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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  My Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sad to say - April 25 - 9:36 am

  I bought my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 new in September. Since then, it has been in the shop for 37 days for cooling problems. I am getting rid of it, it cant be fixed. I really do love the car its a shame.

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  Good engineering but poor reliability - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By crnom - April 24 - 7:10 pm

  I was looking for the car with a good performance, fuel mileage, design, and dependability. And closest car I came upon was this redesigned Passat. I was satisfied with engine performance and fuel mileage but I had to deal with too many quality problems. From water leak, multiple check engine lights (some are due to same issue), noises, and paint peeling. I have filed for lemon law after VW ignored/refused to meet with me. After decided to take the settlement for cash and I traded for another car.

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  okay car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dallas2k - April 24 - 2:00 am

  lot of problems early. (ac, suspension bolt, coolant reservoir leak). all covered under warranty. only drive about 500 miles/mo. now, and no problems in over six months.

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  24V 6-speed GTI - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By GPS - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Great power across the RPM range and a lot fun blasting through curvy country roads. I strongly sugest test driving one if you are thinking of an RSX, WRX, or Sentra Spec V (what I was deciding between).

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  The good, the bad, the ugly - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By crd - April 21 - 8:30 am

  After one year... I love the power, handling and design of this car. I was looking for a sporty, fast cuv that could still accommodate a three year old and all that entails. This car does that. That being said, driving home from the dealer I noticed (it was at night) I could only see 3 ft ahead of me. Took car back to find lights were ill- positioned. 6 months later I had to get the fuel pump replaced. Already had to get burned out drivers head lamp replaced and there is an awful squeek inside that I cant seem to find/fix. I like the car but am wary about what to expect in year 2. Imo, quality is really lacking. I am thinking of trading it in already, which saddens me as it is fun to drive.

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  GLI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By summersbo - April 21 - 2:36 am

  My 2005 VW GLI was an absolute blast to drive, when it drove. The clutch and flywheel exploded(yes exploded) at 30,000 miles leaving me stranded. A clutch and flywheel should last longer then that, 100k maybe. I ended up trading it in on a Toyota. VW are engineered with driving performance in mind but are poorly built. If your willing to deal with the expensive upkeep then this is an excellent car. But if you want reliability go with something from japan. The reliability track record of VW will prevent me from buying another.

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  OMG was I taken - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By foleyarmy - April 20 - 2:50 am

  Yes very nice drive but OMG the issues. I should have looked at reviews, before getting this nightmare. VW is loving the money, cause they are taking it in double from us. Oil lights, low tire pressure issues, engine off lights, and the techs say "I didnt see any problems." REALLY no problems... never will a VW be in my yard again. NEVER !!!!!!!!

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  Great car, with a few "buts" - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By johnnyboy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We chose this car over competitors like the Maxima, Camry, and Chrysler 300M. But in terms of interior features, it is basically an Audi A6 that costs way way less. Overall, we love the car. It is fun to drive, and you really feel in control (maybe too much in control). It also looks beautiful... theres nothing cheap about its build quality/materials. The only major downside, to our huge disappointment, is its high fuel comsumption (lets just say that the government ratings lied). VW really could do a lot better in this department in this day and age. Still, the car is awesome and definitely worth its money.

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  everything breaks or gets stolen - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By antennastealee - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Everything inside breaks...glove compartment, rear ash tray, cupholder, and the design of the mirror knob is poor. If there are multiple drivers who are different hights and have to change the mirror, too much handling will break it.

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  Nice but lots of trips to the Dealer - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jpbdds - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice car to drive. However, has been to the VW dealer four times in the two months I have owned it. MIL for gas cap. Replace knock sensor. Change rear interior panel to eliminate rattle/squeak. Door lock/interior light problem that is hard to track down - may require several trips to find the problem. Dealer is responsive but it is a hassle to keep going back so often.