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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  Fun,stable, affordable - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ShopCar - December 16 - 1:43 pm

  We have had high end cars prior. With the price of gas and traffic, we wanted a comfortable, fun, quaility, yet affordable sedan. Well there are not too many out there in this price range. This car has it all. You may not get the bells and whistles your used to. But it has enough without lacking quality, safety and its cute.

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  Definitely dont like it - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Who Cares - December 16 - 11:43 am

  The Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is heavy, and large, and heavy. Did I forget to mention its heavy? Im not a driving enthusiast, (who would guess it from a buyer of the Phaeton?) so I wouldnt care about its weight, the but feeling after driving 8+ hours is awful - it feels like Im moving all 3+ tons with my own hands. Compared to my recently purchased Audi A6, which is a class lower, the A6 wins hands down (now I understand what fun to drive means).

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  So Bad We are Selling It After 15,000 Miles - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dave Melichar - December 15 - 12:20 pm

  We have had this car for a bit over two years and it has been in the shop five times. The windows have stopped working twice, ocassionally the sunroof will refuse to close, there are pieces falling off in the engine compartment, the dash squeeks (the dealer refuses to even acknowlege it is an issue), the console cover would not close completely and the radio has been replaced twice. We have a two year old who when playing with the vents was able to break the vent louvers with one finger. You would think a car designed for a family would be robust enough to survive the two year old one finger inspection. All this in 15,000 miles. This is not what I would call a well designed car.

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  Perfect - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bug Lover - December 14 - 4:36 pm

  I love my Volkswagen! Sure I have had a few problems with it, you have problems with every car. I highly recommend VW and I am currently searching for my newest addition, a Bug Conv.

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  Happysofar - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By futzersGP - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased GLX v6 in Nov O2. Treated very well by Dealer, Ernie Von Shledhorn Menonomine Falls Wi. (ask for Fritz great guy to work with) Great car so far, have heard there are some electrical problems, but approx 4k into this car not a single issue. Car has been a joy in every way. Love its quality, style,power and road feel. If this keeps up, VW will see us again.

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  favorite car ever - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dynakit - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive owned. There were a few initial ticks, child window lock broken, seat fold-down retainers broken. I expect a couple issues with a new car though, and these were minor and taken care of right away. If power is your thing, might want to step up to the 1.8T or the VR6, but I find the 2.0 to be adequate for urban and interstate.

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  Cost-effective Audi/BMW replacement - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nemakv - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Since the fall of 2001, I drove 30K mileage. Only the front day-time bulb needed to be replaced. Pros: overall an excellent driving experience that make this car a stand- alone valuable alternative to Audi A4/A6 or BMW 3 series. Because Passat model year 2001.5 - 2003 is based on Audi platform and power train, the built quality and engineering is of a premium luxury car for less. The safety futures exceed the industry standard for mid-size sedan. Cons: velour upholstery is retaining any possible lint and fabric imaginable. 1.8T engine, 20 valves turbo gem requires a premium gasoline.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By carruth - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Overpriced piece of crap. My experience has been a complete nightmare. Ive owned the car for 4 months & Ive driven it for less than 3 weeks. Its been in the shop the rest of the time. Weve filed with BBB & a lawsuit. Eventually they offered to buy the piece of crap back. The offer letter states that we are to pay for not only mileage but NEGATIVE EQUITY on a car that has been in the shop for 3 months. $4000. They think this is a fair deal? How can we buy a new vehicle that actually works if we have to give them another $4000? Too many problems to even name. Do Not Buy a Volkswagen. This is my second & theyve both been bad. Absolute horrible quality.

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  Bimmer Killer - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By VR6Guy - December 14 - 6:16 am

  Love my VR6 Passat 4Motion! I bought this car down in Florida the day before I drove back to Jersey. I got to test out VW service within the first 24 hours, apparently some sort of recall wasnt done on it and my car went into safe mode somewhere in NC. Roadside came and got me in about 20 min, "Trip Interruption" paid for a kush hotel, my meals and a loaner. 2 days later I was back on the road. My Passat turns heads with its muscular looks, and I love when I can kick a 5-series @$$ off of a red light, or the kids in their 6 cyl Stangs.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - December 13 - 9:06 am

  I have owned 45 cars in 45 years and over the last 10 years have driven only Mercedes, BMWs and Acuras. This is my first Volkswagen and I cant say that I am disappointed, it has been an adjustment to come from a BMW 330CI convertible to the Passat 3.6. I can say however, that I do enjoy the 280 HP engine and the Dynaudio sound system. The car is extremely quick off the line and easy to handle at high speeds. I have had to readjust to front wheel drive which is my only real complaint, the styling is beautiful and has a great European look. I do wish I had not made such a hasty decision and done a little more research before buying. I did get the entire premium/sport/navigation package.