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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  What a Ride - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Allie Cat - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Driving the 1.8T Jetta is just plain fun to drive. Its quick and agile and a sharp looking car and it has a very good ride. I havent had any of the problems that others have had and have experienced great service at my local dealer. My Jetta is solidly built and its living up to my expectations.

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  Great car if VW would allow it - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MissnMyA4 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The automatic transmission offered with the 1.8 is one of the worst cases of engine castration available. This engine needs a clutch to get anything but a lethargic launch. With the manual this is the best value and the most fun to drive combination of Passats. Too bad VW doesnt offer a sport package or the fantastic 4Motion with the 1.8. There are other manufacturers making forced induction cars with AWD, but if you value fit and finish, design, and a first class interior then you cant really beat the Passat. Dont tell VW, but it makes one of the best sleeper-tuner cars around. I wish they could get my dash to stop squeeking though. Do you hear me VW?

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  real race car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Geneeeee - February 21 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a race car, this is it, cant go wrong with 2003 JETTA.

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  Great Value - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bob - February 20 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Jetta Wolfsburg with 9,000 miles on it, and couldnt have gotten a better deal. It has a great interior and quiet ride all coupled with V6-like performance and the whine of the turbo. Theres nothing like rolling the windows down and listening to the 150,000 RPM turbocharger work. I might just keep this car forever!

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  Initial Impressions at 1,500 Miles - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Biffster - February 20 - 7:40 am

  I bought our VW JSW TDI only two weeks ago. We live in AL but our local dealers were sticking to MSRP/Sticker. We saved $3,000 (including expenses) by flying to Houston and *driving* our new baby 750 miles back home. We were paying cash, so the savings was "real" to us, instead of just a few bucks per month. It also gave me some time to form some initial impressions. First, this thing HAULS! It *feels* much faster than its reported 0- 60 times. It holds a 72 MPH "Cruise Control" (at 2300 RPM) up the steepest grades without dropping out of its tallest gear. Amazingly, the seats dont *look* that comfortable, but after 750 miles I realized that I had no butt, leg, or back fatigue. Out of space!!!

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  This cars been a dream...knock on wood. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Got_diesel? - February 19 - 12:46 am

  Stand Trans a must with this engine. ONLY FUN-TO-DRIVE ECONOMY CAR W/ PERSONALITY ON THE MARKET. Chassis so solid, drives like a dream. Great crash test ratings make me feel safer than I would on truck/SUV-strewn roads. Interior easy on the eyes. Seats need better lumbar support, and velour upholstry sucks. As GLS owner, I suggest sticking w/ the GL. GLS options arent as well-designed as rest of car. Big-picture: 26K problem- free mi in first 12 mos w/ average 45- 47 MPG, and starts down to -55F here in ND has convinced me of the overall value and sound design of this car - esp. that engine!

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  Reliable, practical, high quality - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By RaceBuilder - February 18 - 5:40 pm

  I have had this car for 6 years and it has performed admirably. Apart from a recall, a couple of worn out engine mounts, and replacing the driver and passenger side window glass holder clamps because the windows fell down it keeps plugging away reliably.

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  Fantastic, sporty little car! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By jules - February 16 - 5:30 pm

  I adore this car. Its so fun to drive! And obviously the hard top is GREAT! Its like watching a transformer!! I would highly recommend this car to anyone. I live in the Northeast, and it did really well in the snow this past winter, and we got tons of it! Its got a lot of pep, and it looks so sleek... I get a ton of compliments on the car. Surprisingly you can fit quite a bit in the trunk. I have had this car for 9 months now, and its the best car. Im on my 7th VW, but this is the sportiest and most fun!

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  My New Beetle is simply awesome!!:) - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MeowlGal - February 16 - 4:43 pm

  I love my new car!! This is my first beetle,I used to own a Volkswagen cabriolet convertible and loved it! I traded in my Toyota truck and got my beetle..I named her "Rubi"!! What a cute and fun car. This car is in mint condition!! I am so happy I bought her!!:)

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  Already Broken? - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mhibuy - February 16 - 3:03 pm

  I bought the first New Jetta 5 speed in my area. I have had it in the shop several times. The speakers rattle in the door, the gearshift knob top broke off, gasket replacement, etc. The newest one that truly upsets me is the "Airbag Fault" idiot light that is on now. WOW @ 55,000 miles should we have to replace an igniter for the passenger side airbag for more than 300.00 dollars?