off the lot new. We have always used Pennzoil full synthetic oil and have changed it at about 7-9k intervals. At around 200k we changed the timing belt. This has been a really good car. I keep telling my son to put back some $$ for another car as this one is getting some miles on it. Ive been telling him that for 3 years now. He doesnt want to trade it, it just is too good of a car, still.

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  MS VW - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bibelicious - June 7 - 6:53 pm

  While a fun car to drive - when something goes wrong - watch out. The repair bills are extremely high. Normal charges for ordinary upkeep are also higher than lets say a Toyota Camary. Check recalls - we have had two. Change your oil!!! We did not change it every 5,000 miles and they voided our warranty on a repair that cost us $1,100 with 60,000 miles on the car. So far with 103,000 miles on this car, that my wife calls "the baby" we have spent over $4,000 on repairs never mind the normal stuff. An expensive kid indeed, never mind the premium fuel required.

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  6.5 years, 85,600 miles - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw2audi - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in my VW and wanted to share a little from my use. Overall the engine and mechanics worked fine, except for the loud rattle and the oil leakage. All the issues I faced were on the interior; broken hinge on glove box, arm rest broke twice, interior film peeled in several areas, stereo and speakers cut in and out occasionally and the cloth as many stated is absolutely horrible. Good gas mileage and nice to drive.

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  WORTH EVERY PENNY!! - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LUKE - June 6 - 2:33 am

  Great car for the money. Only problem I had was horn going bad (cost $30.00 did it myself) other than that just oil change and filters. Change original tires ( Hankook ) at 50,000 miles they were terrible just put in a set of Michelin defenders (they handle way better than Hankok). People who complain about materials use in a interior should buy a BMW or Lexus you can not except to much from a midsize car under 20k. Sharp looking car for the money.

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  I vowed I would not take the plunge - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JHGSaratoga - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 5 new VWs in the last 5 years (1999 Jetta GLX - the best by far, 2000 Jetta GLX, 2001 Cabrio GLX, 2002 Passat GLX 4-motion Wagon, and 2003 Passat W8 4-motion Wagon). The best performing car was - hands down - the 1999 GLX. Do not take the plunge on the W8 for the extra $7K. The GLX Passat Wagon is just as good a performer as the W8! Im considering switching to Audi Allroad 2.7.

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  My First Jetta - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bruce - June 4 - 4:46 pm

  I was somewhat hesitant to purchase a VW because of everything I had read regarding the quality of the car, but I was pretty much sold after a test drive. The 2.0T has much better performance, exterior styling, in addition to what I believe is higher quality interior materials than the other cars I was considering (e.g. Accord, Camry, Altima). The only weakness I can see so far is the fuel mileage and the cars requirement for premium gas. The car has been averaging about 22-23 mpg in mostly city driving. While this is in line with the EPA ratings I had expected better. I haven’t done any long distance highway driving with the car yet so I can’t comment on the highway performance.

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  VW needs lesson from Toyota - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By uz - June 4 - 10:00 am

  ECT, Coil Pack, Fuel Sensors. These three poor electronic parts will fail on you. I hope you have the longer warranty. Having owned Japanese (Toyota) vehicles for 14 years, I was forced to get a sportier car as Toyota just doent make a fast car anymore (less you have the budget for a Lexus). Though the turbo has spinup lag, its still quick for a 1.8ltr. Throw in a Wetterauer chip and you have a 210hp 4 cylinder. The car *is* fun to drive. Just not fun to own. Could they be forcing us to lease? Try this: lay down a split seat (rear) and drive around with only the sunroof open. if your ears dont bleed or explode....

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  They got it right--except little stuff - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Melweena - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Ive loved owning VW Jettas. The A/C and Heat are quick to the rescue in tough Wisconsin weather, and the tork in the engine is enough to keep up with quick lane changes in downtown Chicago. If it werent for just a few cosmetic issues, this vehicle would be superb!

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  Not Too Shabby - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stoker - June 4 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. This is a great a car for 2 people. Its quick and stylish. Ive never had a car that got me so many compliments. The back seat is a joke however. Its embarassing to have to give anyone a ride. You can actually drive and reach anything in the back-seat without a problem. The sunroof is a little trick to operate at first.

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  Not worth it - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Warren - June 4 - 5:10 am

  I think that the guy who bought his VW from CarMax got the one that I unloaded. It was the biggest disappointment. Had a Rabbit for 16 yrs that was great. Had the Passat for 4 years and hated it for three. Went through 4 sets of brakes, VW said it was normal wear. Hesitation issues, finally the axle was giving me trouble and I traded it in for a Mercury Milan. So far the Milan has only needed $30 oil changes, compared with the $80 oil changes of VW, not to mention premium gas. Got rid of the Passat at 33000 miles and was glad it was gone. Hey Andrews, is yours indigo blue? If so, sorry you got stuck. I dont care however reliable VW gets, I am done with them as a company.