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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  Amazing! What a dream! - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By M. Wright - May 9 - 8:03 pm

  Although I was concerned with jumping into an unproven model, I have no regrets about the Volkswagen Phaeton V8. It is a pleasure to drive, has no road noise and I love the 4 suspension choices. As a designer, I was smitten with the luxurious interior appointments. this car reminds me of the Bentley that I used to own. It is a head-turner, every day I respond to questions from appreciative onlookers. Onstar is also part of the whole package. I hate to admit that Ive said goodbye to BMW, but this car is much more interesting.

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  Not so happy with my Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWtony - May 9 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased my 07 Passat in early November. I just got it out of the shop after they had it for 9 days. A check engine light came on during a road trip in the middle of nowhere. Not fun. Turns out the oil cooler bolt and bracket broke, so it and the timing assembly had to be changed. The car had less than 9k miles on it. Now, one week after having the car returned to me, its in the shop again because the steering lock is malfunctioning. This is my 3rd VW and all of them have had major issues.

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  LOOK GOOD - drives great! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By barry3k - May 8 - 11:53 pm

  I researched a number of crossovers. Ford Edge, Mazda cx-7, audi q5, nissan rouge, toyota venza, ford escape, saturn vue, honda crv. The Tiguan was the one that gave me the best value, the best handling, free scheduled maintenance, and VW reputation. The back seat is comfortable for adults to ride. The cargo space is awesome.

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  I love my Cabrio! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By lmartin3733 - May 8 - 11:03 am

  The only problem I have had is that the top is splitting at the seam! All the way across the back and to my dismay I discovered that it is glued!! That is crazy! I have it taped right now but I am going to find out if someone can sew up the seam. So far everyone has said that it wont work, but Im going to try it anyway! I cant afford a new top(that is probably glued too!) That has been my only disappointment. Ive not had any big repairs. Its great in the snow! I can get in and out of everywhere and if I could get another one, Id upgrade to another one. Ive got about 160000 miles on it and I hope it lasts for another 3 to 5 years!

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  Worth The Money - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By likagold - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Great riding car with excellent styling. Has class and elegance. Our vehicle has all the bells and whistles. Tremendous sound system, flawless navigation. Lumbar massager is fabulous on long trips. Really fast in sport drive. Rides better than BMW 745il.

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  WOW did not expect this - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By db - May 7 - 11:53 pm

  If you wold have told me i would be driving a vw a month ago i would have said youre nuts. I am coming out of a BMW and was looking at the usual suspect luxury cars - there all nice but nothing made me go wow. When i test drove this car on a whim i knew in 5 minutes that i wanted it. The 2.0 turbo is a rocket! I chose the wolfsberg over the gli just because i wanted something that looked a little more grown up - and the rims and tires on this car make it look very nice. For the money there is nothing that can even touch this car - its super fun to drive - great styling- ton of options - well built -and did i mention its super fast! Only 12.5k sent to US- pick one up if you can find one!

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  Incredible!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By ray - May 7 - 1:03 am

  I was driving an Audi A8 (a 2000) and was looking to get into a 2005 model. One of our board memebers owns a car dealership (not a VW dealership) and suggested that I take one for a test drive. All I can tell you that this is the best car Ive ever driven including the 2005 Audi. It gives you a much needed back massage whenever you want one. I have the upgraded sound system and it is heavenly as is the information system. The only drawback is the seats dont fully recline (so I cannot sleep in the car)!!!

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  New Beetles ROCK! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mindy Dawn - May 6 - 3:43 pm

  Ok. So, when I first saw the New Beetle design on the market a few years back... I was first in line kvetching. It is NOTHING like the OLD Beetle. I thought it looked like a Techron car. But, it is not only cute... but a luxury vehicle in disguise. It drives smoothly... has every feature I wanted in a car... and is safe to boot.

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  Love the new GTI! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By PTown GTI - May 4 - 8:46 am

  I have had this car since Nov. It is everything that I hoped for and more. A real pleasure to drive on the twisties, and around town to work. I was down to either this or the Audi A3, which has worse ergonomics, worse visibility - but cool sunroof. Glad that I went with the VW. A few rattles here and there, but I am really particular, so take that with stride. The summer tires that come with the car are just that - poor once the weather cools off. The 6 speed manual is AMAZING - why someone would go for the DSG is beyond me. Highly recommended!!

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  very refined pocket-rocket - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By PKT RKT - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The GTI is more expensive than the typical hot hatchback, but what you get is refinement that you usually only see on near-luxury vehicles in the mid $30,000 range. This is a very fun car to drive on long trips as well as everyday commutes. Its also very roomy and easy to live with on a day-to-day basis.