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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  2002 Jetta TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDIowner - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We average about 47mpg. The best mileage was just over 60mpg and the worst being 38mpg in the summer with AC going and a lead foot. Havent had any issues with the car. We enjoy it so much we will be buying a second TDI. This car is not slow. It will hold its own. The car is very capable in city and highway driving. Our car is all stock. I have had a number of honda civics try and race us. I normally give and and race them. Havent been beaten yet. The Jetta 2.0 is very close in performance. I just wanted to show you this isnt a doggish diesel.

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  GERMAN!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TAZ - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great fuel efficient vehicle.

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  My Dream - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TrevorJames - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When my yellow Beetle was driven into the showroom for me to view I said that it must be in my garage at once. Comfort, ease of driving, a sporty feel, and people look at you when you drive!. The workmanship on the car is remarkable. Solid build. Side airbags and a great sound system. Heated window washers and side view mirrors. I bought it for my Happy New Year to me present.

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  I will never buy a vw again - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By No More VWs - November 5 - 5:06 pm

  Got this car at around 18,000 miles and had no problems until 50,000 - right after it was no longer under warranty. Since, I have had the back breaks replaced three times in four years while barely driving it, the front breaks replaced, the rotors replaced, four oil leaks in 6 months, couple coolant leaks, broken keys, seat belt doesnt retract, lights in dashboard starting to fade, two different belts replaced, the whole thing groans when I get into the car, wheels squeak... I am at the mechanics so often they give me a hug when they see me! Im sure there were more repairs but Ive lost track. Bought this car bc of great reputation but too many friends have since had VW lemons. Never again.

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  Great Car - If you get just the basics - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Christian Hoy - November 5 - 10:46 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1999, and I still own it. All in all, it’s a great car, and has never let me down. I got the GL version in order to avoid too many electrical motors and gadgets that could break down in the future and cause costly repairs. I also wanted hand-cranked windows. So far, the only thing that has failed is electirc-operated gas cap cover. I haven’t fixed it, because it’s easy to open the gas cover manually. It’s a great car to drive - turns corners on a dime and feels stable at higher speeds. As for the looks, this car looks awesome. It looks like something that flew out of a science-fiction movie.

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  Love / Hate My Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lovehatemybug - November 5 - 4:26 am

  Ive babied Volkswagen Beetle. I have no kids and have had no accidents and yet I am so disappointed with the lousy platic lack of craftsmanship in the interior. The window switches needed to be replaced, I needed new clips for the moonroof contols, and there is peeling rubber on the door handles. UGH!

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  I love my Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By barbara - November 5 - 4:20 am

  I love my Jetta, its comfortable with lumbar support. I like the simplicity of the style and it has good "get up and go". I have the Value Edition, therfore no fancy wheels. I bought aftermarket wheels and had problems getting the vibration out of the steering wheel. Thanks to an awesome tire dealer we found the Michelin tires where the answer with exact balancing. It took a whole month of back and forth to figure out what the problem was with tires wheels and my steering wheel shaking, but I am very happy now and would buy my Jetta all over again.

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  Loving It - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mary Kilburn - November 4 - 9:03 pm

  We enjoy the maneuverability of this car. Its spaciousness is surprising, as it will even accommodate two [7 and 11 y.o.] grandchildren in the back seat. It is a diesel and that gas is expensive and not always easily available. My husband insists it is VERY safe with the steel cage construction and side airbags. I still worry a bit and in bad weather [especially at night] and prefer to drive one of our more conventional, obviously heavier, autos.

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  True GTI - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By farhven - November 4 - 1:26 pm

  This is the GTI Ive been waiting for. Its design stays true to what this car was suposed to be: fast, fun and funky looking. Ive been into GTIs ever since they came out with their 1991 16V which kicked butt. I love the look of mine with the plaid inserts. The tranny is smooth and the throws are short. Love my metallic gray GTI!

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  I wouldnt buy an Eos again - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By ljs - November 4 - 9:13 am

  I have had all the common problems since new. Window gears, window sensors, top malfunctions, top leaks, fuel pressure unit, lumbar bladder, etc. I am done with this car, 36,500 miles and it is gone. Service is terrible at any VW dealer. I wish this car was built as well as my wifes Passat. We were loyal VW customers until the Eos. No more VW for us, at all.