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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  Old Faithful - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stephen H. - January 4 - 4:49 am

  At 243K, still going strong. Needed new transmission at 230K but likely because I overuse the 5th gear at low speed to improve mileage and wore it out. My only complaint is the interior parts. Rear seat fell apart in the first week. Center console fell apart shortly after. Surprisingly rotten and cheap parts on such a worthy vehicle. Diesel needs to be treated with anti-gel for 3 months of Northeast winter and I had a pre-heater installed after the glow-plugs cooked and were too rusted in to replace. This diesel car had real trouble starting below -10F with glow plugs working and below 20F after they died so a heater really protects battery, starter and engine. Check engine light has been on for last 100k miles but that’s just something you deal with in the age of science and technology. That crap never functions right for 1/2 the life of a vehicle. Still my primary commuter as it gets 45 mpg.

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  VW Touareg iis Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mike Kaspar - January 4 - 1:30 am

  Fun to drive Awesome car

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom Swennes - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We were so impressed with our 2000 Passat GLS sedan that when it came time to purchase a new car for my wife, the 03 Passat was at the top of our consideration list. After looking at a range of vehicles, including a number of SUVs, she decided on the 2003 Passat GLX V6. This vehicle offers an impressive list of luxury and convenience items, solid construction, and a high level of safety features. If you want the practicality of a wagon, but do not need the bulk of an SUV or minivan, you should look at the Passat.

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  Easy drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carol Lane - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, never worry about falling behind. enjoy the driving.

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  Only 5,000 made - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alan Parker - January 3 - 2:00 am

  On the fence between BMI 330i. Choose the W8 for horsepower, safety, style, comfort and price.

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  Bang for the buck - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By jsbonger - January 3 - 1:56 am

  Have been waiting to put some miles(4K) before writing this review. Traded in 2k BMW 323 for a newer car with maintenance program and warranty. Considered Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru Legacy and WRX, Audi A3, as well as GTI and Golf TDI, but the lease, maintenance, and family size closed the deal. The car drives nicely with good performance from the turbo 4, however there is some turbo lag most noticeable on steep hills. Handling is very good but it is not a BMW. The steering feel is a bit light, not like the bimmer. So far no major maintenance issues. I have driven from SD to Paso Robles and averaged 32+ MPG @ 78MPH on stage 1 APR tune. Has all the basics I need for a good highway cruiser.

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  Dont beleive what you hear - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jay - January 2 - 8:16 am

  I have had my VW Touareg for almost 2 years now and has been truly a beautiful eye opener.

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  Best family sedan in market - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By zhd535 - January 2 - 3:53 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 VW Passat, deep black with pkg #2 and Dynaudio and 15 miles on odometer. At the time all other car makers are trying to cut cost, VW came up with a winner. This is the car designed for drivers, not saving several pennies from each component. After 600 miles, still love it with no grievance. Shifting into the "S" gear, the car launched like a rocket. The normal "D" was programmed to save gas. Overall I got 24-25 MPG on my daily driving (no freeway). The Dynaudio stereo is awesome and I love the MP3 capability and the satellite radio. I wanted to get a united grey or shadow blue, but the black with chrome grill just looks so ...rich.

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  Open air tourning with practicality - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By docta - January 1 - 1:33 am

  The Cabrio combines everday practicality with open air motoring pleasure. Sufficiently powerful to keep up with traffic and entertain on two-lane roads, it shines when driven on the less traveled roads. Weather-tight and well mannered on the freeway, it is the best of all motoring worlds, especially with the 5-speed transmission. If you can have only one car, this should be it. Dealer service and post-sale attention were first-rate.

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  Wow, I wasnt expecting this! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By KevinT - December 30 - 3:23 am

  Trading up from a mini-minivan (Mazda MPV) I cant stop having so much fun. Although Ive got the V6 it still performs well. From the line its not quite a Corvette, but Ive left some V8s wondering if the V6 badge was a mistake. The Touareg looks like a million bucks as well and is treated to a weekly car wash in all weather. To see so many people pointing, and even though I cant read lips saying..."oh, look theres that new Touareg!" is a treat. This baby hugs the asphalt as if its attached! Try for the V8, but the V6 is still just as fun and well enough equipted to keep your adrenaline going!