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:

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By fajardog - October 27 - 12:23 pm

  Having driven the wheels off my 1991 Toyota Tercel (200k miles) I really wanted a new car. I cant believe what you get for the money. Features that would be extra on any other car are standard on my Rabbit. The only option I got was the i-pod adapter. Everything else, cruise, power windows/locks, air-con and more were standard. I love the sound of the engine and I think it has plenty of power. I wish it got a little better gas mileage, but its not too bad. Im leasing the car now, but I think that when the lease is up and the new version comes out Im going to buy it. As long as they keep this up Ill be a VW customer from now on.

• 

  Be wary - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By erhowe - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my old Accord for a used Jetta, as I was swayed by the VW hype. Have doubted this decision ever since. Within the first 11 months, check engine light came on 8 different times--signaling many major engine problems. My "new" car was in the shop over a week each of these times. Some of the problems I was told were undiagnosable--until the warrenty ran out, conveniently. A co-worker had the same car, only a 98, and he had the exact same problems with his. Make sure exhaust system is in top- shape, as I found that this is very expensive to fix.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Queenbee - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a wonder. My husband and I both drive it with complete satisfaction. The handling is excellant and the gas mileage fair.. much better long distance than city. Our friends are amazed with the room in the back seats. Our dog loves the fold down seat in the back for her riding pleasure. Absolutely no problems starting in cold, driving in snow or storms. We have had nothing to fix this past year. Only routine checkups.

• 

  The best of everything - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cragger - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my Touareg. It handles as well as my Audi S4 and has much more utility. The build quality is impeccable and there really isnt an SUV that rides better. Of course the off road capabilities are amazing, but Ill never use them. I think its really overengineered, but it works. Dealership is great and has taken care of me thus far.

• 

  Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JOE - October 26 - 12:20 pm

  Where to begin? The EPM warning light in my 2002 Volkswagen Beetle is on 50% of the time. The check engine light on more than off. The car runs when it is turned off. It runs at 40% power when EPM light is on. VW of America slow to respond. Owning this car has been an awful experience.

• 

  This was a fabulous car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cabrilla - October 26 - 2:13 am

  I bought my Passat wagon used, with about 42K miles on it, as the second owner. It was fun to drive, handled well, and was a pleasure to own for nearly 8 years. For 3 years I drove it on a 140mi commute (RT). It also made several long-distance (1000+ miles RT) road trips every year with no problems. Overall, it was extremely reliable. They had to adjust the mass air sensor the first week I had it. Other than regularly scheduled maintenance, there werent any issues for 5 years of moderate to very heavy driving. I had to have the head gaskets replaced on the engine at about 130K miles. The ABS braking chip needed replacing at about 150K miles.

• 

  Awesome car! best ive ever owned - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shaun - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  i have owned this car since new and it has given me nothing but good experiences, it has never left me on the side of the road and Ive never had any problems with the engine or parts. It provides me with great gas mileage and they are very comfortable inside and for long trips. It has very smooth driving too. No problems and very reliable.

• 

  Just Brought It Home Tonight - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Daniel North - October 25 - 9:06 pm

  I traded a 2001 Dodge Durango (gas hog) for a 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI. I had the Durango for four years. I negotiated the drive-out price on the Passat to mid $24K on last day of month. The torque and cabin layout are excellent! The dealership had only 2 other TDI GLSs on the lot; I got the Gray with ESP.

• 

  Second Passat - LOVE This One - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By ned - October 25 - 7:13 pm

  The chassis stiffness and the rest of the suspension leads to spirited driving. Watch out on the highway though, youll find yourself going 90 mph while thinking youre doing 75.

• 

  Awsome Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By bpeachee - October 24 - 4:50 pm

  The Golf MK-V is finally here! This car is TOP NOTCH! I shopped it against the Fit, Yaris, and Fusion...and there is no comparrison. This has standard features you cant even get on the others. If you are tall (66") this is the most comfortable car (not just compacts) that I have driven. Its seats adjust and travel more that any car...and some SUVs that I have been in ! It drives fantastic, I highly recommend the 5-speed manual. It is a crisp, fantastic box, and the engine is just torquey as all get out. This car is FUN! It comes with great standard equipment, and the fit and finish is second to none. Plus, its built in Germany, as are the engine and transmission (manuals). This car is more than worth the price. The 4 door has more stuff...but the 2 door is a real bargain, and has everything you need.