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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  just get one - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By VDubber - August 16 - 9:36 pm

  VW did well with the 20th AE GTI by raiding the Audi parts bin. It uses TT brakes, trans, and 1.8t engine. Simply the GTI that should have been produced in the first place. I dig the car tremendously, and has been every bit as entertaining as more expensive German sports cars that Ive owned. Its a somewhat simple machine designed to simply be fast. Got mine in Black Magic Pearl, murdered out completely. It scares small children. You will not be disappointed.

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  Great, but not always great - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JPRempe - August 16 - 4:10 am

  Let me start by saying this is my favorite new car yet! At the same time, its also the worst. How, you might ask? Well, its had two major mechanical failures in less than 8,500 miles. First to go at 2,100ish miles was the dual mass flywheel. They replaced it under warranty. Next to fail was the chain on the oil pump, which has never happened according to VWoA. This time they replace the entire engine, again under warranty. In short, it has great performance and economy, but I really must question the reliability, both long and short term. The service from the dealership is absolutely top notch, however. I actually feel kind of bad for them having to post this information.

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  Passat Diesel - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Peter - August 16 - 12:33 am

  I bought my 2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI for the size and comfort as well as the great fuel economybut it went downhill from there. I live in an area where it can snow 5 - 10 inches deep overnight. Even with front drive, traction control, and four studded winter tires I had a hard time driving in it. The ground clearence is only 4 inches so I was pushing the deep snow instead of driving over it. The temperature went down to -25 C for over a week and I could not get the car started. When it did start, it took a long time to get warmed up. My local VW dealer said thier garage was full with these cars as people couldnt get them started. This car has left me straded numerous times. I got rid of it and bought a Subaru.

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  Volkswagen R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By jon - August 15 - 7:06 pm

  The Volkswagen R32 is the perfect car for me to take out the clients and get compliments from any age group and sex. It has been fun to drive and the seats are sporty, comfortable and attractive. The steering wheel is the best that I have felt.

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  Its a Sold Car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By bnjbvw - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. The fuel mileage is awesome, the performance is out of this world. I love it!

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  Save Your Money - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaNoWay - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 with every option. After 8,000 miles had to get new transmission. Next problem the lights, I have replaced every bulb in the car all before a year was up. The newest problem turn signal relay went out. I have heard of problems with the electrical and windows falling down and with the latest problems I expect for those things to occur next. Overall this car is a joke. Interior is made for short people only, very uncomfortable seats after any lengthy ride. Leather interior is already changing color and deteriorating and the "clear coat" is already coming off.

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  A satisfied owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael Silver - August 15 - 10:00 am

  More power than most small 8 cylinders; standard equipment is better than most luxury cars. Ive own BMW, Mercedes, several Lexus cars, but this is the most fun car Ive ever had.

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  Love It!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris Marino - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt sure if I was going to like a 4 Cylinder after having a Loaded GLX VR6 for 7 Years, but I love it. The Tiptronic transmission is smoother and more responsive than the one in my wifes C Class Mercedes. All the extra space is awesome, especially with a new baby. The safety features are very comforting.4 Wheel, ABS, Traction Control,Electronic Stabilization/ Front, side and curtain airbags all for $23,000. The rear seatbelt locks and there are tether hooks on the backs of the seat and anchors underneath them, making car seat installation a breeze.

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  Nice to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By yiru - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The interior and outerior of the car is perfect. Gives me a feeling of a luxery car. However, I think when it starts, the accleration is slow. It is powerful when it already at high speed, but at low speed it is even less powerful than a civic. I brought Turbo engine because I want it to run fast. But I alwasy feel powerless when begin to move.

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  Jetta - Disguised piece of junk - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason G. - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I notice a lot of these reviews are from people who have had their Jetta for a week or so and "just love them". Wait till youve had it for a year or so. Ill start from the top.. Ive had to have my mass air flow sensor replaced, my computer reprogrammed, catalayic converter replaced, window regulator replaced, "check engine" is on 5 out of 7 days a week, windows go up and down when you just want it to go up, stereo gets "cup sweat" on it and stops working, A/C is loud and doesnt cool even the driver, and its the most un-dent resistant material ever! Thank god for the lemon law...