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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  Little Red Fun Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anakin - July 23 - 5:56 pm

  I really love driving this car. My previous Honda Accord Coupe was a nice car, but the Jetta blows it away in terms of sheer driving smiles. I enjoy the Tiptronic transmission, because I can put it in D when Im feeling lazy, or I can row my own when I want a little sport. I must warn people that the velour seats will trap EVERY PIECE of pet hair and lint. If you can afford it, get the leather! My always-cold wife says the seat heaters will save our marriage.

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  Thank you VW - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By paul smith - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has great pick up and is fun to drive. We three kids we have more than enough room.

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  The first 5K in a 02 GTI - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Solidis - July 21 - 10:00 am

  GTI has proven a competent commuter. The 1.8T provides decent acceleration. At highway speeds the 1.8T easily moves thru traffic, providing a very smooth, comfortable ride(for a 2-door). Handling is capable, but not inspiring. Push the limits and the body roll is obvious. The 5-spd started life buttery smooth. It has since become notchy and 3rd requires your full attention. The interior is a mix of quality plastics and rubber. Unfortunately the build quality is sub par. I have begun to notice a large number of annoying rattles/creaks. Excellent passenger/cargo room.

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  Worthy of JB Power awards - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By joethegut1 - July 19 - 10:20 pm

  Traded in my Acura TL for this, needed more interior room but still something fun to drive and good mileage. Decided for the TDI, dealers offer was too good to pass up ($24,800). Very pleased, highway mileage is consistently 50+, quiet cabin, and sport mode really pushes the car when I need it. Ergonomics are great, seats arent deep buckets but still firm and supportive. Back seat is HUGE, both width and depth, easily fit 3 adults comfortably or two car seats. Trunk is equally massive, fits all my stuff for work plus a full size 2 child stroller. Also knowing my maintenance is covered for the next 3 years is great peace of mind.

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  I miss my Jetta - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By arklo - July 19 - 1:17 pm

  The CC is a beautiful car, undoubtedly. Its likely the fast pedal and sleek exterior kept me from noticing the incredibly rough ride I have been experiencing since taking my car home 2 months ago. I cringe when I pass over a manhole cover in the city, or god forbid a pothole, OUCH! The car gets decent gas mileage, the interior is impressive and the standard wheels are just so attractive, I just wish they would have nailed down a quieter, smoother ride for city driving. The acceleration takes some getting used to, it doesnt just spring out of the gate- you have to learn to apply the right pressure so you dont jerk your passengers while trying to get to 45 MPH quickly (say, for merging)

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  Great First Car/Commuter - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kellymiller - July 17 - 8:16 pm

  My parents got me my 2004 Jetta when I was 18. The the car got me through four years of college and is still going strong. Got it in 2010 with 48K miles, five years later its at 140K and still going strong. Ive had no mechanical problems with the car (aside from one that the dealer fixed) and with a 40 minute commute this was all I could ask for. The car was not perfect by any means (see below) but for a commuter looking for decent MPG, mechanical reliability, and a "cute" look, the Jetta is a great choice.

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  67,000 miles - Still love the car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmkatz01 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot! 40k miles / year. I have had two mass-air flow sensors fail (in hard rain) but no other problems with the car itself. Dealer service shop doesnt know how to use a torque wrench (on lug nuts or oil drain plugs) but the car is a blast to drive and very comfortable on the highway.

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  I love my car!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tehj151 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for just three months. The only thing I can say negative is that the seats are not very comfortable to sit in for any length of time. I keep a pillow in the drivers seat behind my back to help with back pain.

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  Hate It! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HMS - July 16 - 5:10 pm

  I wanted a Jetta for about 10 years and finally purchased one in 2003. I did this despite all the bad reviews and advice of others. Im sorry to say that the car has been nothing but problems. Not only did I have to take it in numerous times to get it repaired under warranty, since the warrantys expired, I have sunk thousands into this car. I owned a used car that was 14 years old and only had to get a major repair done once. You name the part, its been repaired in the Jetta: catalytic converter, cv joint, air conditioning, windows, radio, seat, armrest, swaybush, etc. I will never buy a VW again. They will try and say "this years model is better" but its not. Dont do it.

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  2008 Black Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Brian - July 15 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this 08 Rabbit in June and now 8 months later have no performance or build quality complains. Broke it in easy for 1500 mi. My son is the primary driver who uses it to commute back and forth to college and to work. Weve taken it on 600+ miles trips to NJ and Pittsburgh and mpg has been excellent at 31 highway. The only recurring issue has been the crummy head unit for the stereo. Twice the cd player has failed. Dealer overnighted a replacement the first time, and I expect same replacement this time, but really why the cheapo stereo? Ive thrown Walmart stereo/cd players into vehicles that have lasted for years with no issue. No other problems with this West Virginia Bunny.