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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  Fun car with good value - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By pec4ad - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Golf GLS 5M on the last of Year 2001, now have 6000 miles on the odo. Great performance, beating many sport cars at the stop lights. Lots of fun to drive and good value for the money. The car did have some minor problems, I got three parts changed under warranty and one recall. So far satisfied with the purchase.

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  Great in the snow - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nancy Gause - June 10 - 8:46 am

  This is my 2nd Passat wagon, the all wheel drive is fantastic! This was a tough winter on Maine and the Passat was like a tractor when the going got bad.

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  2 years and still fun - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By vincevw329 - June 9 - 9:29 pm

  I live in the NE and use my 2011 VW GTI, DSGwSunroof as a commuter, after 2 years. I continue to enjoy driving with no breakdowns, rattles, or any problems. Mileage is up to 16000 and I recently drove a 750mi one way road trip and this car was fine, but of course small. Everything still applies from my 1 year review. I read in depth about the Bluetooth problem and there is no solution. When using the system and go to make a call with the voice, the volume is simply too loud, Ive tried all different adjustments. I have had the experience to use other BT systems and overall the VW system is the best. Only wear after 2 years is the side bolster. Customer service at the dealer has been good.

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  Sad I sold, buying a new one - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golfer18 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 jetta tdis, a 98 and 02. this review is for 02, beautiful car, cool look, exc gas mileage at 53mpg at best, tank range i maxed at 765 then i got nervous and filled up. Loved both cars, but dumped the 02 due to some aesthetic quality issues. I had a door/window rattle that had me take it back to dealer 6 times in a year. Despite ripping car apart, removing seats, etc, damaging the vehicle during repair etc, it was never fixed to satisfaction. I pursued lemon law, but found a buyer in the meantime and sold the car. I miss it though and will likely buy a new jetta 04 or passat 04 turbodiesel only. .

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  8 cylinders & AWD in a VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ebmaxse - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the W8 Sedan 4Motion w/Sport Pkg. The Sport Package in 2003 was a wise offering after the 2002 intro of the W8, due to the additional weight of the engine. This version of the Passat is not an off-the-line dragster, its forte is at-speed highway touring. Its autobahn pedigree comes out when accelerating on the hwy. The torque from the W8 is impressive. Still from a standing start, 60mph takes only 6.5 seconds, fast for a family sedan. No other import sedan with 8 cylinders, awd, and the amenities in the Passat can be had for under $40k. Mine is white w/two-toned black & beige interior,...nice!

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  Turning Heads - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CSM1969 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The new GLI 1.8T (2004) has got to be one of the most explosive Jettas yet. Everywhere I go, people are oohing and aahing at the sleek (european) styling, that of BMW and Mercedes.Your everyday demeanor flies out of the window as soon as you let out the clutch and the daily stresses seem to have disappeared when shifting into 6th gear. I have found myself early to rise on the weekends, so I can get my car onto the mountain roads of Colorado where the GLI is at home.

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  Keep on Rollin On... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jay - June 7 - 12:13 pm

  When gas went up to $1.75 a gallon in July 01, I purchased the Jetta GLS TDI. I got great gas milage right off the lot. I averaged in the first two years 32,000 miles. After five and a half years, I have over 129,000 miles. Over the lifespan I have averaged 49 - 52 mpg. If the maintenance is kept up and it is driven as any diesel should, long trips, you shouldnt have too many issues.

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  Great all around sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cruisin9 - June 6 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased my Passat for use in everyday commuting to and from the office. I decided on the V6 with tiptronic due to its smooth, powerful and quiet operation. The car is comfortable and quiet with just enough sportiness to keep me interested on twisty mountain roads. Overall an excellent car in the highly competitive mid-size class.

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  We love our EuroVan - 2000 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By cgreen - June 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the second VW Van weve owned. We love it. Its amazingly versatile and extremely comfortable. There are so many well thought out features that it would be hard to describe all the good things VW built into this model. We expect to keep this van for many years.

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  GREAT! - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By buggin - June 6 - 3:12 am

  Very nice VW, handles well, plenty of room, plenty of horses, decent fuel, Fender stereo.....like no other, panoramic moonroof lets the sun in and no heat, very comfy for my 1:45 commute. Tons of trunk space. We have had Audi, Volvo, etc, this is our favorite.