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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  Awesome Car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By smitpat - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car! Although Ive driven a lot of cars, this is the first that Ive owned, and Im thrilled. Great pickup at lower speeds, tight handling, and really good-looking.

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  Good run - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By little_eva - May 13 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car new after 14 great years with a Jetta. This car has more bells/whistles than the Jetta but is not as rugged, tho I have hauled more stuff in the Golf and done more city driving. But I have 105K on it and havent had to do any major repairs except it now needs a timing belt. This car is fun to drive and comfortable as I am short, but it is difficult for passengers with long legs. The latch to allow trunk expansion over folded rear seats broke, which is inconvenient and I broke the antenna off on the excellent sound system which limits its radius - both pricey repairs but work arounds. Good maint from dealer.

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  This is a Real Mans Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By tommy - May 13 - 12:00 am

  I just bought my 1999 Passat three days ago, and it has well over 100,000 miles on it. I bought it from the original owner who kept the car as clean as a show room model car. I have a 2.8 litre V6 30 valve engine with a rare 5-speed transmission. I also have heated front seats, heated side mirrors, leather, sunroof, rear window shade, and every option I believe you can get. The 5-speed transmission is well worth the time, as I like 4 door performance sedans, the Maxima was another choice that I was considering, but when it comes to build quality and ride, i think the Passat took it hands down. On the highway the car is nearly flawless, hearing nothing but the sound of your own voice saying how happy you are to own this machine. I will buy another Passat.

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  Not so bad - I dont get the other reviews - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By backhoebob1 - May 12 - 7:07 pm

  131K miles. The car had a couple of problems, but I dont understand the reviews. Yes, you have to change the timing belt every 80k or 95K miles. Same for my Camry. The difference is Ive spent $5500 less in gas to cover the same miles! (43 vs 28 mpg, $3.8 vs $4.1/g). Ive put a wheel bearing on it ($300, my bust for using a dealer) and four glow plugs ($440). Ill have to cam it in 50K miles or so. SO WHAT! Ill have saved $8500 at that point. Three sets of shocks, plugs and O2 sensors on the Camry - $800. No squeaks, firm, smooth, tons of leg room (68"). I cant believe people complain about $3K in maint for 200K miles with $5000 in their pocket.

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  DO consider the TDI Touareg! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By aokvw - May 12 - 4:01 pm

  Overabundant torque completely satisfies all overtaking needs. Having owned a 2004 V8 Touareg previously (18 mpg tops), I hardly miss its full throttle induction roar, instead embracing the low-revving oomph of the turbo-diesel, while averaging 27+ mpg.

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  Not a great ownership experience - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Iggy - May 12 - 2:46 pm

  The Jetta Sportwagen is a nice car with decent performance and fuel economy. However, the dealer experience leaves a lot to be desired. Ive been told by the service dept multiple times that "VW doesnt cover squeaks and rattles after six months". I made an appt & dropped my car off first thing in the morning for a routine 90 minute service. Four hours later I telephoned for a status and was told that customers who wait there are given preference and theyd call me back in an hour. Before you buy ask about whats excluded from the "free" routine service - itll cost you about $40 to have a turn signal bulb replaced. Less than 18 mos & Im already looking for my next car. It will NOT be a VW!

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  Good Value, So Far - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt - May 11 - 1:36 pm

  I just traded in my 01 Wolfsburg Edition for the new 07 model. The engine is solid; it whines a bit at low speeds but has enough juice. The lack of a Turbo takes some of the "fun factor" out of it. The old one had one, but the lack of a turbo but probably makes for a more reliable ride. The styling is OK, its grown on me a lot since I first saw it. I used to think it looked just like a Corolla but now think it looks a bit more distinguished, especially in black. It has lots of thoughtful extras. Overall I am happy, it has modest power, convincing leatherette, a moonroof, a 10-speaker stereo and heated seats plus a good warranty for under $20,000. I shopped the Altima (great but more money), Civic/Accord, Camry, and Fusion. This was the clear winner.

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  Worst car I ever had - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MADF - May 11 - 12:30 pm

  Too many electronic problems. Problems with the aor pressure system. The cars main computer went out. VW in Detriot does not stand behind the car. I will never have another VW product.

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  1999 Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By syboney - May 11 - 12:13 pm

  Great car! You can feel the german technology when you drive this car for years and the engine never gives you a problem!

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  golf 2005 - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By tony - May 11 - 11:40 am

  This car is an awesome car. it is very good to drive around. I would recommend it for college students who do not have a lot of gas money. It is also very easy to find a parking space for this car due to its size.