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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  Fun car with a few minor bugs - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By fourfish - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed this car since buying it new in 99. Door rattles were and window switches were all fixed under warranty. Had an $650 repair at 41K to replace a gas tank breather tube (engine check light was on). Overall, its a fun car.

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  Economy, Performance, and Style - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lanark - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my TDI. It took a while to find one with a 5 speed, but it was worth the hunting. I cant believe this kind of pick-up from a standstill on a diesel. And naturally, unless youre in the market for a hybrid, you cant beat the mileage. Plus, even though the car is (comparatively) low-priced as far as German sedans go, it seems to be an eye- catcher, not to mention that there almost seems to be a TDI clique/club/cult? Comfortable and stylish interior for two adults (dont plan any road trips for four 6-footers) Only real complaint is: why doesnt VW give up on the dial knob for seatback adjustment that theyve been using ever since the (original) Beetle?

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  Great car but still needs work - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettanut - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall quite happy with the car comfort and handling super especially tight corners and turns the turbo makes it all worth driving and gas mileage is pretty good 600+ kms highway driving / tank bad things so far all four doors sqeak and required constant lubrication also striker pin adjusted weekly on front drivers door (creaks when car moving under 20 km/h)

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  Perfect - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwMike - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car! I am so addicted to this car its unbelievable. I love pulling up to a stop light and seeing all those Japanese car (used to have a Honda) rev thier engines. I always wave to them in my rear view mirror as they are eating my dust. Mods are cheap and easy, mostly bolt ons.

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  Love The Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tazz - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used 2000 GLX VR6 with about 38000 miles on it in March since then I have put about 4000 miles of my own and am totally pleased with my purchase. The car is fun to drive, smooth, quite, and very comfortable. In one long weekend I drove about 1800 miles and even after a 12 hour run from ATL-PHL the car was still comfortable. The Monsoon sound system is very nice, climate control system works well, and I like the heated seats.

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  Great car. Fund to drive. - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By fredric - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any problems with this car, and mine is actually a 2000 beetle and I have 30,000 miles on it. There was one recall for a feul sensor, but they fixed this within 24 hours. The only thing that would make me change cars is hybrid technology. Great, responsible, fun car.

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  Worlds greatest car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Helga - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I do lots of highway driving and wanted an fun car to drive thats economical. I found the PERPECT CAR! The New Beetle TDI is fuel efficient (42 MPG highway), rides like a big car (smooth), and is a blast to drive. You wouldnt believe what I can stuff in this car too!

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  The right choice - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Duffy - November 28 - 12:40 am

  I have owned 6 VWs and was sure that I wanted to get something different and wanted a Civic SI. I then drove the SI and the GTI back to back and had no doubt that I wanted the WV. The SI was nice but from the second I sat in the GTI I could see the materials were of higher quality and it has more features, all the switches light up for the windows etc. And when you step on the gas in the GTI you get a rush that the SI does not provide. This car is simply a blast to drive, on the highway it is great, but the twisties is where it excels it is sure- footed and stable even when pushed hard. On the practical side the hatch will work better for me (2 kids,skis,snowboards etc).

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  Great Car - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By redadunes - November 27 - 7:55 pm

  I traded my 2011 Jetta SE for this amazing car. I got the sport auto with lighting package in fontana red with the 2 tone interior, its a beautiful combination. I cant be any happier, this vehicle handles well and drives like a champ. Its comfortable, quite, luxurious and powerful enough if you arent looking for a speed car. The only thing is that the breaking seems a bit off, somehow I dont feel safe when I brake with this car. I could use a bit more power too. The price was right ($26,700 with a rear spoiler and a dual chrome exhaust tip). SO far I enjoy driving this car and all my friends and family find it to be an excellent car.

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  Ohhhh, Yeah! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Morwal - November 27 - 12:06 pm

  My husband and I bought this car used, sight unseen, with 11,600 miles on the odometer at the time. The color is Pacific Blue and it changes with the light conditions, sometimes showing a green beneath the blue. It is awesome! Driving this vehicle is extremely fun! Its casual around town and easy to open up on the highway. I travel about 500 miles each week, mostly highway (So Cal) and never have a problem getting around the traffic or through the hills. The gas mileage is impressive for an 8-cylinder, I avg. 21-22 mpg! And the brakes are great. I had to test them a few times (they work great)! It has had no problems to mention. The interior comforts including memory seats, stereo/CD, 6-disk CD player (in the trunk), cruise control, etc are great.