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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  A True Nightmare - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By wr0108 - March 17 - 8:06 am

  I will try to keep this as short and to the point. I was extremely excited about my 2009 new lease - a truly beautiful car. Within 4 days of leaving the lot, the steering sensor light went on. It has been back to the dealership 3 times for that problem, in addition they found a leaking coolant system on one return and now it is again in the dealership for a leak on the rear passenger floorboard --- eight days and counting for the leak and another loss of the car of 3 weeks for the steering light issue. It is a true Lemon. I know its hard to believe because of the looks and design but i am just relaying my issues. When its not in the shop, its a great car but... Beware.

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  Fun driving a brilliant non pompous LUXO - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By negro_verdad@yahoo.c - March 16 - 11:33 pm

  Man, I love this car! Its like having my own unique, high class, high luxury, smooth riding, stunning, powerful and comfy, high tech, secret amusement park. Though I was attracted to the Phaeton because of it’s ironic non- pretentious and technology, I called myself getting a high-end sedan, that would be my little secret. Wrong!! I can’t go anywhere (particularly after leaving the car wash) without causing a mob. People are blown away by this car. I’ve had small crowds gather around at stop lights. Neighbors walk up and look inside with mystified envy.

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  Unable to resolve problems - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Unhappy - March 16 - 10:03 pm

  All new cars may have problems but, it is how the dealership and company handle these problems that show the mark of true concern for the consumer. I own a 2005 Jetta GLI which has been in the shop seven times in less than 7,000 miles and the problem is still unresolved. The Volkswagen of America claims the problem belongs to the dearship and the dealership state the problem belongs to the company. The only communication available to the consumer is a customer representive who regardless of the customers comments relies strictly on what is stated by the service manager. The service manager is basically in charge of all problems involving Volkwagen products.

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  Fun for the first 40,000 miles - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chelsey Raden - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive but once you hit 40,000 get out your checkbook. Multiple electronic/sensor repairs, recalls and broken gadgets (fuel flap, armrest compartment latch etc...). When talking to other Beetle owners the same complaints were made. Would I buy another-no. Not reliable.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rwgputdrive - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Looks like the Porsche at 1/3 less.

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  3rd Jetta for me, after trying others - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 3rd Jetta - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I am 27 y/o male, 3rd Jetta. Nothing beats German engineering and design I bought 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees and one Toyota Tundra, but missed the way the german cars, the Jetta, drove. With rising fuel prices, and not wanting to give the Saudis more oil money, I turned in my 2001 Grand Cherokee for this 2004 Jetta, and dont regret it. It has all the features my Limited GC had, plus a better crash test rating, side and curtain airbags, and it corners so much better through the Holl

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  problems - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fredb111 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We like the car and the diesel engine. My problem is that with 4000 miles, the transmission has been replaced!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  This car is a... - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By poor choice - March 16 - 9:50 am

  The electrical system on my 1999 Volkswagen Jetta is a nightmare. Push the button down and the window goes up. The flashers went out 4 times in 5 years. I also really enjoyed the weird green oily junk that comes out of the doors in warm weather. In cold weather, ice builds up behind the doors to the point it caused a dent when I opened the door. Leaves, pine needles etc. have no problem finding their way into the trunk and door trim. Dont even think about trying to replace the bulb in the tail light, that requires a trip to the dealership.

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  Great functionality, poor driving - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By swissre - March 15 - 11:26 am

  After almost 3 months of owning a new EOS I am still happy with the functionality of the sunroof, it has good torque throughout the RPM range even compared with other turbo engines, it has very good speakers but lousy sound unit (premium) but the worst for me is how it drives. You have to be really delicate to avoid the car spinning like crazy when you start. I have the upgraded 17 wheels with Continental tires and that has helped little. So at the end it dissapoints because the engine is great and the DSG gearbox is amazingly smooth but the car is not sitting on the road as it should and can become dangerous because of the big torque it has for its size.

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  Do NOT Buy This Car - 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
  By Steve Burnett - March 15 - 8:44 am

  I am a big fan of the electric car, I own a 2002 RAV 4 EV and love it. If possible, I will never buy a gas car again. I bought the e-Golf and regret it. Of the first 64 days I owned it, it was in the shop 19 days. Still less than 3,000 miles and new problems are cropping up (charging issues, wont lock). The dealer promised that delayed charging was possible using the infotainment system, then after I bought it informed me that it was only available through car-net at $199 per year fee. And it doesnt work. They promised a fix in six weeks, then they say it will be another 3 weeks. Avoid headaches, do NOT buy this car.