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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  My 3rd - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Sammyyou - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I havent had a single problem with my golfs,owened 3 of them and all i had to do is normal oil change and brakes. the only thing is the rear seat space,im sure itll be better in the 2004 new style, MY 4th Golf..

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  Best Real!!! SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Israeli Touareg - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV for the price. Real off road capability, with good on road ability. Fit and finish is first class. Needs a bit more power, but V-6 is enough for every day use. Great looks, much better looking then a x5. Look no further!!!

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  I love this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jotorre - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great times in my car. The only place where i would purchase another VW is at Valenti in Watertown CT. Great people honest, Excellent service and they really go the extra mile for you. As far as Im concerned they are the best dealership in this area.

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  dont buy! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By germancarlife - September 19 - 8:12 am

  I bought this car in 2011 with 56,000 miles on it and its been nothing but trouble. first the engine temp sensor went out ($400), next was the entire transmission at 65k miles ($4000) and then never ending issues with the electronics and engine internals. I change my oil every 3500 miles and drive 13 miles a day on the highway very gently so idk why this car is so bad. My wife has an 02 325i with 213k miles on it and its never given 1/15 of the problems the jetta vr6 has and she and I both drive that car very abusively to be honest, just regular oil changes, brakes and tires.

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  Great Wagen for an amazing price - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - September 18 - 11:20 pm

  Love this Wagon, and have found new features while using it on a road trip. One BIG problem is that the seats hug your back and dont let your lower back rest normally onto the seat. It almost squeezes your upper back and doesnt allow for proper breathing. Besides that, very happy with the my VW and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Simply Fabulous and Then Some! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By LuLu - September 18 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my CC in Jan. 2009. I have nothing but great things to say about it other than I do have a few interior rattles. The car is fun to drive and is quick to respond. The seats are ultra comfortable. And the best part...its a super hot and sporty looking car. The other day I received three compliments within 1 hour! That says it all - way to go VW for creating such a beauty! Oh, I researched cars for over 2 years and nothing wowed me until I discovered the CC.

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  it rocks! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dc - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Best car purchase Ive ever made. Fit & finish are excellent. Buttery smooth power and acceleration. Quiet, firm ride - very German.

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  Well Kept Secret - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By cncman - September 18 - 10:00 am

  As a first time Volkswagon and diesel owner, this car gets two thumbs up. Zero problems, all fun. Incredible mileage(45-50mpg), surprising power, quiet and no smoke. Everyone who has ridden in it is completely surprised when I announce its a diesel. The car handles well, smart interior design, firm but comfortable seats, 6 air bags, roomy for cargo and elegant hatch-back styling. Exterior fit and finish is supurb. Doors thunk, not clink. This car is designed to a very fine increment. After a year, if asked what the downside to owning a diesel is, I would have to say NONE. Total surprise. This is a great car and I love it.

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  2002 GLX Cabrio - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By rwooten - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted one of these since the cabriolet (when I was in college)came out in the 80s. This is a "play car" (3rd vehicle)for our family. After lugging around in a Yukon XL all day with kids this car is treat to drive.

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  Jetta TDI - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bigsweeps - September 18 - 10:00 am

  My only bad experiences have been due to a faulty air flow sensor and the dealer sold me on a bad extended warranty. Other than that the car has been mostly great. I do however have some reservations about the automatic transmission mated to the TDI because occasionally it does seem to really hunt for the proper gear.