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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  Save your money and buy something else! - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By beachforme - March 21 - 1:58 pm

  I have been driving for 39 years and have owned 16 different cars. This will be my first, and last, VW. I bought this 2013 Jetta with 32,015 miles. At 34,200 miles the air conditioning compressor went out....thank goodness for the warranty! I now have 42,100 miles, and since the warranty expired I have had to replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, ignition lock, ignition housing, and brakes. I have also had problems with some of the plastic interior knobs coming off. Unfortunately, many mechanics do not like working on German made cars, which limits who will fix your car. This, along with expensive parts, makes repair and maintenance a lot more expensive than your normal US, Japanese, or Korean car. I currently have a 2006 Tacoma with 196,000 miles with no issues, and drove a Civic for 210,000 miles with no problems. For a 3 year old car with less than 43,000 miles I have had way to many problems with my Jetta....and doubt it will make it to 100,000 miles. My advice is buy a, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Honda, or anything that does not have a VW logo. Sorry to be a bummer, but stay away from this car!

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  nice car, but lots of problems - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cjunkbok - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Youll buy it because it looks great, but then never buy another one again because things just keep breaking.

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  What a Surprise - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Phil The Thrill - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am really impressed with this vehicle. It is a great combination of perfomance/ style/ and reliability/ and Cost. Im an Automotive Engineer and a tough customer :-) Although North America does not have the Haldex AWD coupling (which my company makes) This car performs great with the stability control option. My decision was down to the GTI and the Mini S. I chose the GTI because of engine performance and the 20th annv. package is just cool!

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  My Gti 20th - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Matt M - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My Gti 20th is an excellent car. I picked up it from the dealership and did nothing but enjoy my new Gti. It is built great, fast, fun, and most important, affordable !

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  This aint no minivan! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By mssurfn1 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just got the van after researching the other minivans. Major "coolness" factor with this vehicle. Had to trade in my Audi A4, but worth it for my wife and growing kids. Plenty of room and utility. Not many bells and whistles, just the basic amenities. Nice feature, we can all sit facing each other and use the built in folding table to eat, play games, family time.

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  Great Value with Tuning Capabilities - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tizzle0620 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised when I first test drove the new Jetta. I had been looking at many comparable new cars and once I drove the new Jetta, my mind was made up.

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  vw rocket - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By danb - March 21 - 10:00 am

  it is fun to drive and has very good handling for the money the car has a lot to offer need to drive it to see

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  My Blue Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dcrane - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It was my 50th Bday present - - what a surprise - - it has turned heads on the streets now for 5 months

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  Dont Buy a VW Passat!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ihatevws - March 21 - 12:10 am

  Just in case anyone out there still needs convicing that VW and their Passats stink when it comes to reliablity,... I had the window partly rolled down the other day and closed the door. After which the entire window fell into the door after breaking off the cheap plastic clips inside the door. Nice! VW wanted over $400, but took it to a window place and they got it down for $250. Have had the car not start which cost $600 to replace some crazy electronic part. Front axle just broke, numerous lights have stopped working and now I need a timing belt and water pump. Im praying to sell it before having to do more work on this piece of junk. Too bad since its such a good looking car:(

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  Key design issues - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By virginiaman - March 20 - 11:32 pm

  The panic button on the key is poorly placed and is liable to go off if anything else is in your pocket whihc might bump up against the red button. This is not a one time occurance for me, happening nine diffeent times in the first two months of ownership. I must carry the key in a separate pocket to avoid the chance of the alarm activating in my driveway when I am in my house. Mileage on this car is way below what the sticker advertised. My old Volvo S60 beats this by 150 miles for the same size tank. Interior is well appointed, but I find the bucket seats uncomfortable for long distance. I bought this to transport an aging parent. I would sell absent this consideration.