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:

• 

  Touring with the "T" - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DDavis - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Test drove several vehicles, including Volvo XC90, BMW and Lexus, before choosing the Toureg--this is the one for comfort, driving response in the city and power. Recently took my family of four on a 11 day cross- country trip, and with the exception of not having convenient drink holders for my two small kids (7 & 9) in the back seat, everyone liked the features and comfort of the car. The Toureg performed equally well off- road (Colorado Rockies) as it has in the city. Having owned a Toyota Land Cruiser previously, I was very impressed with the Toureg.

• 

  Great car, but.... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jonnyGURU - September 8 - 10:00 am

  What bugs me is the little, stupid failures in attention to detail. The power windows cable clips inside the doors broke (replaced), the latch for the center console broke, the rubberized surface on some of the plastic interior pieces is peeling, the rear windows washer leaks, and the center caps on my front two wheels FELL OFF. The check engine light just lit up too. Car drives great. Quiet, smooth. Like I said, the little details suck.

• 

  passat a poor performer - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwisjustplanepain - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Frustrating car to use. not logical controls. Seat belt reminder beeps even when in park. Doesnt shut off very annoying. Trunk locks automatically and you need the remote to unlock. just a pain. 4motion hesitates before accelerating. downshifts poorly.

• 

  Not Impressed - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fooledbylooks - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Already has spent a week in the shop for different problems ranging from AC not cooling (still not fixed) to CD getting stuck. Dash starting to rattle and its been only less than two months and less than 1K miles. Long wait getting appointments from dealerships (I can imagine why). Fuel consumption terrible.

• 

  Damn, What a car! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By CDerekGo - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th Volkwagen, 4th Passat. Wow, what a car. Even with only the GLS model, this car has to be the nicest car Ive owned, ever. Power, good fuel economy, comfortable, all around a GREAT vehicle. Wouldnt look at a Toyota or Honda after owning the VW

• 

  Great, Sensible Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steve - September 8 - 8:03 am

  I have long wanted a VW and finally purchased a slightly used 2008 model this year. I wanted a GTI, but it was out of my price range. Ive test driven both and can say that the 5 cylinder Rabbit has enough power for most drivers and pretty much all driving situations. The suspension isnt as sporty (read: body lean) in the corners, but overall very fun to drive. Interior isnt as unique/special as the GTIs but still full of features and very comfortable. Great car with great fuel economy. I get 28mpg with approx 80% highway driving.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By srbraids - September 8 - 5:00 am

  Im really pleased with my purchase. Going from a Jeep to the VW was a big move, but I like that it is a little car that drives like a big one. The fuel economy is great especially now that diesel is cheaper than gas. This car handles curves like theyre not even there. Shift into Sport mode and it feels like youre in the European Countryside. The exterior design needs some work I think. Also, Im not thrilled with the chrome grill, but whats the outside got to do with it, really?

• 

  Better have deep pockets for repairs - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Miles - September 7 - 7:50 pm

  I bought my 04 Touareg with 49,900 miles on it. Good thing I got the extended warranty because at 55K miles, the vehicle completely died in the middle of the road. Turned out to be the liquid cooled alternator. Not kidding, a liquid cooled alternator. That repair was over $1,000 but was covered under the extended warranty. The tire pressure sensors constantly act up and remind you about it every time you start the vehicle. Each tire sensor costs $700 to replace. The headlights were flickering on and off. I had them replaced at a price of $598 for the set! Most places wont change the oil, so dealership it was for me. $$$ To sum it all up, this car costs more to maintain than its worth.

• 

  Be Careful of Ball Joints - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg - September 7 - 7:30 pm

  Except for annoying problems with lights or dashboard lights, my 2001 Volkswagen Passat was largely OK until around 55,000 miles. At the 55,000 mile mark, the ball joints and tie rods rendered the car unsafe to drive without significant, costly repairs. Ive heard this problem isnt uncommon among Passat owners. I would never buy a VW again.

• 

  If GM and Ford only built em like this. - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve Myers - September 7 - 7:00 pm

  The Passat looks like a Mercedes competitor at a fraction of the cost. VW has done it again, with a Sport Wagon that feels larger inside than it is on the outside. This Teuton has classy looks, a kick-butt blower engine, comfort, style, and a TON of "standard options," for a darned good price. There are unobtrusive storage compartments everywhere. The keyless key-ignition, a no-lever emergency brake, and a hill- hugger extra clutch add to the attractiveness of this car. It even has a driver-controlled data management system that will translate programmed orders into seven languages (incl. Chinese). Take one out for a spin and youll never buy another Taurus wagon or a minivan.