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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  Taking My Time To Get Where Im Going... - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Nicolina - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Sure the car has its drawbacks when it comes to speed...but who needs speed when you take your time to get where youre going? You cant help but feel relaxed in this car. Its fun to drive and flashy. I have red! What more do you need? Its too bad it got bad ratings from people that couldnt spring for the GLX model...power top, leather seats, rims...all the good stuff. Men look funny driving this car too...I just dont understand it. Its definately a chick only car!

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  good for the price - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cinders - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This was a 1999 leftover with only a few miles on it. Ive been very happy except for the very, very squeeky brakes. The dealer, after a few visits, told me theres nothing they can do, breaks are fine, and gave me a pamphlet explaining why they squeek. The noise is so bad I cant drive with the windows open and Im trading it in. Also, the side view mirrors are too high. I see thats been redesigned in the new models.

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  Luv it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettafan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband & I love my Jetta. Its Sporty, quick & reliable with an awsome sound system. Great for people or couples without kids. The backseat is kinda small for passengers. I mainly have it to commute to work. The backseat folds down for x-tra cargo space. My V6 has a ton of power. My husband calls it the sports car. When given the choice on which car to take on a trip, we have always chosen the Jetta.

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  Tough to Beat! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rsbible - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased “our” Jetta for my wife a little over a year ago. At first I was a little concerned about the sticker price (in comparison to other models in the same class) but the fuel economy was the kicker. After a little over a year I find myself running errands just so I have an excuse to drive it. The performance is outstanding and the mileage just can’t be beat. All I can say is… sharp, fun to drive, and well built! I am sold on VW!!

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  Best Luxury Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By pluckon - July 2 - 1:06 am

  Thank goodness the Phaeton bombed in the market, because it allowed me to get a low-mileage W12 for barely more than $50,000. Ive been in almost every hoo-hah car on the planet and this ones the best. Its outlandishly fast, solid, beautiful and incredibly comfortable. The stereo is awesome, and they could fight a nuclear war outside and youd never hear it. By the way, I will never understand why luxury car buyers complain about fuel economy! If youre too cheap to buy a lot of gas, then for goodness sake dont get a 12-cylinder car.

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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By LAZARO - July 1 - 11:40 pm

  Ive had several VWs, but this R32 is by far the best i have ever owned.

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  Drains? - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By anonymous - July 1 - 8:46 am

  I love my gold 2001 Passat. It is so beautiful and I always end up smiling while Im driving it. It drives great, looks great, and holds its value. However, it seems to have problems with the drains. First, the air conditioning got moldy in it because there is no drain for it. Then, the sunroof started leaking. Now, the floor in the back gets a nice puddle in it if it rains and I drive. Other than these problems, it has been very dependable. For a first car I really couldnt ask for anything better. At least, after reading the reviews with sludge problems, I hope so...

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  lemonade anyone? - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By disappointed - June 30 - 9:10 pm

  What hasnt my VW Golf spent time in the shop for...its terrible lights, the radio died three times (after waiting for for 3 months), the airbag system went...etc, etc, etc...Im going back to Honda.

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  Best Vehicle Yet - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By pathlesstravel - June 30 - 8:13 pm

  Ive owned many types of cars and minivans but our 2001 Eurovan weekender is by far the most flexible and fun even though its now 13 years old. With 3 small kids and time off, my wife and I meandered 1,600 miles across California off the beaten path and had way too much fun. Its a home while on the road and the club seating means the kids face each other for hours of travel without fatigue. Anywhere we park the kids have a hangout. Mechanically its quiet and powerful. We change the oil and trans fluid more frequently than specified by VW. It has 131,000 miles and still drives solid. Visibility is good and interior size feels generous. We are not a bells and whistles family.

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  Worst SUV ever - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bill - June 30 - 10:56 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Volkswagen Touareg and no support from VW customer care. They hang up the phone on people and their "policy" is you can not speak to a manager ever. The transmission went on mine at 1,900 miles! The dealers ship said VW would only allow them to clear the codes! It is not the dealers fault VW NA runs them with the warranty and will not let them fix it. I had to start a lemon law, lawsuit to get them to speak with me! They ended up settling just so I would go away. Do yourself a favor read the reviews first, or it will cost you big bucks!