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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  Not Sure If Ill Get Another V-Dub - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ed - November 25 - 7:46 am

  First VW to own. 2006 manual GLI package w/leather, XM radio. Fun car to drive but already had problems with it and had it a year. Had 2 months before it started overheating - coolant hose connection problem that kept the fan running after I turned the ignition off, which was depleting the battery. Five months later, another problem with a hose that was making some heavy noise from the engine. Both were fixed by the dealer. Now all of the buttons are starting to peel off (plastic/rubber finish)!? Went to the dealer, have to come back when someone could pull out the radio, find the manufacturer, and order new radio. Dealer oil changes too $$. Took to private shop, told it was burning oil like crazy!

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  1st and last - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By steelcat - November 25 - 12:36 am

  For 1st several months loved it. Then radio, door handles, lock buttons replaced. Then Major repairs, fuel line changed 2x, motor taken out to be worked on, recalls, having to take time off, then air compressor and condenser out. This was after I was over warranty at 55,700 miles only 2 years old. Cost to repair in excess of $2000. I was concerned early on about problems that I was experiencing but only recourse was to let it be fixed while under warranty. After warranty is up, beware, expect problems, cost to repair is very high. VW corp. Did offer me a $1000 voucher towards the purchase of a new VW/Audi. No thanks, traded on a Toyota! Disappointed in quality of VW, loved this car but had to go.

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  Mature fun - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By vincenth - November 23 - 3:40 pm

  After taking three long test drives comparing the new EVO, STI, and R32, I decided to purchase the VW. While both the EVO and STI will out perform the R32, I felt the VW was the best overall blend of performance and comfort.

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  Great car, lousy service - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By dplok1 - November 21 - 5:07 am

  It disappoints me to write a negative review since this is a great car, but, the electrical problems, dealer service, and VW of Americas poor service are genuine issues. For the first 5K miles this car was outstanding. After that it began having unusual issues -- seat belt warnings for no reason, losing Infotainment presets, cruise control switching off, instrument cluster resetting to factory settings, etc. Several trips to the dealer resulted in repeated "We just cant find the problem". Eventually, the instrument cluster began returning to zero everytime the car was turned off so I no longer know its actual mileage. VW claims it was designed to do this. Still not working.

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  League of its own - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dc_volks_fan - November 20 - 11:19 am

  I believe that anyone who compares the features, size, interior space and gas mileage of this car against anything in its class they must reach the same conclusion as I did - this car is a great value. I have never owned a Volkswagen and was immediately impressed by the build quality and study feel it presents while driving and yet - great handling grace when the occasion called for it. If you are considering a Civic, Accord, Camry, Fusion, Hyundai anything, please consider the Jetta TDI and judge for yourself!

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  Great and Horrible - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ChasYoshi - November 20 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car and immediately loved the way it drove and the gas mileage. After a year or so, the paint began to chip off of the hood from road debris. Then the whole paint job on the front of the car started to fade from the sun. After that, it just went downhill. I put to water pumps on it and replaced a head gasket. The drivers side window only rolls up when its wet or when I push it up as Im pushing the switch. When it rains, water leaks into the back seat and the trunk. The airbag light is on continuously. The volume control on the Monsoon radio will only turn up if you hold it a certain way. The high-beams have stopped working altogether. I just sold it today...

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  Love & Hate - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Toureg 2004 - November 20 - 10:50 am

  Weve had our V8 for about a year and have found it incredibly unreliable. We love the engine performance, ride and design. However, we hate the numerous electrical problems weve had. In the year weve had the vehicle, its been to the shop at least 5 times. This does not include the recalls! The battery would just die and the dealer service department couldnt figure out whats wrong. The range on the remote is poor. The back seat is small, the storage/trunk area is nonexistent. Anything more than groceries and you have to fold the backseats down, which is no easy feat. Again, we love the look, design and performance, but for 43K and up, its not worth the hassle.

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  great car...horrible electric system - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By luvmybug...sometimes - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car since it came out in 1998. Overall the car is alot of fun to drive, powerful and handles great. The only problems have been electrical.The front headlights are defective and the power window regulators were disigned poorly. I would definitely buy this car again but would get manual windows and a 1999-2001 since I think they have less electrical problems.

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  Lively but an extra $5k gets a 325ci - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Swiz - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Great, sporty, practical car. I have a black/black leather 5spd and I must say it looks sharp. The woodgrain interior moldings and blue tachs make you feel your in a much more expensive auto. This car is quick but I find that the front wheel drive offers too much torque steer. There are times when I have to fight to keep the car in straight line. Ive driven it 27k in less than a year w/o a single problem. I bought this because I didnt have the money for a BMW at the time. Even thought it is a great riding car I wish I would have waited because the BMW offers so much more performance-wise over the VW.

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  Lovely to drive, Costly to repair - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lilguma - November 19 - 9:30 am

  I bought this SUV used and love it so far. Its true what everyone says about the brakes, tires, fuel efficiency and service. My tires were $800 for all 4 and the shop rotates my tires for free anytime i want to. Same shop tells me the brakes arent cheap either $600 for ceramic pads up front. However, this truck is solid and safe you will bulldoze through snow and probably wont every hydroplane in the rain. You will love this truck until you get to the shop(try to stay away from the dealership, their labor is super expensive)