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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  Worst car we have ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jpj22 - May 30 - 6:10 pm

  Stay away from this lemon. We got my wife a new one in Aug 2005. That was the happiest day or her life until we got rid of it and then that was the happiest day of her life. Transmission problems, rear side window problems, top problems, sensor problems trim problems. There is no room in the car. I have nothing good to say about this lemon.

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  Never Again - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW Victim - May 30 - 9:13 am

  My 2002 1.8T is the worst new car I have ever owned. After a long history of expensive repairs, the coup de grace is that my transmission now has to be replaced at 95,000 miles. A $5,500 repair, almost what the car is worth. I owned two Audis previously which I drove for a total of 13 years. The two of them combined didnt require as much maintenance as the VW. I will never, ever consider another VW.

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  Why Buy a Bimmer? - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David Lewis - May 30 - 5:43 am

  If Car and Driver had an award for "most fun and luxury per dollar," the GLI would win hands-down. My girlfriend and I looked at everything from a Honda Fit to a 330i, but without a doubt, the GLI is the best deal. In fact, in many ways, it is superior to the 330i: the sport steering wheel is certainly more sporty than the 330i, the center console slides for customized comfort, the front armrests in the 330i have seams right on the edge (who wants to rest their elbow on a seam?), and the shift knob is a comfortable, smooth leather complemented by metal, as compared to the 330is slightly awkward plastic, metal, leather combination that leaves your palms sweaty - and not in a good way.

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  Review on the jetta - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Daniil - May 29 - 12:56 pm

  I owned a car for a month now and have not had any problems with it.Accelaration is really good for car that doesnt have that much power to it.I must admit that it is easy to work on.

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  The Worst - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jimmy - May 29 - 5:20 am

  Issues w/ terminal connections, burnt out fuse box on battery, always replacing head light/blinker and brake lights. Engine light always on, airbag light always on (had to replace seat belt buckle 4xs) newest addition, blown engine w/ 85k miles. Now replaced w/ rebuilt engine 2 weeks ago and engine light back on. Can you say lemon! Do not buy this car!

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  Cant beat it - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By chukchi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Its been a little over two years and 60k miles since I purchased my Golf. I have owned 3 other VWs. This one maintains the good VW qualities and has fixed most of the bad ones. The safety features are untouchable by other cars in its price range and many of the more expensive cars on the market. Handling and performance are more than acceptable. I average 31-33mpg with mostly highway and backroad driving. The only problems I have had are minor (broken window clips, cracked window moldings, loose wiper fluid hose in hatch). The best characteristic is the cargo space. I fit a new dishwasher with all its packaging in the back, with room to spare.

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  So fast - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Matt Eberhardt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My new GTI is so fast and smooth and I coulnt be happier with it. I will be buying my 3 Golf when this is paid off. Matt

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  A gem in the rough - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIbuff - May 28 - 10:00 am

  You wont find a better or more refined ride for the price

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  Bug for Graduation - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By elidagirl - May 28 - 10:00 am

  the bug was bought to save fuel. It was boughtto comute to work & school. Four inches of clearance does not let it come to the ranch. It is a Cute city Car. Insurance is cheaper on ford big truck

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  Wish I never bought - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bjtres - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Problems with locking on rear hatch. I have it that it should be unlocked with other doors...sometime is, sometimes not. Back passanger do sticks. Auto button sets temp to 72, not where you have it set. Air always blows on windshield even if redirected...causes condensation at night, morning, and rainy days. Wheel skweek. Volkswagen cannot figure out alignment problem on vehicle.