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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  A Car Gone Bad - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Daniel - April 7 - 10:23 am

  I bought this car with 10,500 miles on it in May of 2006. I have had it for ten months, and the AC compressor, air bag wiring harness, oil pump, front grill, equalizer buttons, and ash tray have all had to be replaced. Not only is this the worst car I have ever owned, I will never buy a VW again. That is the bottom line. Its a piece of junk. Do not buy one.

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  Steer clear of this one!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hate_my_jetta - April 7 - 2:00 am

  After two year warrenty ended, I have poured dollar after dollar into this car. I only drive it about 11,000 miles per year. Over the past 6-9 months I have replaced the power steering rack ($1200), the catalytic converter ($900), all four brake pads and rotors ($700 because warning light never told me pads were low), both front windows have fallen off the tract (VW paid), replaced three different kinds of sensors ($800) etc. (Im running out of space...) Complete lemon. Others I know have had same problems.

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  VW - Service is Horrid - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Zagreb - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, 5 spd, Diesel - real miser on the fuel - HOWEVER, once your warranties expire, nobody will help you. You become a leper. Electric window broke twice to $300 a pop. Electric trunk lock $180, Glove compartment $180. Cheap Mexican trash. I bought a Santa Fe - It Rules.

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  Great Car!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tstaggs - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 3 days now and have loved every minute of it. I have always had a sports car but decided that with expanding a family I needed a sedan. This car has the power and drivability of a sports car with a luxury ride. It is a car that exceeds my expectations.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By koepkeca - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle. Car drives like a dream. The 1.8 Turbo engine sold itself. I had test drove one with the 2.0L 4-cyl and it was alright but the turbo makes it feel like a sports car! Also test drove BMW 325i and this car is far better.

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  Best car/worst car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Scott - April 6 - 3:43 pm

  Bought my 2006 TDI new back in September 2005. Until last week, I couldnt give anything but high praises for the car and interior finish. Im a light driver and just recently turned over 86K miles. Always dealer maintained and it just completed its annual checkup about a month ago. Last week the car sputtered backing out of the garage and then had to get it towed into the dealer. My poor TDIs diagnosis: "On the initial diagnostic scan we found faults for fuel running rich in the oxygen sensors and mass air flow system. the vehicle was smoking and running in limp mode. Called tech line and was advised to remove valve cover and inspect for doming or for worn cam lobes - found lobes worn and tappets domed over. the camshaft is what pushes the tappets (cam followers) to move the valves in the engine. we were also advised to check fuel filter to make sure no oil is getting into fuel system. At this point to repair the vehicle the Camshaft, Tappets & Valve Cover Gasket while we have everything apart to complete those repairs it is also recommended to replace the timing belt & perform an intake carbon cleaning. the cost for the repairs including the initial diagnostic is $3838.00 plus tax. ". Needless to say Im stunned the engine failed at relatively low mileage. While the car has been kept in pristine shape, its not even worth $3.8K. The value of all VW diesels has taken a serious hit due to the emission scandal even though this model is not part of the recall. While VW headquarters was happy to listen to my concerns, they are unwilling to help with anything, and the dealer was not willing to offer any special incentives on a new VW for a person in this situation. The dealer would also not accept the 2006 as a trade in as they said the best I could expect was to donate it to charity and take the tax deduction. This car has never been wrecked, always garage kept and dealer maintained. Two weeks ago I would have said this is the best car Ive ever had and that VW was the best company to deal with. Ive changed my mind.

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  Obsessed with my car - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By npsgti - April 6 - 8:00 am

  Got this car CPO with 9k miles on it a month and a half ago and have put about a thousand miles on it since. This car is incredible. I was in a Mazda3 for a while before this car and this car just blows it away on every level. Interior is high quality on par with Audi etc. Excellent touch screen stereo and iPod interface with a very high attention to detail from the leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel to the subtle red stitching throughout. Very comfortable seats etc. The engine (2liter turbo) coupled with 6 speed manual (how could you get the DSG??) is a dream. Seemingly bottomless torque and plenty of power when I need it with a nice exhaust sound. Excellent exterior design. Grade A

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  My First Toy - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By sickboy778 - April 6 - 7:00 am

  The car drives like something far more expensive. The ESP is nice when you need it, but if you wanna roll, turn it off and the car is a madman! its easy to park and the extra room always comes in handy. This car is hot!

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  1 CUTE UTE!!! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Poojo - April 6 - 4:20 am

  This is my first VW! So far it has been a pleasure to own and drive..I usually trade at least once a year...I think Ive owned just about every brand out there..had the Honda CRV & the Toy RAV-4..(BIG YAWN), thought I would try the TIGUAN. Exciting! This is a keeper..So far, I dont have any reason to trade it off! Husband loves the Turbo 2.0. and the 2wd does good in snow. Getting 24 Mpg mixed driving.

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  Wonderful car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Reilly - April 6 - 3:56 am

  This car is incredibly fun to drive. It handles well and accelerates strongly. The DSG transmission is the cars best feature -- it shifts instantly, and allows you great control over shifting, or automatic if you prefer. If you live in a cold weather climate, be aware that the car comes in either all weather tires or summer tires. The interior is beautiful, particularly the "anthracite leather," which is a dark gray that looks great. If youre thinking of the GLI vs. a 2.0T, go with the GLI -- the steering wheel and interior effects are better, as is the handling, with no sacrifice in ride comfort,