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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  Great car... But BEWARE!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Luftlinea - February 28 - 9:00 pm

  Bought this certified pre-owned car with 25,000 miles. Although it was 3 yrs old... It seemed new. Friends and family love this little car. I have gotten many compliments at stop lights. Here are a few problems I have experienced. Some rattling sounds. Have taken it to dealer twice to fix, but panels keep coming loose. Cold start is very load and diesel like... They say its normal. Wiper come on for no reason. There was one occasion where trunk release did not work. Had to replace the gas tank release mechn. Word of advise... I have extended warranty until 74,000 mi. Do not be afraid to take it back to get fixed. Every is great at the dealership. They know me by name.

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  Never, Never Again! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NY Nurse - February 28 - 7:26 am

  I wanted one of these cars for ever. I finally bought one a year and a half ago. It has cost me more in maintenance and repairs in that year and a half than any other car Ive ever owned for the entire time I owned them! I went over a bump and it cost me $850! There is always something broken, now it is a window sensor. Dont be fooled with the German engineering thing - Its now Mexican engineering and they are not the same. I am selling my little lemon bug. Lesson learned.

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  Poor quality - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By James - February 28 - 4:00 am

  I got this 2001 Jetta in 2004. Very loud, poor power. Hard to start until I cleaned out a part of an emission(eat your own exhaust) part. Just to get to the alternator is over $200 in labor, and labor to replace the alternator belt is $107, very hard to get to. IF this car would not break down so much, it would be good, 45-55MPG. I thought I would save a lot of money with this good gas mileage, but how much gas can you buy with a $1200 repair bill? I have not saved any money, and it is not dependable, I do not trust this car enough to drive it cross country.

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  2010 VW Jetta SE - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Coop - February 27 - 4:33 pm

  I am leasing a 2010 Jetta SE sedan with the 5sp manual. Manual provides a little more control and makes the car more fun to drive. Great interior design and finish, though the headrests get complaints from my wife. Sporty drive and solid feel on the road.

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  Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By t shirt man - February 26 - 10:00 am

  New car had to be jump started in showroom I should have known not to take it. They told me it was from the doors being left open. Ive had the car three weeks,I got to drive it for 8 days. They say its a short in the clock but the part has to be made in Germany. I guess I should have bought the magic beans that Jack bought because I would have believed that sooner. No Help from VW Hotline also. I asked for my money back or a new car, they said you bought the beans now you are stuck with them. As of my car they still do not know when it will be repaired. PLEASE DO NOT BUY VW.

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  2002 Jetta TDI review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matthew Scott Medlin - February 26 - 2:06 am

  I loved the car, until it had to be in the shop too many times. The latest is a transmission issue. A BIG side note, very few people (dealership mainly) can change the Timing Belt at 80K. It requires special tools and it costs around $800.00.

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  2011 Jetta TDI - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By alco_pa - February 26 - 12:32 am

  Before you buy one better check the paint, mine has milky spots under the clear coat. I did not notice until I washed and waxed it. Look it over carefully... Too bad, I really was looking forward to a great car.

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  What a GREAT car! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan R. - February 24 - 10:03 am

  Second Passat, previous one was a 2000. This car is head and shoulders better, with improved styling, performance, and safety features. I love it! Cant beat the price for a near-luxury European sedan.

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  GTI 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By CHUCK BITTMAN - February 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR PICKS UP AND MOVES JUST AS QUICK AS THE BMW 318 AND 325 FOR MUCH LESS. I GET MAD LOOKS DRIVING IT. MY ONLY ISSUE IS WITH THE MOONSOON STERIO SYSTEM I GOT THE UP GRADE WITH 200WATT AMP AND THE SPECKERS CANT HANDLE THE OUT PUT. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED ONE SPECKER WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF BUYING MY CAR AND NEED TO REPLACE MORE.

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  Satisfied Owner - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By bremen - February 24 - 2:00 am

  After some initial problems, taken care of under warranty, my Passat now shows a proud 86,000 miles. It is a great performance car and I have not regretted the purchase of this car.