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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  Cool - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BORAVR6 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Attended a seminar where J Mays, the designer for Audi & VW cars showed the passion that went into the design of the Jetta (and the awesome switchblade key) and decided to get one. The car has tremendous power and good handling except for the occasional torque steer from the heavy VR6. Interior details are magnificient and one just has to see them to realize that someone spent time thinking about it. It is truly a drivers car.

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  Car showing pollution control problem - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Amar - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in May, 2003, Passat GL 4-dr.Drove nice for two days and then see a funny warning lite. I took it to the dealer and they say this is pollution control problem. This car is there for eight days now and the dealer cannot figure out what is the problem. They reap apart the brand new car and could not fix it. I dont know what to do. I have to see lawyear soon.

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  Very disapointed VW Owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By K.Walsh - November 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car (2002 VW Passat) based on great reviews. Unfortunately, we encountered coil problems, as did all 2002 Passat owners with the 1.8 Turbo. We remain very bitter and disapointed in the manner in which this problem was addressed. VW would only replace the faulty ignition coils as they failed. So for a four cylander car, that was four occassions for the car to completely lose power and break down. Dealing with VW was an aweful experience. Now, my cars rear breaks need replacing @ 15,000 miles and the radio does not work. Additionally, the rear cigarette lighter refuses to stay shut and now does not work altogether. Good luck.

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  Bug of my dreams? - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bob - November 1 - 12:43 am

  Ive always wanted a bug, found the one i was looking for but as soon as i took it home everything went wrong. electrical problems, engine problems, right window wont roll up. to think this car is cute your totally wrong. major regret

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  Better than a Hybrid by far - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AJ - October 31 - 4:43 pm

  I bought the TDI model in May 2010. Mileage is fantastic, at least 42 MPG depending on type of driving. The car is quiet, responsive, and quick "out of the gate." I believe diesel cars are the unsung heroes of the road.

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  Best car ever oh my god! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By James - October 31 - 2:43 am

  Absolutely stunning car. Huge mileage and still runs like a dream, shes my beauty, I would never ever sell this car and I would encourage everyone to look into buying it for their kid, its a really good car. Shaun

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  My 1st VW is simply fantastic.... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - October 30 - 10:20 pm

  This being my first VW, I was unsure what to expect. I know that it was the ONLY vehicle I test drove that just "felt" right; great feel & handling. The quality appeared greater in this vehicle as well. The outward appearance is sleek & the features are more intuitive than with other cars I drove. I LOVE to drive it! Im a satisfied customer of the new Jetta.

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  Premium sedan - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ursula Fries-Herfort - October 30 - 3:40 pm

  This car can not be compared to the civic or corolla. It is a class of its own, closer maybe to the passat or accord but cheaper. The interior is that of a premium car. Great comfort with great fuel efficiency. Enough space for a family of 4, huge trunk makes it a great car for travel. When you drive it you forget that it is a diesel engine.

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  Fun - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By EJScott - October 30 - 11:20 am

  This has been a great car. Love the size of the trunk and the power tail gate great. The leatherette is actually really nice feeling. The engine can really pull this car if you step on the gas.

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  American Thunder to Pocket Rocket - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Greg - October 30 - 8:23 am

  When I released my beloved Cadillac CTS-V(400HP, 6 spd) to my son, I with serious trepidation, approached my next daily driver purchase. After not being impressed with the frivolous gimmickry and weight of most Asian cars nor upscale pricing of the elite Europeans, I found the GTI to offer the highest fun per dollar while being environmentally friendly (relative) and with no unnecessary accessories. It is, I found, more than than it; is a fully serviceable quality machine, that makes you feel good to drive. Its build quality is on a par with the best, and I am well pleased with my decision.