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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  Listen to the lemons! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By queromare - May 23 - 11:30 pm

  Like many others, I couldnt list all the things that are wrong with this car. The most important one is it stalls constantly when its 100+ degrees outside. Completely unreliable, gas tank exploded one day and poured gasoline everywhere, numerous electrical problems. The car is adorable and pretty fun, but has no power, a terrible turning radius and is poorly designed for comfort inside. A vase isnt worth the hassle. I ignored the warnings, dont make the same mistake as I did! This stupid thing has cost me $6,000 so far! I now pay $500/month for it to sit on the driveway! I wont drive it past warranty! Doesnt even get good mileage ie 25/gallon!

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  Thank goodness for warranties - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By MacDaddy - May 23 - 1:06 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this van. I had the transmission replaced, air compressor, front steering totally replaced, wiper motors, engine computer sensors, and bad tires because of poor steering alignment. I am in the process of kissing this hunk of junk good bye. I will not buy another VW product. In fact I warn others against it.

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  My first car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lanczer - May 22 - 4:03 pm

  My Father has owned 7 VWs in his lifetime. When it was time for me to get my licence my dad gave me his passat. I got it with 170,000 miles on it and absolutely no problems. This car was bought new and driven everywhere. I have driven many cars and this was by far my favorite. Its a Luxury Experience with superb handling and performance for its size. Only a short year after getting the car i was hit by a drunk driver. i was driven of the road, went airborne, and ended up in the woods. All of the airbags went off and i was able to walk away completely unscathed. The care was totaled but needless to say this car saved my life. Just yesterday i bought another one. I cant live without my VW.

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  VW Touareg 2008 V6 TDI - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By E55 - May 22 - 10:20 am

  I got mine since may 2008. I have v6 tdi version. Fuel consumption around 26 mpg in city- 36-40 mpg at highway. Not bad for diesel. If compare to 16/21 for us v6 version, I have done test drive with VW staff. Its amazing what they do with touareg! We were at Nice off road and on airport take off lane. Definitely will take my to us next time.

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  Theres nothing better out there - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By M. Martz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car from the minute I saw it, it had great design and I knew it was reliable because of Volkswagens history. Also, I loved the features, most of wich were standard, they were easy to use, but attractive at the same time, this car is the best by far. I couldnt be happier with my new purchase.

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  Volkswagen GTI - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By bill777 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with this car. It is solid sporty and fun. I chose this car over a nsx type s and celica gts. All have similar power but only one has german build quality and its apparent as so as you drive it. I also like the 1.8t version which is faster than the VR6 according to Road & Track and other multiple sources.

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  Great car with major problems - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lajsdl;jaf - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We love this car, but weve had to replace the head gasket at 26K and the steering rack is shot in it = $2,000. Well never buy a VW again.

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  WOW! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By M. Martz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months in my V8 Touareg, Im happy I bought it instead of leasing it, it is AMAZING!!!! It looks and feels gret inside and out, has great performance on-road and off (unlike most SUVs in this category AND out), its has better than Mercedes comfort and performance, with Hummer-like off- road capabilities. I LOVE THIS THING!!

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  Awesome VW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By OhioBuckeye - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best vehicle we test drove in our search. The build quality and fit-and-finish was stellar.

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  PERFECT AUTO - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By pbrsbnsr - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Rarely have I been compelled to express my satisification with a product, but not to recognize this vehicle as being perfect in every regard - would be a sin!