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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  Buy new or used, its awesome! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By boomervandal - May 9 - 5:06 am

  Bought this SUV 10/05 after looking at MB500. VW is so much quieter. No problems in 18k miles! I love this vehicle and its durability, wear and tear. Everyone who has sat in it wants to borrow it when additional space is needed - theyd buy but cant afford it. Great family car - whether you have kids or just a dog like me! So much fun in the winter and summer! Definitely will buy another after this hits higher miles.

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  before you buy - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By thatguy33 - May 9 - 4:25 am

  Bought my 06 in the summer of 07 with 200 miles on it. I just rolled over 142,000 but it has been at a hefty price. If you plan to buy a VW, be prepared to go to the dealer for everything, because everything is specialized and expensive. (my uncle is a mechanic and he wouldnt even change the brakes for me). Only reason I still have this car is because Im so upside down in it...

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  Nothing but problems! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By boettcherca - May 9 - 2:00 am

  My car is currently 2 years old with around 40,000 miles on it. It started off great. Then after 1 month I had it in the shop because I ran out o gas when it said I still had 1/2 tank! It took over a week to fix. Then I had to take it in again 3 other times for a leaking gas tank. 2 months ater that the car started stalling out when I slowed at intersections, unable to restart. Took it in and they had it for 4 days and claimed to have fixed it. 1 week later same thing.... Long story short, the problem is stillnot resolved and not once have they given me a loner car! Do not buy this car.

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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Hotvwcurves - May 9 - 2:00 am

  pictures dont do the R32 justice, and she is well worth the price difference between the GTI (6K) for AWD, sport suspention a 3.2l vr6 6sp, naturally aspirated and had awesome potential for car builders, without having to worry about traction... engine pulls even all the way through, and the additional styling inside and out is flashy without getting you pulled over;)

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  MINE MINE MINE!!! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI-Zak - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine new in 07/2001. Added the 17" rims and sport suspension - resulting in absolutely amazing handling. Only 2 warranty items - driver side window regulator (common problem) and an ignition coil blew (apparently a known issue and now replaced with a new design). The dealership replaced both window regulators with new metal ones and both ignition coils with the newly re- designed one. After 2-1/2 years the occasional odd little interior creaks are a bit annoying. Overall Im very pleased with this wicked little speed demon. The GTI is a fantastic vehicle and is highly recommended!

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  D*mn near perfect - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By godfathr609 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car you can buy for $20,000. Its got performance, quality, a long list of standard features, and a solid grip on the road. Mine is still stock but many plans for this car that will make it an ultimate street racers. With minor modifications you can easily touch horsepower numbers of 250 and with high modifications, easily over 300 hp. The best part is, all those lil civics roll up dont think its got balls, till it eats them up!

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  Fun car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By my1stVW - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car! Unfortunately, I hit an ugly pothole. The hole was so deep that my entire right wheel was destroyed. Took it back to the dealership, they had to order the rim from Germany. Its going to take 2 weeks to see the wheel since they dont have any stateside. Other than that, its fun little car and I drive it everyday to and from work.

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  Good Car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JasonM23 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car. It has a good mix of features, fuel mileage, and handling for a low price. You do have rattles from time to time but the engine runs very well. My check engine light comes on, but it is only an emmisions indication. Dont worry too much about it, it will go off in a few days after in recalibrates. The windows are not the greatest,, but the car is really fun to drive and I love the fuel economy

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  Piece of Saat - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By dave - May 7 - 9:50 pm

  If you love emptying your wallet, buy one today! Timing belt busted at 72K miles doing 20 mph, caused $2500 in damage. Class action suit only included 2000 yr model. Now at 99K, been in the shop 7X this year. Airbag fault code, ball joints, brakes, trunk lock failure, intermittent power lock issues, A/C probs, oil leaks, etc, etc.. Stay very far away from this early 2000 models, they are indeed a Piece of Saat!

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  Love my VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By katie - May 7 - 5:50 pm

  The bug was fun, but the SUV is luxury. All the bells and whistles, plus towing at 7,500 lbs! Great on the highway and in town. Fuel cost is the ONLY drawback. The rain sensitive wipers are really nice. Buy one.