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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  The infamous TDI - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cynthia Culp - November 6 - 6:33 am

  Love the car - Gas mileage is outstanding, very comfortable to drive, plenty of get up and go and hugs the road like a sports car. I am sorry to have to trade it in but it is in my best interest to do so. Really want to keep it but am not sure how the modification (if such a thing is ever available for it) will affect performance.

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  2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bigdaddy - November 4 - 4:13 pm

  Id seen the first Concept One in 1994. After exhaustive research and MANY test drives, I purshased a 2005 New Beetle TDI on 1/12/2005 (or VW NB GLS TDI with ESP and XM(radio). The fuel mileage is GREAT - over 400 miles on a fill up with 99% city driving- I look forward to a very long relationship.

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  A Brilliantly Executed Driving Machine! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By kewllewk - November 3 - 1:16 pm

  I cannot begin to express how fantastic this car is in every regard. The Volkswagen Passat 3.6 is awesome to drive around town, through twisty turns and muscling down the highway. Its power delivery is smooth and voracious, the sport tuned suspension is nicely balanced and the car is laden with technology. From the sleek and refined muscular styling to the balanced performance, interior comfort and features of the car, this is probably one of the most well rounded and capable vehicles on the road today. The body of the new Passat is also incredibly rigid which really enhances the feeling of control when driving the car. Take a look at this car. You won’t be disappointed!

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian - November 3 - 11:30 am

  I bought my 2006 Jetta Value Edition as a 2.5 base with manual transmission, no options. After testing Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, VW is the most fun to drive and has the best build quality. Designed for America and built in Mexico, it still maintains its German character and keeps the driver--and driving--at the top of the priority list. There is enough torque to surprise anyone at stoplights and you can push from 70 to 90+ in 5th gear by just giving it a little gas. Downshift to 4th and hold on - all on regular 87 octane and 27 mpg. The interior is simple, functional, and the controls are well-engineered and intuitive. Pax room is generous and its visibility great (for parking). The steering very accurate. At 13,000 miles, I have had no problems.

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  Buyer be mindfull its 10 yrs old - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By catk2 - November 1 - 9:50 pm

  Ive had my car for 5 years just paid it off a year ago. Now the problems have started. Everything was wonderful, at first. 3 days before christmas the window fell down and i couldnt bring it back up.The cost to fix it was $500. My starter gets stuck sometimes i have not fixed it yet it will cost me $450. Now this week my air went out and it cost me $650. Then the back window came off the convertible and no one can just fix it, i need a new top and window which is going to cost me $1400. Very bad week. I love my car but its costing me a lot right now and i wonder what will break next?

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  camshaft needs replacing at only 200k! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tdi06 - November 1 - 4:35 pm

  I am not impressed with having my cam shaft replaced at only 200k. To top off the cost of repair vw is charging double for the major replacement parts over OEM. I purchased the shaft for 480 (vw was 985) and the follow (lifters) for 180 (vw was 464). Add the extra taxes I dont have to pay on money saved and I saved a 1000 dollars just by making a few calls on the parts. 16 hours labour at 115 per and they still HAVE to gouge me on the parts. Just doesnt seem fair after spending an additional 10k to purchase a diesel so i wouldnt have to worry about major expenses so soon. I must say in vw defence that after all these years they have kept the treat women like they dont have a clue spirit!

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  Im sold on the Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ellen - November 1 - 4:36 am

  The Beetle has been an unbeatable vehicle for me. As a college student, I needed something reliable and relatively inexpensive. The Beetle requires little maintenance and is fuel efficient. It even has enough space to move ALL my belongings between dorms/apartments, even running well hauling a UHaul across the country to move me to my first job after graduation. My Beetle now takes me around the city during the week and into the mountains with my bike on the weekends. I cant imagine driving any other vehicle.

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  FUN Solid Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Ghofstrand - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I haven’t had this much fun driving a car since my new 85 Corvette. Excellent in the deep snow and nibble on dry curve roads at speed, and I do mean speed! I test drove most of the top end SUV’s..FX45/ML500/X5 and Murano. The Touareg beat them hands down for drive, acceleration and comfort . This is my daily commuter (125 miles) Wash. D.C. Beltway to rural roads in Pa. ONE FUN CAR!

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  You Cant Beat Being "Free Folk" - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By TREGinginCO - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Volkswagen may be the company that brought us the VW Bug, but the Touareg is well worth the money. Im amazed at all of the standard equipment that comes with this vehicle. People complain about the power of the V6 and say theyre wrong! Drive this thing around in "sport" mode and youre gonna have a really good time. Message To Volkswagen: Well Done!

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  Fast and fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaman93245 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from Herman Cook in San Diego. The sales people are great and helpful. This is my third Jetta. Its a blast to drive with pull that is better than other car in the price range. The suspension and the ride are outstanding. Handles very well, doing 55-60 in a 25mph clover leaf without a sweat. Gas mileage is very good if you dont drive the car aggressive. Had one problem with the lock on the right rear door, but was fixed in a few hours with the dealership. Other than that no problems. I installed new suspension through autotech and a q- chip. Its handles better and the chip made the car insanly fast.