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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  2010 2.5 - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jamescrane - March 13 - 1:30 pm

  put car in reverse backed up then went forward it would die. took car to dealer they said it was in my head. i bought this car new with 12 miles on it. i traded it in because of the mechanical issue. really nice to drive but cant be making payments on somthing that dies when you put it in drive out of the factory.

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  Tarted up Chrysler eh? Worth a look - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By Paul - March 12 - 3:46 pm

  We looked at Siennas and Odysseys, however Toyota werent willing to offer a whole lot in terms of incentives and I knew the Honda was due for a replacement model, so that kept it out of the running. I preferred the look and interior materials of the VW to the Chrysler. In addition, we got one heck of a good price for a loaded SEL Premium. So far, its been perfect for the wife and the kids - she prefers the three rows of accessible seats, compared to our old CUV (Mazda CX-9) Time will tell on the reliability front.

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  Nice vehicle, poor reliability - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lynx6200 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I got this vehicle used, so part of the problem may be that the seller didnt tell me anything. However, since I have had the vehicle, there have just been way too many repairs (tunk release, water leaks in the trunk, dead engine, unalighned frame, short circuited cd player). Anyway, Ive had to pay for all of this because the car was out of warranty. While these arent the only problems, VW service is horrible. Ive come to them several times with problems, and they charge me but cant answer them, or fix something the wrong way, leading me to seak help from others.

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  Nice looking/performing MONEY PIT:( - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MIke T - March 10 - 11:36 am

  We bought this as a lease return with about 20k on it. Now has 68,000. Great motor fun to drive with good power for size. Be sure to be close to a repair shop though. I have replaced a bad water pump(plastic?) and timing belt at 40k. 2 sets of front brakes and rotors, one set of rear calipers with rotors. Both cv shafts, lower ball joint, tie rod end. 2 coils and 2 sets of plugs. I will never own a light beige cloth interior, impossible to keep clean, peeling paint inside, plastic trim breaks easily. 3 sets of tires in 68K. Brake booster froze up(fixed under warranty recall). Now the temp gauge is going out. Enough already! No more VWs. Honda/Toyota may be boring but you wont go broke.

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  UT-O - Bad Brakes - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - March 9 - 4:56 pm

  This car was purchased for my mother (06 Value 4dr Auto) and at 1,500 miles the brakes went soft. The dealer replaced the calipers and master cylinder and had mom pick up the car. It was not fixed. The brakes went to the floor. I brought the car back and it has been nine days now. The 1st loaner car was nice but the 2nd is an older dumpy Suzuki with a smelly interior. I am curious to see if the dealer or VW will fix moms car. I was told that they would replace the entire brake system. We shall see.

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  Umm..Wanted to Buy - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By qpogger18 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  It has the "sporty" feel I didnt expect, and handles like a dream, floating over bumps and turning with a touch to the steering wheel. Its tiny on the outside and HUGE on the inside. It feels safe and is somewhat comfortable, but the comfort just doesnt get close to the comfort of my 2002 Monte Carlo. It also doesnt have power seats, or steering wheel radio control. But the heated seat gets HOT, and the automatic with triptronic is FUN. I have to admit that I think Volkswagen New Beetles are ugly, and if I have to drive this one, I have to have tinted windows. But this car is so fast...I want to buy a million of them!

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  Feels exspensive - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By shawn - March 5 - 5:26 pm

  I am completely satisfied with my choice of the VW auto. This car feels and rides just as awesome as it looks. Great passing power, even at 70 mph. Handles the local twisties with pleasant agility. I bought mine with the ground effects and it is worth the money, looks really cool and sporty. I also upgraded to 16" wheels for better ride. Just remember this changes the speedometer accuracy. I cant figure out how to sit inside with the interior dash lights on, without the driving lights blinding away at the same time (kind of irritating). Also it seems there is no glovebox light. Cruise control on the blinkers is less than desirable. The seat adjustments are poorly designed. I recommend this car.

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  2001 Volkswagon Beetle TDI - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ben - March 4 - 8:03 pm

  Having driven everything from a Ford Thunderbird to a Dodge 2500 the Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel Injected) was an interesting buy. The acceleration for the Beetle is not that bad. You must remember, its a gas saving coup NOT a sports car. Folks made the same mistake with the Delorean. Driving experience is fun but not outstanding. Excellent reliability as long as the car is maintained properly. Remember, you get what you pay for. Interior is well designed but cup holders are not made for holding the average cup unless youre a hobbit. Paint is good but could use a thicker clear coat. Unless you are abusing it or are just rough on cars, this v-dub is a tough little sucker. Not luxury, but works

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  The goods - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Whiplash117 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Passat GLX on 4.17.02 and I fell in love at first site. I got the indigo blue with grey leather interior. I did my internet researching and came to the conclusion that nobody can touch the options that the Passat has. I drove it and it handled like a dream. Its a little stiff which is common in European cars and I loved the tiptronic option. My only concern are the little noises you hear when starting the car. Also when the air conditioner is on...it sucks the power and the pep of the car gets lost. Other than that...the car is great.

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  VWs Black Sheep - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Badger - March 4 - 10:00 am

  The Euro SHOULD be the best (un)minivan in America. It is not. While it does have VW build quality and performance, it is obvious that the Euros origins are that of a cargo van. The dash board is the most user-UNfriendly Ive ever seen, the seats cause actual pain over longer distances, and the climate control system needs to be drug out into the street and shot. All that aside, it is a great van.