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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  Excellent if Manual - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob - October 23 - 12:13 am

  I just recently bought this car as my first manual car so i had to learn on it. After quickly picking up in 3 days now i love driving this car. Verrryy fun car to drive and nothing had broken. smooth clutch and good kick with the turbo

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  What will I do without my Eurovan ?!?! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Eurofan - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I gave this van 10/10 for design, though i realize many people wouldnt think this way. This van was built for practicality, not faux luxury, and that is why it didnt survive in the American market. We bought this van 3 years old, with a pretty hefty number of miles on it, while stationed overseas. It racked up a ton of miles, and the only two problems it ever gad, were, suprise its a volkswagen, electrical: not terribly expensive, and totally manageable if you know what youre doing. No mechanical problems whatsoever at 7 years old, and almost 125,000 miles ! We were rear-ended and totalled this weeked at a very high speed: van didnt collapsee in toward us at all ! Nothing like it :o(

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  VW Convert - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By SunsFan - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I never thought that I would own a small car, as I was an suv owner for several years and loved my vehicle. However, after being prodded, I gave in and agreed to test drive this little guy. I am a changed woman. I love how it handles, and its get up and go is truly rabbit style- this little guy zips me through traffic and gets me where I need to be. I love how solid it feels- it has none of the shakiness that small cars traditional have and I really forget that Im in a small car until I get out of it. It has quite a bit of power, and seems to say Relax, Ive got this. I also like that I dont feel confined; lots of space for me and my guy during errands.

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  2 Years & 40K - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - October 22 - 1:26 am

  Overall the car has been reliable, but several problems have developed. First, it developed a bad smell due to mold in the A/C condensor. Lysol didnt work so I had to take it apart and clean it with bleach. Now we turn the A/C off a few miles before arriving at our destination and let the condensor dry. Then the lifts on the trunk wore out, which means the lid doesnt automatically open anymore. The third problem is a mild ticking sound from an exhaust manifold leak. Its not too bad since I can only hear it when accelerating moderately onto the freeway. Fortunately, it doesnt appear to be getting worse. Im debating if I should take it to the dealer, lest something else get screwed up.

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  Passat Defines German Engineering - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matthew Feher - October 21 - 6:03 am

  No other German mid-size sedan at under $30,000 can compare to the quality, comfort, performance and style of the 2005 VW Passat. The Passat drives and looks as great as its other German rivals without unloading your wallet. I cant wait to drive the redesigned 2006 model.

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  Econo sport sedan - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cliff G - October 21 - 3:43 am

  I leased this car for my daughter. Sign and then drive $279 per month 10k per year 36 months, only out of pocket was motor vehicle fees. This car is well equipped, power Windows, locks, a/c, Sirius radio and all safety features and good crash test ratings. The leatherette looks and feels like leather. The car has a nice ride, good acceleration and very good handling. The transmission has a manual mode and a sport mode. My only gripes so far is the engine takes about 30 seconds to warm up and the am radio is staticky. This is my first VW and so far so good. As long as it remains reliable I would recommend this car. Also this car has a huge trunk and all the seats fold down.

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  My nicest VW to date - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Michael - October 19 - 11:53 pm

  Purchased the Volkswagen Touareg V8, as I already drive a Jetta TDI. Its fuel economy has been around 16+ mpg, as advertised. For a 5,300 pound vehicle, I cannot complain. It has massive power, sticky cornering on all its season tires, a great 6 speed tiptronic transmission, and all of the creature comforts that I have never known in a Volkswagen. The best ownership factor is not seeing one every mile on the road, like the Ford Explorer, BMW X5, etc. Always get the "high five" from other VW drivers. I just easily handled 10+ inches of fresh snowfall on back roads of the Eastern Shore of VA. I was the last vehicle into my community before the roads were deemed impassable.

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  Amazingly perfect!!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By skateandcreate - October 19 - 9:59 pm

  I love this car. The torque is phenominal. Its speed is unmatched by many cars in its class. MPG is ridiculous. I average 57.7 mpg on the highway and 38 in the city. Its governed at 114 mph, and although that is a bit disappointing considering the engine; it is plenty really. The suspension is very smooth, and road noise is considerably limited.

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  Best in class - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joey - October 18 - 10:16 pm

  I compared several cars looking for the folowing features: safety, performance, comfort and style under 30K. Finally I got the Passat more than 1 year and drove over 17,000 miles. I had never had any problem with the car and overall it is a fantastic car to drive. I had many cars before: Nissan, Volvo and Honda and the Passat is the best I have ever driven. the engine is always ready for a little rush and I love driving it. Overall the Passat is a unique car in the sedan/wagon category and fill the gap between the ordinary and luxury class, best value!

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  A Lot of Car For Your Money! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWdriver - October 18 - 8:06 am

  I have owned this car for about 2 weeks ago and Ive been really enjoying it. I had a Hyundai Sonata SE V6 before this and the gas mileage was pretty dismal (around 22 mpg combined). Now with this car I am getting about 30 mpg combined which really benefits as gas prices are going up and my commute got longer. The ride is comfortable even for a sports suspension. Going over rocks or bumps doesnt rattle the car, it stays sturdy. The car is fast, that is for sure. The 200 horsepower direct injection 2.0 L turbo engine is outstanding and it really takes off at about 2,000 rpm. The interior is very well laid out, seems like a much more expensive car inside. Get out and look at this car!