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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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aschely Cone - May 7 - 9:26 pm

  This car is not a luxury sedan and its not really supposed to be, but it drives very very well - smoothly with substance and weight to it, the interior is well-done, and daily I appreciate another thoughtful design feature. The seats are quite comfortable and the dash lights are lovely red and blue, another very satisfying aspect of the car. For instance, the trunk is unbelievably well designed and quite packable; I am continually amazed at everything I can fit in it. So far, I have had no trouble with anything. I also like the purr of the diesel, discernable at low speeds and idling, but not intrusive and oh the mileage! It exceeds my expectations.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By hatetoureg - May 7 - 5:19 pm

  Save your money and shop else where. We bought this car new in 2007 from Stolhman. I hate the people at Stolhman. They are rude and were soo unhelpful from the moment we had to bring it in for issues at 5,000 miles. In the end they blammed us. This car is beyond disappointing and I wouldnt drive it again if someone gave me one for free with a million dollars. The number of little items that went on the car from the beginning were endless...at 100,000 miles it needed over $8,000 in repairs. I never had an accident with this car. Interior fabulous. Issues included: Tire sensors were broken from day one, transmission, heater issues, window issues, break issues and the list goes on..

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  The Rabbit Rocks - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By joe - May 7 - 5:13 am

  This is one sweet ride. It has a great build, great power, and a great price.

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  VW Not Such an Honorable Manufacturer - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jon - May 6 - 1:23 pm

  It seems like shop mechanics are a thing of the past. Nowadays they plug the car into a computer for $200. Its a great car, but the temp light has started to flash on and off. Well we took it in to get looked at and were told in a bright tone that wed need to get the engine replaced for $8000. When asked why. Because youre loosing oil pressure? Oh whats causing that? Hmm.. Dont know.. Can you find out? Yes but then wed have to get dirty and open the engine up. Thatll cost you $4000. So you think the engine is stuffed? It might be, or it might last 10 years, cant tell. I dont know whose to blame! VW, VW dealers or the car. I think Ill buy a horse. I will never buy a VW again!

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  My New R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Kathy Reck - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Chrysler 300M which was wonderful but this car has turned me from a old granny driver (as my daughter calls me) to a speedracer! I love my R32!

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  never again - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ccjello - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new, thinking I was getting a solid, reliable car. It looks good, handles well, and is fun to drive -- but it has so many problems, overall it has been one big frustration. Something breaks, I put the car on probation (and go look at Toyotas) it runs well for a while and then something breaks again. So far -- vents, latch on the center armrest & cupholders have broken (twice), glove box door fell off. Both driver & passenger windows have fallen & wont go up. Mass airflow meter, brake switch light have been replaced. Brakes locked. Check emissions light is ALWAYS on. And thats for starters. Service at local VW dealers is abysmal.

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  This is a great car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bug owner - May 5 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! It makes us smile and whenever we drive it other people smile and wave. It is great with the top down and quiet with the top up. We put one of those hood covers (used to be called a bra) on it and it looks even sportier. .

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  creekiest car Ive ever owned - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By creeky - May 5 - 8:10 am

  07 Passat sedan recently purchased (20K), looks great, handles well, but is the creekiest car I have ever owned. The dealer tried twice to fix the unacceptable noises in and around the dash/glove box/console to no avail.Is this typical for the 2007 passat? The service department said I was "very particular" even though they acknowledged that there are "minor squeaks, which, by the way, are noticeable on even the smoothest of roads.

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  frustrating to own - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By s donbeck - May 4 - 2:33 am

  Had this car for 18 months. Bought it with 36,000 miles on it in Oct 07. The tire pressure warning system has been "fixed" 6 times and is again giving the flat tire alarm which blocks all other dash display features. The rear stabilizer bar broke. The brakes had to be replaced two months after I bought the car. I got the pad wear warning alarm a week after the new brakes were installed. New tires and alignment last July. The fronts are worn down to nothing on the inside after 10,000 miles. The dealer has been great and fixed almost everything for free. They also sell Fords. Im going to trade for an Escape. Ive had enough.

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  this is why people prefer german cars - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike - May 3 - 10:20 pm

  As compared to my Lexus 350 AWD, Passat is quiet, responsive ,and fast. I was slightly disappointed about the fuel mileage which is as high as the Lexus has. Also a squeak from the sun visor when it is placed on side window annoys a little. A/C was not cool enough when it is really hot outside. Overall, I like this car, and am thinking about buying another one next time.