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:

• 

  V6 killer - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By edyvw - June 26 - 2:41 pm

  This is probably best used car you can get it on the market if you think driving is more then going from point A to point B (if not, then get Camry). This is 2.0T 200hp four banger with 207lb/ft torque. However, what is HUGE difference is DSG (Dual-Clutch Sequential Gearbox) with 6 gears. When shifts up, it changes gears in 0.065 seconds. Now guys, manual might be a little bit more fun to drive, but it just cannot keep up with my CC. Also, if you want to use full potential, get performance tires! If you are DIY guy/girl, this is perfect car. Probably this is most friendly car for people who like to change oils on their own. However, try to use full synthetic oils like Castrol 0W30 (GC).

• 

  toy car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettahater61 - June 26 - 6:56 am

  As I read other bad reviews, it is plainly clear to see that this car, The VW Jetta, is poorly constructed. Plastic things in the interior break constantly. The gears (Automatic) downshift as I go downhill, so I am awaiting the transmission to blow up or begin leaking. My passenger window just yesterday "finally" fell into the door, like others I have read about. I leased the car, and in January I am supposed to either buy it outright, or turn it in. Cant wait for how much they want to charge me for their piece of junk to turn in. I would not reccomend the Jetta. Was fun at first. Had to fix and then finally replace the stereo. Have read about others with problems with it

• 

  Typical German Quality - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By bikerbob - June 26 - 1:36 am

  Me and my wife chose the Passat over the Accord and Camry for value, comfort safety and performance. The Accord was underpowered and the interior was very tight for us plus 1 baby with baby seat. And the Camry has more recalls and troubles than any car should. The Passat was only a few dollars more but it is truly the superior car.

• 

  DSG in 1/8th mile - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By TOM - June 25 - 2:46 pm

  For all of those who think DSG is weak because its an auto, think about that next time I can pull 1 to 1.5 seconds ahead of you by having the transmission alone. I raced a worked out Neon SRT-4 at the track 1/8th mile, bone stock I ran 9.89 and he ran 10.75. So I say let the numbers talk.

• 

  love this car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By happy passat guy - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever drove/owned. The wagon has so much room. Who needs a SUV with all this room? The price is thousands less than a BMW 5-series wagon, and the details are just as nice as my co-workers Bimmer. In fact the leather seats seem better quality to me, and all the standard equipment thats extra on a BMW really impresses me.

• 

  Great little car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By jeff31 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car. Awesome fuel efficiency! Turbo diesel is more than enough to get me where Im going.

• 

  Distinctive but problematic - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cara - Florida - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Yes, like the others, I have loved driving my Bug and the comments I get from others. I have experienced similiar electrical problems with the car as well as some others so be on the lookout! So far, at 36,000, I have had to fix the following - both power window switches, both O2 sensors replaced, replace 1 headlight, have 1 foglight that needs to be replaced, a seal crack that caused all the power steering fluid to drain out. Still waiting to hear from VW to see if they will cover any of repairs for O2 sensors as all other model years except 1998 were covered for this under a recall. Not sure if I will get another one or not.

• 

  Great car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jlw_52 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great small car loaded with standard features that others list as options. Solid, responsive and fun to drive.

• 

  Good, practical car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jay - June 25 - 12:53 am

  Overall Passat is a very good and practical car, did not have any major problems, pleasure to drive, excellent trunk space (as a wagon). Interior is nice, quality of radio sound is good.

• 

  Too new to tell, but.......... - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By dkross737 - June 25 - 12:46 am

  Ive had my TDI SEL just about 2 weeks, so all comments are preliminary. Engine and DSG combo-first rate, mpg 45+ 75/25 Highway/City. Interior well laid out, but some cost cutting (vertical travel on center armrest and forward edge of drivers seat, goose-neck trunk hinges, prop rod vs gas struts for hood) ) noted...car is built to a price. First rate highway car with great road manners, audio, seat comfort, and noise level. Exterior somewhat bland, but that may attract less attention from our State Troopers, and not look dated in 4 years.