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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  Impressive SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Elaine M. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power, great road cruiser, nice looking, great interior details, and very stable in bad weather. The seats are uncomfortable, the electronic keys do not always activate the locks, the gas pedal is very sensitive (seems jumpy in first gear, windshield washer fluid leaks from holding tank, and it took three months to get the rear floor mat.

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  My Blue Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DustyJones - March 22 - 10:00 am

  A lot of bang for the buck. I am a 6 foot, 240 lb male and have to say that the bug is the most comfortable and roomy car in its class. Theres plenty of head and leg room up front. This is the most enjoyable aspect of my experience thus far, but dont think for a minute that it ends there. The car has been extremely reliable and Ive found it quite a blast to drive. The 5 speed manual transmission has plenty of pep and is quite comfortable cruising at 90mph.

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  Daughters first car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joel Mccowan - March 21 - 10:24 pm

  Like everything about it, good gas mileage, handles well, comfortable, front wheel drive, enough power when you need it and stylish

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  Money pit - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By learnedmylesson - March 19 - 5:06 pm

  This was my first "new" car. Had been driving a 93 Buick LeSabre with 100k+ miles that never gave me a problem. Bought the wagon in May 07 for $10,900 w/ 62k miles and spent $4,815.04 in 2008 on repairs ($391 so far in 09). Ive lost track of all the issues Ive had. Every time I go to the mechanic I ask "what am I doing wrong" the answer is always "its not you its the car, its a VW." To name a few: Catalytic converter, 3 recalls, front pipe leak, and after a day of heavy rain the electrical unit died.

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  TDI for fun - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Huxley - March 19 - 5:36 am

  2009 Jetta TDI I currently have less than 1400 miles. I took a short trip of 250 miles and received 47 mpg. This was great. The Sport Wagon would be my preference. Since my walker doesnt fit in the trunk with the back seat up. It appears to be a large trunk but not the depth I would like.

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  Coundnt Passat it up - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ADV-1 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I have owned 11 VWs. I am getting between 31-34 mpg. The turbo gives a great kick but has a lag you have to get used to. The 1.8T has all the power I need on the highway. I run it on regular fuel and dont find a difference in performance

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  I Like it a Lot - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By steve - March 18 - 9:16 am

  i bought my 2004 VW GTI with some hesitation, I was concerned about the reliability. It has had some minor issues with reliability in the electrical department. I knew going in too that this car takes premium gas. This is not a great thing with a car that averages 19-24 mpg and the current cost of gas. Having said this, I do declare, that this car is wonderful. It is not a hot rod, but it is very fun. if I need the horses or torque, they are there. It is very solid, and the most comfortable car that I have ever owned. The hatchback is great, easy access and roomy. I dont see myself coming and going on the highways and byways of this town. I strongly recommend this funky little car.

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  2004 VW GTI 1.8T Review - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jillian - March 17 - 12:26 pm

  My 2004 Volkswagen GTI broke down twice within the first week of my purchase. I had to have the entire computer system replaced. The interior quality is horrible...all the little pieces seem to be breaking i.e. console clasp, front seat release handle (to get into backseat) and foot vent. The A/C failed on the hottest day in the summer on the NJ parkway in bumper to bumper traffic...cool! I suppose that this is a decent first car for younger drivers.

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  awesome - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By zach032 - March 16 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year and the only thing that Ive replaced is the brakes. Ive put on a lot of extras with the motor and the visual details. ive loved this car since ive had it. i also has 95,000 miles on and the dealer gave me all the service records witch he told very good car of it. basically if you can take care of the car, you will love it

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  Hot Looking Road Rocket - Poor Quality - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TalismanPHX - March 15 - 7:40 am

  I love the looks, handling, and power of my Reflex Silver Jetta GLS 1.8T "road rocket". Mine is loaded with all the options (Sport Luxury package, moonroof, leather, awesome Monsoon audio). However, as much as I love to drive this car, I will never ever buy another VW again. It has very poor build quality because it was built at the Mexico assembly plant and its very cheap interior plastics ruin what should be an enjoyable car. The windows fall down into the doors due to cheap plastic clips that break and the fuel filler release has failed about seven times. The fold down rear seats rattle constantly. The car has left me stranded three times when it wouldnt start due to ignition coil failure. The CV joints have failed.