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 End of a 35 Year VW Relationship - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Elenewlife - March 20 - 6:43 pm

  I grew up in a VW family; everyone drove them. Ive had over 15 myself. The trans was defective from day 1 and VW did nothing to help. When it broke around 10,000 they said I must be "riding the clutch". Many of these vehicles had flywheel problems; VW did nothing. Mine overheated in traffic; couldnt go on hills; shook all over and became disabled. The lights were an issue; windows and also the A/C compressor. I have always bought VW because they were reliable and VW stood behind them. Cute and responsive yet it was manufactured with a defect that VW shouldve recalled and replaced. They lost me permanently and should be quite ashamed of how they treated many loyal customers.

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  100K Mile and still going strong - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By mj48 - March 20 - 3:04 pm

  I bought this car new for my wife and have never had any but normal wear and tear issues. Living in a snowy climate I did have to change the tires but other than that a great car. Performance is great. It has a good ride and a lot of standard features. I chose this car over Toyota and Honda.

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  45 miles to the gallon - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gilbug - March 20 - 4:30 am

  I love this car however the trunk lock does not work. The power windows go up and down as they please and the interior clock runs fast, about 5 minutes per month. Other than that a great gas car.

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  Great Performance and Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KC Northland - March 20 - 3:56 am

  This is a great car for a driving enthusiast that wants good gas mileage. It offers responsive performance, great handling, and a gutsy V6 engine. The six speed manual transmission adds an extra fun factor, and the sporty wheels and low profile tires add an aftermarket look. It is the most reliable car I have owned. In 63,000+ miles, have only had to replace a couple bulbs and perform regular service.

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  VW 2007 Passat Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW2007 - March 17 - 5:23 pm

  Driving so far (2 months) has been great. My gas mileage on a 420 mile trip was 31.4 mpg. The only thing missing is Homelink controls for garage doors.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MontclairMike - March 17 - 4:40 pm

  I was actually looking to get Mazda 3 or 6 went I went to the dealership. Both were kinda blah when I decided to try the Jetta (the dealership had both Mazdas and VWs). The 4 cylinders were blah as well but when I got behind the wheel of the V6, I knew that was it. The suspension is sporty, acceleration quick, and the handling was that stiff but smooth feel you expect from a sportscar. I had heard that the past Jettas were crappy but so far so good. Getting into my car is definitely a highlight of my day. The dash has an austere look to it. Nothing but the essentials, very unlike most cars that clutter up their dash. Very happy with the Monsoon soundsytem.

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  GREAT VAN - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By JOHN M - March 17 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VAN ALL AROUND! CARTER VW REALLY KNOWS THEIR VANS AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CUSTOMERS!

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  Great Car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chris10 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  No regrets. No problems to date and fun to drive everyday

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  Impressive, but sad in some areas - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Markie Marc - March 17 - 10:00 am

  11,000 mi and runs great. 49mpg even at 85mph. Most impressive feature is the engine. It will surprise you. Not a race car, but lots of torque no matter how many people or how much cargo. Great passing power on the highway even in 5th gear. More comfortable, better road feel and smoother overall drive than its competitors. Excellent commuter and touring car. Starts well even in cold weather. Very roomy up front, but lacks space for rear passengers. Strange cup holders, later 03 models have better ones. I will seriously consider purchasing another VW for my next vehicle.

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  Cool Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mome - March 16 - 5:26 am

  If you want something different than everyone elses "me too" Accord or Camry, the Passat is for you. It is roomy, stylish and fun to drive. The interior is very well put together and it feels like a much more expensive sedan. At least test drive it before you buy another 4 door sedan. I think you will like it.