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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  B6 better than a B5? You bet! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DC - November 18 - 10:53 pm

  Knowing about front end geometry I am amazed that the new Passat handles better than the previous model but it does. The new 2.0T is a perfect engine, plenty of power, quiet and great economy. Im getting 28 MPG and Im sure I can get more, its just too much fun to push that throttle. This Passat is quiet rides well and the driving experience is a hoot! If you are looking for a sedan that will carry you family and friends but, you still want some fun the Passat is a must see.

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  So far so good! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By aj - November 18 - 10:06 pm

  I just got my Jetta recently and so far things are great! The only thing I wonder about is whether the sort of clicking sound as I accelerate is normal.... It isnt a bad sound necessarily, but I notice it. The interior is wonderful except for the non-existant center console. Otherwise, I love it!!! : )

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  Ive had too many issues - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 01041986 - November 18 - 4:53 am

  When I first bought my brand new Jetta, I was very excited, it was cool and new. The excitement quickly failed as I have had many issues with the car. First off, the car had a rattling problem, I have taken it in to be fixed about 5 times, it still rattles. The horn went out at about 500 miles, first time it was ever used. I have had lights stop working and bad service at the dealership. This past weekend the exhaust warning light has come on, I am not sure what it means but I have a feeling it is just something stupid because it is a Volkswagen, not well built. If i had a choice, I would not have bought this car.

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  All ready in shop, after first payment - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By teresabutler89 - November 18 - 2:23 am

  We researched and researched this car and felt like we were making the best decision due to its great gas mileage. I am very disappointed in our car already. We have just made our first payment and the car just broke down on us. We had to call VW roadside assistance to have it towed right from our garage. We were supposed to be given rental car to drive. I was expected to drive one hour from our home without a car to get this rental car. I would wait before buying the 2006 Jetta TDI to see if any more bugs show up in these cars. Also do not buy one if you have to sign a waiver taking away your rights to take the dealer to court. Lemon laws dont last long. There are already buy backs.

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  Great car! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ducvw2004 - November 17 - 1:33 pm

  This is not my first VW, let alone my first Jetta. Ive owned 7 VWs previously. As always, the quality is very good for the price, and the TDI diesel engine is phenomenal on fuel mileage. On a recent 100 mile round trip on secondary (2-lane) country roads, we averaged about 42mpg with the AC on. Very nice! By far one of the better cars Ive owned...and my other car is a 2008 Corvette that cost $63,000 new, so am a bit picky! And, contrary to popular belief, Low Sulfur Diesel is available everywhere. I live in a small town and within 10 miles there are 6 gas stations, four of which offer the proper diesel, the other two I didnt even bother to check.

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  Good choice - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By injuryexpert - November 17 - 5:30 am

  My 08 Eos has had almost no problems in the first month. No leaks, no big wind noise, no build problems. Great power and the DSG is awesome. Of course, this car is about the top - real showoff moves. Its also practical because of this top, even in the midwest. If youre looking for fun with enough room for some friends or a golf bag in the back seat, the Eos is the best choice out there.

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  Not a bad car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SK18 - November 16 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this older car to get around town and to go back and forth from the train station mainly. Its cute and fun to drive, but just a couple of months after purchasing needed work, which the mechanics I took it to had trouble spotting. Getting it fixed has been a hassle, but thats often the case with any car.

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  Horrible....Dont ever buy these - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Corey - November 15 - 10:43 pm

  Nothing but trouble. Have had engine problems forever. The radio emblems even wear off. How pathetic is that. Then, Volkswagen people try to give us the run-around all the time. And the warranty wont even cover it. Worst vehicle and company ive ever been associated with. Period, Never buy a Volkswagen. Ever.

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  Great choice - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By juvy2 - November 15 - 7:57 pm

  My 2012 Jetta is by far the best car I have ever had! Great gas mileage, fun to drive and extremely comfortable seats

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  BEST CAR WE EVER HAD - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By BILL MARTIN - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best vehicle we have ever had. The interior is functional and beautiful. the sound systen is concert-like. I dont know what else to say except sorry Lexus,watch out for this company.