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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  Love this Minivan - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By 2010 Routan - March 20 - 9:16 pm

  This is a great minivan for the choices that are out there. I feel like I am driving a van with style over the boring Honda, Toyota, and Kia models. This van offers the space I need with style. I know this van is made by Chrysler, but I like that it has the VW tag on it. Its a good choice for the van options out there. I could not be happier with this car!

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  A subjective review by a tall driver - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Chris - March 20 - 4:03 pm

  The GOLF is a very comfortable car. I say this as a 66" driver. As usual VW seems to offer the most room even if the mere numbers on the fact sheet would not suggest it. The range up/down range for the driver seat is huge. The steering wheel has great range both for up/down and telescope. The larger fwd windows of the 2 dr offer great visibility, although for the shoulder view the smaller rear windows can be an obstacle. Handling is tight, precise yet very smooth. The Sport Mode is aggressive and a joy to drive in. Gas mileage is better than advertised so far. The materials are seamlessly connected and the car feels upper scale. However, a few annoying interior noises have yet to subside.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Donn Weinberg - March 20 - 8:30 am

  I love my Phaeton! It is a pleasure to drive and elicits very positive comments from other drivers. My passengers love the cavernous back seat leg room and comfort features. The upgraded stereo is awesome, as is the cooling/heating system. Considering the great deal I made ($54,300), this car is a great value.

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  Poor Engine - Terrible warrantee - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By hp007 - March 20 - 12:30 am

  I have had this car for 6 years and did the oil change as required. I gave this car to my daughter for college in Maryland last month. She called one night and said that a light was on saying not to drive the car. At 11 PMt, I guess I was supposed to tell her to start walking along the side of the road. (I was thinking rape,or abduction.)I told her to to drive to the nearest gas station and get oil to see if the problem went away. It did not. We had the car towed to the VW dealership in Dover,Delaware. There was a warranty extension on the engine due to many oil sludge problems ruining the engine. Since she drove to the nearest gas station to be safe, they voided the warranty!!!

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  Dont believe everything you read - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mlgates - March 19 - 1:13 pm

  I made every effort to thoroughly research before I bought a new vehicle. I like to keep my cars for a long time and wanted something reliable... The only good thing I can say about this vehicle is that I am glad that it came with a good warranty!!! I have had the vehicle in for some of the same repairs two and three times. A few weeks ago the transmission went out entirely! The gas mileage has been less than impressive, the diesel is loud and now diesel petrol is up to $2.79 a gallon! No more Volkswagens for me...

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  best car ive ever had - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By char - March 19 - 10:00 am

  bought it brand new, now approaching 240k miles. i really had nothing break, just things that wear out. a couple of years ago i got new shocks so it drives like its brand new. still on original clutch and rear brakes. actuallly the air conditioner went out this summer. i dont know what went wrong with it. this car exceeded my most optimistic hopes - i couldnt be happier. my last tank i got 48 mpg and i never have to add oil.

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  Great car with some drawbacks - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By Fielder - March 19 - 10:00 am

  An exceptionally beautiful car - very disinctive. I think its better looking than the Mercedes CLS. Its also nice that you dont see many on the road.

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  Capacity Performance Quality Efficiency - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tallB - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned 3.6L since new. 40k miles and a great car. Never stranded, no major issues. Get amazing MPG on the highway; e.g SF to Tahoe - avg 28 to 30 MPG City 16 to 18 depending on driving style. Solid NO rattles! Remember this was German built. Capacity! Folding rear seats can fit 7ft plus items. Rear facing child seat & still leg room in the front. No issues in a year or more. Park sensor beep in rain issue was fixed now no issues. Comp update – hesitating acceleration gone. Performance, handling, features, quality unmatched. More HP & Torque than BMW 330, can take it any. Styling has held well, granted not as great as a BMW but sacrifice a little vanity for HP, room, cup holders, features.

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  Great car - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mobes - March 19 - 3:36 am

  Absolutely great, TDI is geared a little lower at slow speeds so takes a little getting used to but handling, comfort, and acceleration are more than expected. I am currently beating the EPA mileage which is a little surprising to me driving in the heavy traffic of Northern Va.

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  2000 new Beetle Turbo - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sjef van den berg - March 18 - 8:10 pm

  My Beetle drives like a bat out of hell. It has great road holding ability and a solid overall feel. I truly enjoy driving the car and will buy another one. Unfortunately, the 1.8 turbo engine is no longer available.