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 little car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dizakaz - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun. I have owned approx. 12 cars and this one rates in the top 5. The only thing I dont like is that the low end power is non existant. But it cruses great. The only other thing is that this car could be a two seater, no room in the rear.

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  Jetta Wolfsburg - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By snair - November 15 - 10:00 am

  A great drivers car:)

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  Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lise Waugh - November 15 - 9:16 am

  handles crowds really well. Switches to standard gearing on the fly allowing you to cut through traffic without any concern. Access to rear storage area is easy for kids in back seat by just opening a "tunnel" to get their stuff out. Love this car. VW for life.

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  The best! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Troy Bailey - November 15 - 7:36 am

  I just went from a 2005.5 Jetta Package 1 to a 09 Jetta SE. The engine is so much quieter and the 20 extra HP is noticeable. The fit and finish are even better which is amazing!

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  Love!! Love!! Love!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mel - November 15 - 2:16 am

  Can I just say that I LOVE this car!!! I have only had it alittle over a week, but I love it! I bought it used (2003 w/29K miles) Got a Screamin deal on it from a guy in Portland OR. He wholesales them out and sells them CHEAP!! I have looked around at everything from a Honda Civic to BMW 3Series to a Volvo S40, and this Passat outshines them ALL! This car has ALL the options. I Love the way it handles, the seats really hug you. I read all the consumer reports and reviews on this model. I am coming from a 1992 honda accord, and I have always had hondas, so I was a little nervous to stray and buy a Passat, but I am so glad that I did! I will keep you posted as the days go on.

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  Fun between fill-ups - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BoMar - November 13 - 7:20 pm

  I have found that the TDI is great on mileage. Our 1st trip was to Fresno and we got 47 MPG. The turbo lag upsets other drivers. I would like the wagon better.

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  Hacked 2x - Can be driven REMOTELY - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Kelly Gable - November 12 - 2:22 pm

  1. Hacked via lane assist, and adaptive cruise control to 85mph. Remotely controlled by hacker. City mpg 14.3. The oil temperature gauge is non-working and dealership support and service is non-existent or supportive.

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  Problems with my Cabrio GLX - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Angela145 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for a year and a half and it has had already the water pump go and now there appears to be problems with the engine. The warranties on VW are awful and personnally I dont think i would by another one.

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  VW Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By mwestbrook - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Since my last review...the ignition coil has gone bad (while I was driving it)...and Today, after driving to a couple of places (running errands) my terrific and reliable (sarcasm) GTI decides it doesnt want to start...my car is stranded, blocking traffic! I have VW roadside assistance come out...they give me a jump and also state that the battery is just fine...turn off the car and guess what? It doesnt want to start again!!!! The clock defaults back to 1200/the trip mileage counter sets back to zero...I am guessing its an electrical problem...have to wait until Monday...because VW service and customer service are closed on Weekends!

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  Outstanding car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By richsquid - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 28 cars. This is overall the best I have owned. The TDIs low end torque is amazing. I feel like I am driving a six cylinder instead of a four. Dont be afraid of the automatic. I love it. I just hope this car is reliable. I wish Toyota made a diesel for U.S. consumption. If it stays reliable this WILL be the best car I ever owned. Just 3000 miles so far. Great seats. Starting so far at about 18 deg.F.