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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  Heard the Sirens, Smashed on Rocks - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hvns11 - February 13 - 1:33 pm

  Read all these reviews before I bought new in June 02. Now have 23K miles on it, fun to drive but you pay for it in atrocious dealer service (or lack thereof), constant stream of recalls, and cost of ownership is ludicrous ($75 to change a headlight--at my mechanic, not dealer). German engineering = great ride but poor electricals (radio dies, ignition dies, Homelink dies, etc). Turbo has a lag no matter what VW says, power eventually kicks in but you have to think 2 car lengths ahead. No way this makes it to 140K miles like my trade-in (94 Galant). Now Im off to look for a replacement, too bad for only 2 yrs old and 24K mi. Nice room for driver (Im 63") and front passenger. Live and learn.

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  Fun to Drive, Poor Quality - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fjv17 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and its always been fun to drive. However quality leaves a lot to be desired. Ive had several annoying problems before and after the warranty expired. Ive replaced: Coil Packs (several times), wheel bearings, Door Locks, Outside Moldings, & the Cooling Fan (twice). Driver side seat is broken off one of its hinges and the Secondary air pump is loud as it can be. Of course all of these things are not cheap to fix. Most of my driving is Highway & I dont drive it hard. Is it too much to ask for a VW to last more than a couple of years?

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  I still like car after 2 yrs - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By TDI Randy - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel economy, excelent torque, comfortable & upscale interior (the best seats ever). My only beef is with the Buick ride on the TDI suspension. Why not offer the GTI suspension on this car. Too soft for spirited driving. There have been 2 unscheduled dealer visits, a loose hubcap emblem (replaced) and a stone wedged between speedsensor (front wheel) and rotor. Front grille and headlight styling needs freshened up (boring).

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  Just Short of A+ - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian B - February 13 - 10:00 am

  For the most part, Ive enjoyed my WBE very much. Yes, the power window clips died and had to be replaced. And Im waiting for the ignition coils to be recalled. But otherwise the car has been comfortable, fun to drive, and a pleasant experience. I especially like the Fitzgerald Automall dealership. One note -- DO NOT get the beige interior (my only mistake). It shows stains, dirt, etc too easily.

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  Fun, Reliable - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Volks Driver - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have the base 2.0 liter, GLS, 5- speed. No problems except for the power window holding clips, which were replaced under warranty. The car is fun, stylish, economical and reliable.

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  What a value - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tar029 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I feel like I have bought a luxury car at a common mans price. With standard safety features like side impact air- bags the Jetta gave us much more for our money than any other car in its class. With its great fuel economy and sporty feel it is a wonderful car to own and drive

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  Lovin it - but where do I put stuff? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By new Passat owner - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Lexus RX300 for this beaut. Love this car, 1 month into the lease. Red/blue dash at nite is awesome. Great stereo system (better than Lex). Wish there was more room for stuff inside! Handling is a little squishy but really I have no complaints. This suckers FUN to drive.

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  2003 VW PASSAT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By marnmart - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest car Ive ever owned! One of the few cars in my price range that had any style ant all. This is the only nice-sized, safe,well- equiped, economic car that doesnt look like I inherrited it from my dad! I bought the car because of the way it looked, but love it for the safety features, the way it handles. Its a great car for long trips-good leg & trunk room.

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  problems - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cookie - February 13 - 10:00 am

  gas door quit working twice; drivers window rattled and was fixed; next day, same window shattered mostly in the door; left windows almost close but back goes back down; weve spent more time at the dealers than we had hoped we would; makes you wonder what is going to happen next time;

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  LOVIN IT - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mrp - February 13 - 3:16 am

  I travel around 3,000 miles a month. Exceptionally comfortable ride. Great handling. MPG is ok. It is less than other cars in its class, but that is too be expected as it is a little heavier and built with safety in mind. So Ill exchange a few MPG for peace of mind with safety.