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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  Worth the Wait - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By saxemaker - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted this car ever since it was re-designed in 2001 but wanted to wait until our trade-in would be paid off. Ive had this car for 6 days and I love it more than I even thought I would. Its quiet, comfortable, roomy, handles wonderfully, and the 1.8 liter turbo has more than enough zip while getting better gas mileage than the V6. My husband and I fight over who gets to drive on our 100 mile a day commute. This car is by far the best value in its class for its ride, handling, style and projected resale value. I would highly recommend it.

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  Lemon or Not - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Ladybug - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rdtime taking the 02 Golf in for service. The 1st problem -the auto transmission would get stuck in Park, and thus wasnt driveable. Dealer first made "an adjustment" which subsequently was unsuccessful. 2nd time I brought the car for service, they replaced a "celanoid-something" to correct it. Ive taken the car in for the 3rd time because there is sometimes a long delay engaging into Drive or Reverse. Upon engaging, the car jerks. When having an intermittent problem like this, it is hard for service dept. to fix, if they havent encountered it. Next they will reprogram the transmission control board

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  My Silver Cabbie! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Beachgirl - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I think overall this was the car for me. After test-driving and researching what seems like a million types of compact convertibles. This one was the most practical for me! I wanted to be able to drive my friends to the beach not just another person. This is my 3rd German car...my first was an Audi and my last car was a BMW. VWs are so cute and so much fun!!!

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  Fantastic car with minor flaws - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike p - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a VW! Fun to drive. Many first- time passengers comment on what a nice car it is. Huge trunk (wagon) and passenger space. Love the sunroof and interior. Noisy auxiliary air pump (?) when engine is cold. Kids broke fragile rear cup holders several times. Dont try the windshield washers with the windows/sunroof open. Bought new for under invoice. Most enjoyable two hours of shopping in my life.

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  goodby vw - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ttgd - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BEETLE. THE OXYGEN SENSORS, REAR BRAKES, WIPERS, DOOR LOCKS,BATTERY, ALL WERE A PROBLEM BEFORE THEIR TIME. THE DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT AND HELPED RESOLVE PROBLEMS, BUT FOR A NEWER CAR THEIR ARE WAY TO MANY PROBLEMS. I WILL BUY AN INFINTI NEXT, SOON....

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  VRoooooom - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 2002GLIowner - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only put on about 1500 miles on my new GLI and so far the only annoyance is putting it away for the night--this thing is FUN to drive. Its engine pulls very well below 3000, and above that I defy anyone to not wind up with a big fat grin on their face. The 6 speed feels great with short, precise, shifts. The ride is sporty-smooth: you feel the road, but without being jarring in the least. The recaro seats are both supportive and comfortable, even after an entire day behind the wheel. The ergos are very impressive, right down to the slope on the armrest which leaves your hand aligned with the shift knob. I think Im in love.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Sucks - December 29 - 9:30 am

  My VW 2006 Passat just turned 77,000 miles and I brought the vehicle into the dealership becase of a "Check Engine" light and was told that the camshaft needed to be replaced. Upon asking why the camshaft went bad so early in the cars life, the dealer stated that this is due to infrequent oil changes or the wrong oil being used. I showed proof of eleven oil changes (only requires 7) using the recommended Europeon Synthetic blend, but VW would not assist in payment of the repairs. $3,000 repair - thanks VW. DO NOT BUY VWs!!!

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  my mystery machine - 2000 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By KP - December 28 - 8:20 pm

  Let me start by saying I love this van. We are a camping and bike racing family, and we love the utility, comfort and space. HOWEVER - the HVAC system, which I replaced outside of warranty, has been a problem. 5 dealer visits in 18 months, and the error code for the HVAC just started flashing again - so I guess 6 visits (expensive ones) in 18 months. Other problems (electronic mostly) have also cropped up making this the most expensive vehicle to keep on the road I have ever owned. And this is in the first 80,000 miles.

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  Its a keeper. - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By BanjoRay - December 28 - 7:01 pm

  I bought this car on Sept. 16 2015, two days before the crap hit the fan with the emission scandal. I traded in a 2013 Passat TDI SE, which I thought was a great car. My 2015 Passat TDI SEL has been trouble free, I average 37mpg around town and have had it get 52-54mpg on the highway. Its comfy, handles better than my old Mustang SVO, and has pretty decent performance out of engine. I dont find turbo lag to be a problem and the DSG gearbox is quick shifting and I like the downshift feature when braking going downhill. After the emission settlement is final, Im going to keep the car, take the bribe money, and let them upgrade the emissions.

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  Dont Buy this car - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - December 28 - 6:43 am

  lets start here, from 2010 to 2011 VW wanted a new market, they wanted to appeal to a lower price market, so they made the interior cheap, I have had an ongoing issue with the interior lights just turning on and wont go off. Once they do finally go off I can push anywhere on the headliner to turn them on, to rectify it I had to pull the upper console away from the headliner. I have put no less than 20 headlamps in the car over the duration owning it. Repair costs are extensive, Check engine light on $1500 fix for exhaust part, 2 weeks later check engine light back on $1000 intake valve, AC hasnt worked in 3 years, recharged every summer, mechanic says it needs a new compressor $500. Timing belt replacement, $1500 because VW uses a nylon impellor for the water pump for OE so while the engine is torn down you need to replace the water pump. Recall for emissions VW dragged their feet for both the fix and the buyback so owners would add more mileage and then volkswagen hits them with mileage penalties. Wife got stranded in West Virginia 600 miles away because a sensor went in the motor causing the turbo to shut down, $300 and 4 hours stuck in West Virginia while it was repaired. This car has been one nightmare after another. Stay away from volkswagen!