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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  Some things great-some not so great..... - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By pamicat - February 14 - 9:16 am

  Owned 3 mo./3000 mi in gld-metallic. Researched all SUVs in class; was wowed by Tiguan. Interior styling in class by itself; handling/comfort exceptional. Cabin durability very impressive. Passengers rave about roominess/ styling. Ride not smooth on freeways, rather bumpy at times. Novelty retractable screen panel under sunroof does not fully block overhead sun glare. “Trunk” storage tray on website never materialized - rear underneath storage very ltd. Headrest has no tilt adjustment (only vertical) and tips head in uncomfortable position if you lean back. Miss my Acura’s Bose stereo; the sound of the system is 6 of 10 at best. Main center console storage could have been expanded.

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  UnGermanlike Engineering - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian - February 14 - 5:20 am

  Worst car we have had for frequent & expensive repairs. Now at 73,000 miles. Since 60,000 we have spent a ridiculous $6,000 on repairs. AC compressor and evaporator $3000,timing belt repair $1400. Brakes $800. Our air bag warning light is now on $400 to fix. VW service told us that after warranty "Its your problem." Mercedes repairs are same or less-less labor charges since better design.

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  VW oh VW... - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By HARDCORE VWer - February 13 - 5:30 pm

  I have had 11+ Volkswagens and loved them all. The outside is very well done on the new Passat and the interior is very large and elegant compared to the older Passats. The car is surprisingly nimble being so large (bigger than a 3 series). The handling is great on my base Passat and the fuel economy isnt bad (it does have a big gas tank though).

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It is fun to drive and is very stylish in the interior and exterior.

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  Its not my fathers VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fritz - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Finally bought the car I wanted. Interior looks like a car costing $10K more and exterior style and finish is classy. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride is smooth with just enough firmness to give confidence in the handling. Instruments at night are just plain cool, and Monsoon stereo sounds great. If Im this happy in 5 years it will be worth every penny.

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  Great Engine, Tranny and Suspension But. - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jack - February 13 - 9:03 am

  Engine is first rate with very little turbo lag and it has great torque throughout the RPM range. Handling is very good for FWD car and DSG transmission is awesome. Lightning quick shifts. Interior has nice materials and good ergonomics. Seats are great as is the steering wheel. VW got the big stuff right with the GTI. Unfortunately, the little details are what they missed. With only 1,000 miles on the clock my seat squeaks, my dash squeaks over every bump, my rear hatch rattles over bumps and there is an engine rattle between 2500 and 3000 RPM which is an issue with other MKV GTIs too. Unacceptable in a new car. I heard VW has terrible quality control and now I believe it.

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  Best for me! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bob S. - February 13 - 2:06 am

  I needed an "all wheel drive" vechicle and I have tried and dislike SUVS. Very few options in this category under $40K; various Subarus, Infinity G35, Audi A4. I drove the Passat and was convinced it was my best choice with a comfortable cabin, more than adequate passenger space, and great performance. Goes through the snow and handles bad drivimg conditions with ease. Actually fun to drive in the snow. The V6 has a nice low toned growl, like a well trained and tuned muscle car, and the 280 H.P. is strong through all 6 gears. For a relatively large car the all wheel drive handling is superb. What more can I say, if you like to drive, need comfort, space, and all wheel drive, give her a go!

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  Pretty Neutral. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By onepointeight - February 12 - 8:06 pm

  I was in love with VWs, so I bought it. Ive had to replace a lot of things, and the check engine light is still on, but it runs and gets me where I need to go. Talk about the soul of a VW! It dies almost every day when I get home from work, but never at a stop sign or light or anything like that, just when its home. Its really fun, but too expensive and has too many little things go wrong with it. Advice to first time buyers : get the timing belt done right away. Dont wait til it breaks. If theres a check engine light on, dont expect it to be nothing. Get it checked out! These cars are the best around if you have the money and time to maintain them all the time. Id suggest a Honda!

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  Excellent Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joylin - February 11 - 10:43 am

  When driving the 2007 Passat, you feel like you are driving a BMW, Audi or Mercedes without a huge debt. I love the inside. this car has a lot of power for a 2 liter engine and it is very good on gas. It has a lot of details, specially inside. I have never had any problem with it at all. It is an excellent choice for a long term car.:-)

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  I beat VW in court! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By kill the rabbit - February 10 - 10:13 am

  The first week I got the car, it was in the shop 2 times. The radio never worked, widows always dysfunctional. The brakes were going to kill me. AC never got cold. The hatch back broke 2 times. No one can change the oil but the dealership. The back brakes wore out before 30k miles. Things randomly broke in the car. For example, the sun glass holder broke, I forgot it was there until it fell down. It was INSANE! VW kept telling me that I did not know how to use their "special" brakes. I almost got into 2 accidents because my car decided to drive off the road during braking. In the End, VW stormed out of the court room and I am buying a Honda. I had a Golf for 2 years, loved it