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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  Nice Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Denis - January 17 - 9:06 am

  Everybody! if you guys buy 2.0L you gonna have problems, if you buy 1.8T you wont!!! i had this car over 2 years and i only changed sparkplug coils and thats it!!!!! 1.8T good car with AUDI engine!!!!

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  I want more TDIs!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kyle - January 17 - 7:30 am

  We bough this car with 92K on it. It had some minor damage to exterior but love that Gecko Green!!! I have 180K currently on it and have had the following problems: 1. Alternator - $900.00 2. Undercarraige Protector fell off. Did not replace. 3. Serpentim Belt Pulley - $500.00 Not bad for the abuse I put this car through.

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  Looking for Economy? Get a TDi - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Trev - January 17 - 1:43 am

  This car replaces a Honda Civic DX. When my wife said she wanted a new car, and it "had to get better mileage than her Honda", the search was on. We spend a couple of weeks a year in Europe, and know how developed the Turbo Diesel is in Europe. While Hybrids are interesting, its repair costs are questionable - most likely one wont be repairing, they will be replacing components. I had heard from friends who have TDis how much they liked them. The TDi is positioned as the top of the line model - with all of the bells and whistles. This car impresses me more every time I drive it. It accelerates at every speed with gusto, and averages about 44+ mpg on a 25 mile one way trip.

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  My Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Spongebob - January 16 - 12:46 am

  This is the third Beetle I have owned since 1998. The improvements are obvious from the styling to the dropped outside mirrors for better visibility. This car isnt for everyone. Its for fun loving people who like a car that looks like no other, handles great, and performs flawlessly. it fits me to a T and I wouldnt even consider another car on the road today. It is unique.

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  Fun To Drive and To Own! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heart Of Living - January 16 - 12:10 am

  I have had a few problems with the VW, but most were covered by VW. They replace the window clip, the trunk latch and I replaced the timing belt, brakes, and regular scheduled maintenance. I cant complain. In 5 years and 80K I have spent maybe 2K. That is in line with the cost of car repairs today.

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  Still loving my GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By On the go girl - January 15 - 7:00 pm

  I have 52,000 miles on my car, and its still doing great. I had never owned a VW before this one, and Ive been very pleased so far.

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  Best bang for the buck by far - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By juanchankane - January 15 - 8:46 am

  Checked all small SUVs and most sedans out there. With my home minister we settled down for this peppy, refined wagon. An SUV would be more comfortable but no way near as sportier and fun to drive, and Im not willing to give that up. Obviously fuel economy is also better for a wagon. However I didnt go for the Diesel everybodys favouring, as I like more this well known 5 cyls one. Rattles, wind, noises & road & insulation are a big concern to me and this wagon is up there with the best about this. Known issues are very few in comparison with other options. Quality and attention to details is abundant. The sound is pretty good, VW has gone crazy with stock speakers in ammount and quality.

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  No Doubt about it! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By No Doubt about it - January 15 - 7:56 am

  I was looking to buy a new car and liked the Nissian Maxima, However i decided to shop around and look around. While online i came across the Volkswagen site and saw the new CC. The Car looked great on the web. I decided to take a look in person and WOW the car looked better up close. I was sold, the only thing left was to test drive it. The dealer was closed so i came back the next day and the test drive was perfect i could not believe the power this car has. I called me wife and told her this car is bought. The dealer added the Nav system and that put it over the top. I get nothing but compliments about the car and you dont see this car at every stop light, like some cars.

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  So far, excellent - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By smcgee - January 13 - 6:49 pm

  Just purchased 4 door Golf TDI, 750 miles driven. Avg 44 MPG on daily 20 mile commute in mixed hwy/city driving. Love the DSG transmission. Car feels very solid. It reminds me of a more refined, better version of my well-loved but long gone 83 GTI, similar feel in the seats and suspension. Very comfortable for a small car. You pay a bit of a premium for the Golf because it is still made in Germany, but I think will prove to be a long term good value. Diesels have come a long way. Car is quiet, and while not a racecar, has good acceleration and great torque.

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  Love It!!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tommyboy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! Ive had it for three weeks now and I cant find enough excuses to go for a drive. The handling and styling of this vehicle makes you feel like you are driving a car worth 20 grand more!! I believe this is the best value you will find in a family style sedan.