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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  I love my new car! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Lindsay - June 28 - 9:23 pm

  I was in the market to buy a new car. Im only 21 but I do my research & I wasnt about to blow my money and money that my grandma had given me for a car. It came down to a Vue 08 or a Tiguan the Vue was roughly $4000 cheaper but after long nights of thinking about the reviews on this website on the vue and the tiguan I decided to get the tiguan & bought one on 9/12/08. Im so glad I made the right choice it is so much fun to drive and so far I have only had one problem which is the sat. radio & it has nothing to do with vw it is some technical issue with Sirius that is supposed to be fixed in a week..I really have nothing but good things to say. Great SUV! I will write an updated review later

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  You Gotta Get it - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - June 28 - 5:06 pm

  I am 16 years old, and I love this car. Both of my parents drive high end German vehivles and in my opinion this beats both of them. I suggest this car to any one, the Value Edition really is a value, its a lot of car for the price. It comes much better equipped than the Golf but for practically for the same price. I love it and its fast.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By speedle44 - June 28 - 4:12 pm

  Love this Vehicle! I see a lot of bad reviews but honestly if you take good care of your car then you wont have problems! Do not buy this vehicle if your money is tight because repairs can be expensive. I have had no trouble with my touareg I LOVE IT!! Super sporty & you feel totally in control when you drive it also very safe! I have never been stranded! JUST KEEP UP WITH OIL CHANGES & REGULAR MAINTENANCE and trust me youll be fine!

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  Fast and Comfortable Snow Machine - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Justin - June 28 - 3:40 am

  Handed in a 2006 Subaru Outback 3.0R (great car) and picked up a V6 4motion black on black beauty last week, having chosen it over the Audi A3 S-line, MB C300 4matic. The VW is a dream machine in the snow, very powerful and elegant looking. Even my son and daughter whom wanted the snob appeal of Audi or MB said......we like it after a 2 hour blast to the ski hills of Mont-Tremblant over the weekend.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By vandal - June 26 - 10:33 pm

  What a great car! It is smooth, roomy, and has plenty of torque. It is well appointed. The interior craftsmanship is top notch. It is easy to get comfortable in any seat, which makes it great for long trips. It is 5 years old and its still as tight and rattle free as when it was brand new. The exterior is a cinch to care for. It handles well in all weather conditions, Ive blown by other chain equipped cars on broken snow floor. This is absolutely the most reliable car Ive ever owned.

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  Wolfsburg Jettas are better - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RShepherd - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Jetta Wagon. The build quality is excellent with none of the squeaks and rattles that so often plague Puebla Jettas (all wagons are made in Wolfsburg while all No. American bound sedans are made in Mexico).It rides better than just about any small car (the Ford Focus comes close)and has a tight steering feel and excellent brakes. The interior (especially leather like mine) looks like an Audi and much better than any other subcompact car. The seats are very firm, but comfortable for long-distance travel. If it were stolen today, Id buy another one, but probably one with manual transmission.

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  8 Month Update - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By MrRizzo - June 23 - 10:56 pm

  After 8 months I am still enjoying this car. It responds to all my driving moods. Whether I want to poke along and enjoy the scenery or zip down a winding road, the GTI is a ready companion. Gas mileage has improved to 27 mpg (per the computer display). I alternate between regular and premium gas and have not noticed a reduction in performance. I have had no mechanical issues and the car runs great.

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  Shocked at the problems you all have - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tommy D. - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new in late 99. 4cyl tubo with 5 speed. Didnt take the greatest care of it and still driving it into the ground. Only issue was the timing belt which cost me $1200 when it blew on the freeway at 100k miles which was just over the suggested change amount. Tip for everyone-DO NOT TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER! Someone mentioned you have to have the battery changed at a dealer. What crap.I changed all mine and I am no mechanic. Also, premium gas, you are kidding! U dont need it, never used it once. I have $185k and have spent about $2500 on maintenance over 10 years. Simple oil changes-$35 and a brake job for $200 ea 5 years or so. On my 3rd set of costco tires. be smarter!

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By dfrith - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Wanting more for less is my new criteria in any purchase. My wife and I have driven BMWs for years. Coming from a 3 Series to the 2011 VW CC Luxury Plus is a comfort upgrade and we saved thousands of dollars. Standard NAV, rear camera, SAT radio, 30GB hard drive to store music are all items that would have made many cars very expensive. They are standard on the VW CC Lux Plus. If you want honest German engineering and quality in a car packed with features this is it.

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  Best used car Ive ever had - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By rooyax - June 23 - 12:42 am

  Bought this in 09 with 91k, now have 105k. The quality of the interior is top notch, love the feel of the switch gear. Shifting and clutch action on the 5 speed is very smooth. Get around 24mpg mostly city driving, 30mpg hiway. I have the 17" rims which really look sharp. Great stereo too. Only repair besides tires in 2.5 yrs was coil modules that caused it to run like it was on 2 cylinders, was able to limp to shop in that shape. Check engine light is persistent for coolant temp, but confirmed that actual temp matches gauge, not hot. Just enough fun to drive with a couple blasts through 1st & 2nd with great cornering, but not too much power to get in trouble. Broke console hinge