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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  03 GTI 1.8T vs. ex00 Jetta 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By exJetta1.8Towner - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Having sold my 00 Jetta 1.8T, I couldnt imagine what car would ever give me that same "whooosh" feeling for the same money. So with that in mind, I started the process looking for a new 03 Jetta 1.8T, having not yet driven a 1.8T GTI. Once round the block in the GTI and I was sold. With the 17" wheels/sport package, it handled so much better than my old Jetta. Slight roll, but way better. Huge improvement in the seat dept. The extra 30 HP doesnt hurt either. One of the main reasons I sold my Jetta was because the warranty was coming to an end...something I wont have to worry about for a while.

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  Great Car...Good Price - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By zippdawg - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had my GTI VR6 for about 6 months. I have had no problems EXCEPT for: The car was delivered with low coolant level. One morning my computer told me to stop engine and check coolant level. I added some water, problem solved. Once a pebble got lodged between my rear brake rotor and the heat shield and made a high pitched screeching noise. Once I went in reverse, it ejected the pebble, problem solved. Also, the dealership drilled holes in front bumper for lisence plate frame when I asked them not to.

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  Diamond in the rough - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kory_p - April 30 - 2:00 am

  It was only coincidence that I stumbled onto the volswagon dealership and found a true diamond in the rough. I was previously looking at a four door sedan and a sporty two door coupe from other car makers. Then I saw the passat GLS 1.8T and realized I could have the extra space and the sporty drive all in one.

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  It fits nicely into my garage - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mr. Moos - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned my 1.8T Passat for roughly 1 month and Im enjoying every minute of it. Ive heard about some of the problems with the coil and hope that since mine is 2003 it wont become an issue. Everyday I try and find excuses to take long drives in the mountains and on the hwy because it has great pickup for a 170 HP powerplant. When that turbo kicks in, I can really feel it. I recommend anyone thats looking for a new sedan to test drive the manual first then the automatic. They both have a nice feel.

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  Love my TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By smiling - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Although I have only had the vehicle 3 months, I grow more fond of it each day,getting 44mpg, turning heads all the time, hands like a dream, fun!!

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  Passatingly Addictive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwsince66 - April 28 - 11:29 am

  Love to drive it, bought it used at 96-K but within a month of purchase the transmission slipped and caught a hard lurching clunk when shifting,3rd and 4th gears. Then after about a week of hoping it was a glitch, the transmission got stuck in 3rd gear permanently.... Luckily it was under the warranty but the insurance company only allowed a used transmission with equal or lesser mileage. I have been driving it for about 3 months since the rebuild, and a week ago it did the "Clunk" when shifting from 1st - 2nd gear and since then has happened a couple of other times. I love driving the car otherwise and it looks sexy as hell especially when you put some wider rims/ tires on it. L

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  Baby Boomer Bust! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By Stephen Harris - April 28 - 6:36 am

  I believe this car is for the baby boomer that has finally reached a time in life when they feel they deserve a fun car. They have lived with the practical long enough and want something that makes no obvious sense. I think it is the most fun car I have ever owned and has the VW stamp of quality. No problems after 4000 miles of ownership and a trip of 2500 miles to Florida and back was super. No problem with trunk space, two bags consisting of one duffle and one regular was plenty for wife and I for one week. VERY comfortable and had no problems with power for passing or keeping up with traffic. Grandkids love the "transformer" and it gets lots of attention. Most people cant believe its VW

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  Lovin my Tigger - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By docnugget - April 27 - 7:00 pm

  This vehicle is awesome. The drive is very tight for its class and the appointments are similar to my Passat 4-motion wagon. The 4-motion is a definite plus and the ride is superb. It is definitely not a car for the everyday Joe or Jane and thats the way my wife and I like it. I cant imagine a 200 HP Rogue, Rav4, or CRV. I feel this vehicle sits similarly to a land rover but with a lower, more stable center of gravity. There are no unnecessary and gaudy amenities which would push up the price for many other makes. Plus, its a VW and you cant touch that. I do wish that a diesel version was available but Ill just have to wait, hope, and wish for the 2011 model to be a TDI.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Rino - April 27 - 7:33 am

  I sold my Mazda RX-8 to buy, and I couldnt be happier. Ive been wanting to buy a more practical hatchback with better fuel economy but still sporty, and the Golf fits that description exactly. Although not nearly as powerful as my Mazda, it has plenty of acceleration, and Im having fun trying to get the best mileage. It also has very good handling, again not as good as the Mazda, but Im pleasantly surprised at how good it is. One other thing, compared to my high-pitched rotary, the diesel sounds very deep, and its a sound Im growing to love more and more. Also, definitely go with the manual, although I do hate automatics.

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  First VW is a keeper - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By exhaust_fan - April 27 - 12:34 am

  Had wanted a TDI for a looong time. After two years, have only had to replace the battery. It did seem to die prematurely, but I heard alot of the OEM batteries were soft. I plan to keep this for a very long time. I enjoy driving it every time. Feels luxurious for what I paid.