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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  LUV BUG :) - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beach Girl - July 12 - 9:46 pm

  I purchased my brand new 2008 Convertible Beetle and love it ! (so far )I just traded my 07 Sebring in for it (never get a Sebring) I live @ the beach so its great to take the top down and just cruise in, very comfortable, great stereo Love the SRadio that it comes with, leather heated seats this car has it all my fav car out of all the cars i have had , I would def recommend it to anyone my husband didnt like the beetles @ 1st he said it was to much of a girl car but after he drove it he loves it too , gas is av.

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  My new ROUTAN - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Routan - July 11 - 2:53 pm

  This was a great purchase, its the first care I purchase in a while since I have been leasing. I never thought I would say this about a minivan but after drinving it I have to say that it is fun to drive this mini-van. Lots of room for the kids and adults. Need to get screens for dvd, hope they make it standard on higher sel model, but even without it the kids love it. My wife never thought she would drive a mini-van, but she loves our routan. Would highly recommend it for a family. Go with the 4.0l v6 as I felt the 3.8 was quite weak for my standards, but the 4.0 got a kick to it, make sure u drive both to tell the difference.

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  Clear upgrade from my last Jetta except in a few areas - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golf_jetta - July 10 - 12:25 pm

  I bought my first Jetta in 2006 back when they were giving away free electric guitars with each purchase. That was the cheapest Jetta they had and people were blown away by how nice the interior was. Fast forward to 2011 where you find me buying the 2012 Jetta TDI because I drive 2 hours each day and I want better fuel economy and an automatic. On balance this is a great car. The motor is peppy and the automatic is very smooth. I love the diesel, if you are going to get the Jetta then I recommend you get the automatic with the 2.0 TDI. My suggested improvments are long, but they are really quibbles and should not deter you from purchase.

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  Great Car if you dont mind rattles - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tom and heather - July 10 - 11:10 am

  This is a wonderful commuter car if you can get past the interior rattles. When I took delivery, the car was very quiet, now with 12,400 miles since May 04, there are now 5 to 6 areas that rattle in the interior and occasionally the right rear door does not unlock completely when using the electronic system. Other than, that we love it!

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By dennycreekls - July 9 - 8:27 pm

  My Golf 2.0 (2004) Automatic 2 Dr. Hatchback is the best little car I have every owned. I bought the car with only 3000 miles on it--it now has 36,000 and still purrs. It rides clean and very quiet--the interior is pretty--the exterior sporty. NOTHING HAS EVER GONE WRONG WITH MY LITTLE BABY GOLF. I put the gas mileage at around 38 MPG/on HWY-little less in city (I dont do city though) The only item that needed to be replaced from 3000-36,000 miles was my battery because I drive the car from the Pacific Northwest to Arizona at least 3-4 times a year. In AZ the battery gets sucked dry fast in the heat and humidity. Only other car that compares to the Golf was my Honda Odyssey.

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  A Must Buy Car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Josh - July 9 - 11:03 am

  Been driving my Jetta since the last 10 days. What a car! Extremely powerful, yet economical engine. You wont hear the road noise, which is a big deal. Very logical controls and comfortable sitting position. Looks solidly built. Hugs the road like a train on rails.

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  Bought now rather than later... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By radin2son - July 8 - 12:40 pm

  Planned to down size from 2 cars (Hondas) to 1 (wagon) in the next 2 years, but couldnt resist Aprils incentives. (Seems every one is paying about the same, less than invoice.) Also liked the fact that 05 Passats come fully equipped with options limited to 17" wheels and leather package. Chose 17" wheels. My independent mechanic, who always said buy Toyota or Honda, OKd the Passat. He has seen no problems with newer Passats and described the TDI as one of the sweetest engines around. Hope reliability is as good as our 99 Accord. (Didnt expect same with 02 SI.) First full tank showed 28 mpg for mostly city driving. Trip meter makes you think it will be better. Expect mpgs to improve.

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  2000 VW Golf GLS TDi - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By Paul Tee - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought new, fun to drive, great MPG I average 45MPG, It has distinctive styling when most cars look like all the other cars. German engineering at an affordable price!

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  98 TDI - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By epshade - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought in 2000 when 2 years old. Problems with the turbo, dealer replaced for free even though I am the third owner. Consistently get 50 mpg +/- 1 mpg winter, summer, city or highway. Lots of torque; I do not use first gear. Handling very good, and the car is balanced so that it sometimes tricks me into thinking it is a rear-wheel drive car in the winter, and I slide past a turn when I downshift to slow down. Only negatives are that one door is stuck shut (due to handle?). Cant VW fix this after two decades? Also, stock shocks/struts are junk; KYB improved handling significantly.

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  poor mans audi / bmw - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By digitalboy - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new two years ago and overall have really enjoyed this car. The VR6 motor is outstanding, but does use more gas than the 4 cyl. models. Body roll is a little excessive in fast corners, but it grips well when pushed hard. Ride is plush, quiet and smooth. Very comfortable for road trips. When I first picked up the car the cruise didnt work and the climate control wouldnt switch to defrost. Dealer fixed both problems promptly, and I havent had a problem with the car since. Guess Ive been lucky (knock on wood) as I see a lot of reliability issues from other folks.