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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  Get one... If you can afford it! - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Max Power - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this car! Unforetunately, too many ticky-tack things detract from its appeal. For instance, my instrument cluster and speedo have been replaced 3 times (under warranty), and still isnt calibrated correctly. Also, Ive replaced the cruise switch, the drivers side side airbag and seat belt, the pass. side window regulator and the Fuel Pressure Regulator. The latter two came out of warranty, so I had to pony up way too much money for a 3 year old car!

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  A car you can live with. - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By muffinman - April 19 - 2:00 am

  It does everything a sports car should. The complete package!!! The bonus is the comfort, and storage. Although not the fastest or best handling its plenty quick and takes exit ramps at three time the recomended speed. Plus I have, rainsensing whipers,climate control, sunroof-leather seats a computer which calculates MPG, speed sensing 200 watt stereo, heated seats and a big old six cylinder with a 6 speed tranny.

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  TDI-best kept secret of VW! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By HT - April 19 - 2:00 am

  No wonder the Europeans are all excited about Turbo Direct Injection (TDI)diesels. This is the only car in US w/this technology. Drove a Merc diesel in 80s-bad experience-slow, noisy. This Golf TDI is a revelation. Enough power for regular driving, even enough acceleration and handling for fun-yet gets 50 mpg and is quiet as a gasoline car. This is the anti-SUV!

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  Wolfsburg VW 1.8 Turbo - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Surfinstro - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. It handles perfectly with no drawbacks at all.

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  VWs are lemons--just junk - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim - April 18 - 10:30 pm

  This car was a nightmare from Day One. Transmission problems have been the biggest single issue, and still having problems after spending thousands to fix. But many other problems too numerous to list, from replacing power steering pump and alternator to paint defects and low-profile plastic bumpers that pull off after barely touching a curb. This car only had 45K on it when tranny and alternator went out and we started having one mechanical breakdown after another. Seventy-five percent of my "ownership experience" has been watching this car bake in the sun broken down again in my driveway. Do not -- even if it sounds like the deal of a lifetime -- buy a VW!!!

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  Awesome! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By TIM - April 18 - 7:36 pm

  My GTI is still fun to drive! I look forawrd to driving it everyday. it is the most reliable car I have ever owned!

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  Enigmatic Performance - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By germancaraholic - April 18 - 2:10 pm

  The car is a rock. Tight bodyworks. Firm but complacent chassis and suspension tuning. It wants to charge forward, not just run. It gobbles up highway asphalt effortlessly. It has made a number of trips between Chicago, IL and Greensboro, NC - it inspires confidence at any speed through any terrain including the Blue Ridge Mountains, while returning gas mileage in the 30MPG range at average speeds of 75-80MPH. Overall, a wonderful drivers experience everytime you spark the 5- cyl to life! The car seems to improve with age. Gas mileage was initially very mediocre (18-25MPG), but has improved dramatically (22-30MPG). Seats were rock hard, but are now comfortable on long trips.

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  Mexico assembly-German built any better? - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Greg - April 17 - 4:53 pm

  This Jetta Sportwagen is my first (and likely last VW). The engineering is wonderful with so many well thought out features. However, the build quality is just not acceptable. Thus far Ive experienced a couple of horribly annoying rattles, a bolt that holds the door on fell out, the drivers seat became wobbly, and the $60 cargo net accessory is now useless as the clips that hold it to the anchor points popped off. The dealer fixed one rattle (which has now returned) but clearly didnt wish to investigate the other. I actually dread calling to make a service appointment because its always a frustrating experience. Its a pity because aside from the harsh ride the car is great fun to drive.

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  Cute, Peppy Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Derek Sutherland - April 17 - 4:30 pm

  The new Jettas engine is more peppy than the previous one, but could always use more power. With the transmission in "sport" mode, or in Tiptronic, the power was fine. Interior design is genius, and the outside is attractive, especially in black with that chrome grill.

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  2005 and One-half Is Superb! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - April 17 - 5:06 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive! It has that solid, self-assured feel of German automotive engineering that exudes quality and performance. The only reason that I didnt give it all "10s" across the board is that there are cars out there with better performance, design, and comfort...but they cost more than twice as much! Interior features, fit and finish is outstanding. Ride and cornering are excellent. Get-up-and-go...it has plenty! The multi-function display, digital climate control, and the premium sound system with XM radio all contribute to a great driving experience. I will be a loyal VW customer after this.