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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  I bought a second Jetta hoping it would be a better vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By phreakymike - August 17 - 8:39 am

  I was under the assumption that these jettas were more reliable than a regular JDM car that had high KM. Problem with this thinking is, you dont think about the wear and tear on all the other parts OTHER than the Diesel engine. Ive owned two TDI Jettas for approx 2 years each, both had P0401 Check Engine code for EGR Valve. This was incredibly annoying. Ive also had the famous clicking dash from my turn signal, the car interior creaks and clicks, drove me absolutely insane. Incredible frusturating. 12 year perforation warranty is great, I received a new fender and trunk before I sold my jetta, These hold their value very well.. but I dont want to buy anymore of these TDIs

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  Love / Hate of a V10 TDI Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Gary - August 16 - 12:13 pm

  The 2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI is an absolute blast to drive, the V10 engine can only be described as a torque monster. Throw in mid-20s for gas mileage and you have a great package. But...the thing has been back to the dealership every other month for a host of recurring and random problems ranging from repeated air bag faults to vibrations to interior trim that cracks in cold temperatures to power loss at speed. Needless to say, a great package has been marred by a dreadful reliability record. Unfortunately I cant tolerate the lack of reliability, so I must say goodbye to the torque monster.

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  I Expected More - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By RT - August 16 - 11:10 am

  I moved from an Acura 3.0 CL to a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T and at first thought they were pretty comparable. That lasted less than a year. There have been numerous problems. The coils as everyone knows, headlights, trunk release, and most importantly the oil pump. There is a major flaw in this engine in that the turbo works way too hard to power this vehicle. That coupled with a very small oil pan causes the oil to super heat. I am on my third oil pump in 45,000 miles. At this point I would not consider another VW. Luckily, my lease runs out in two months.

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  Fun, Fast & Good Lookin - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Lauri - August 16 - 8:40 am

  I have had my Tiguan for just under 2 months and I have put over 8k miles on it. It rides great, has get up and go power when needed. After test driving every crossover/suv in this size I couldnt find one that I was willing to into debt for until I drove this car. Love at first drive.

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  Room for the Linebacker - 2013 Volkswagen Golf
  By rbthatcherjr - August 15 - 8:06 am

  I purchased this VW Golf TDI in Jacksonville, FL in May 2013 after driving it and inspecting it on a hydraulic rack in dealers garage. It drives exceptionally well as it exudes this rock-solid feel of German build-quality as well as the odd diesel clatter. The comforts are spartan, but there is more than enough head and leg room for me and my friends. After driving it 11k and experiencing the good dealer support for the car at Osteen VW, I would highly recommend the VW Golf TDI based upon its performance, price, and apparent quality.

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  Fun Reliable Ride - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By DubJC - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive been in the market for a new 6speed performace 2-door since I got a full time position offer out of college this past month... Granted Ive done my fair share of research, but out of 10 cars i test drove, the R32 offered the most complete package anyone could ask for in a sports coupe... and all 5000 of this limited edition hatchback are imported straight from Germany, even the tires are made in Germany... a nice touch. The interior design is in another class compared to any japanese import or domestic brands have to offer...

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  should have bougth the infiniti - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By morbius - August 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife really wanted this car, a luxury sports sedan. For the first 20K miles, all was well. Then it was old all of a sudden. The warranty ends @ 24K so bizzarre repairs I have never seen happen at these mileages are our responsibility. I note the other reviewers either love or hate these cars. I second what sounds like a weird theory - ours was built in October, and I think that may explain it. Another important note - the nice curvy sheet metal on these cars is paper thin, and it dents incredibly easily. A slow moving shopping cart can cause 2k worth of damage!

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  Happy with 1.8T Manual - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By G Ormerod - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2000 1.8T Jetta (manual) for four years now and it has been a good experience. I have seen the bad ratings and heard the talk about it being a problem car - but there are no complaints here. Other than a few wrinkles ironed out under warranty during the first year, the car has been fine. The car now has over 60,000 miles and still rides and handles nicely. The excelleration is still there, too!

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  Good Compromise - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Manhattan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Aviator, FX35, and the Volvo all are comparably priced. The VW does not have as much power as the FX or Aviator but has more room than the FX. Aviator comes standard with 3rd row and I didnt need that. The Volvo has just got no pep and is very boring to drive. I am very happy with my choice.

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  great ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By carol mccann - August 14 - 10:00 am

  great ride luxart looks eye catcher