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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  Practical Fun - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By BunnyLuvr - March 27 - 4:00 am

  I looked at all the small hatchbacks and the Rabbit won, hands down. Coming from another German car, a BMW 325, I appreciate the solid build - it doesnt have that tinny feel that too many of the Japanese econoboxes have. The standard features, like the ABS, DSC, etc., make the price very competitive. As far as driving experience, I would have to honestly say, this car is about 90% of the fun of my BMW for about 60% of the price.

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  Reliable Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brett - March 25 - 10:03 pm

  I use my Passat just like my neighbors use their SUVs. I tow my dirt bikes, take it off-road to my favorite camping/fishing spots. Snow is not a problem in the winter with the ESP and it has more room than most midsize SUVs. I tinted my windows for the SUV look and average 28 mpg on the highway.

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  not good at all - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By patty - March 25 - 5:33 am

  I have had this car for two and a half years and i have had no good days with it. The check engine light wont go off. The brakes keep squeaking, even though they have been changed twice, the oil light comes on only 1000 miles after its been changed, and the transmission is slipping bad. I always have problems with this car, and all i hear from people is that it was a mistake to buy. The radio is really poor, not loud at all. The six cd changer will never work. The electrical mechanics are bad, nothing works right. Very expensive to fix, would not recommend buying.

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  Fun but unreliable - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Poolfish - March 24 - 4:23 am

  Im at 117,000 miles and and getting ready to trade in for a Honda. The MIL is on right now because of a bad coolant sensor, a bad 02 sensor and a bad catalytic converter. The heater core also has a hole in it, so the car smells like anti-freeze if I turn the heat on. I hope the dealer doesnt take it for a drive before proposing a trade in value. I figure Ive put about $10k into the car on repairs over the years, with only about $2k being normal scheduled maintenance. That includes a few new rims and tires because it does not handle pot holes too well! It is fun to drive though, so I will miss that after the trade in.

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  In love with my car. :) - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VWlover - March 23 - 5:56 pm

  In my opinion this is the best car. i love it! being a smaller car like i am, its the perfect size. very comfortable. safe. Drives amazing. great sound system. i couldnt have asked for a better car from my parents. as long as you take care of it, nothing goes wrong, Ive had no major repairs been made. oil change, and tires balanced. thats about it. Thank you VolksWagen.

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  Bitten By My Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By M. Young - March 23 - 5:43 pm

  I love driving my bug (even put German tags on the front) - I get compliments from total strangers on it all the time...they say it suits me (I guess I look like the artist/musician I am). All was great until 9 days after my purchase (4200 mi) my check engine light came on. Repeated 13-14 times in the next two years, plus speakers rattled, seat frame on drivers side broke more than once (try driving in a bobbling seat). Rubber coating on inside door handles peeling, interior fabric liner on convertible came loose and draped over window. Thank goodness all repairs so far have been under warranty! Looking for more reliable transport now, but will miss my bugs "cute as a bug" smile. :-(

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  Love It! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmf80 - March 23 - 4:41 pm

  Bought my 07 12 months ago with 85,000 and put 20,000 on it. Only have needed oil changes, the check engine light does come on now and then but thats VW. Just took it on a 1200 mile trip with 90s to 100 degree heat and performed beautifully. Just a great car to drive!

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  Perfect, Except for Gas Mileage - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Turner - March 22 - 3:46 pm

  I honestly think that the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the greatest vehicles of all time. Its only downfall comes only from its massive weight that hinders better performance and gas mileage. In my case, I drive a short distance to work, so I am willing to tollerate the lack of fuel economy (16 city, 19 hwy). I recently took a 1,200 mile road trip and found it to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to drive - smooth and quiet even at 100 mph. We also hit very rough weather and it was useful having the weight and the full-time all wheel drive. The sandard Dunlop tires look good but last only 25,000 miles - with few alternatives. I recommend this car highly to anyone willing to accept the gas mileage.

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  junky - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By dmitriy shindyakov - March 22 - 10:37 am

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  THE WORST LEMON EVER - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By DOWNONVW - March 22 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car 4 years old and I cant remember the exact amount of miles then, it has about 110,000 now. Everything that could go wrong went wrong luckily I had an extended warranty. I always loved VWs but this car has turned me off to them completely. From now on Im sticking with Toyotas or Subarus.