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 Got a Lemon - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim Maynard - June 27 - 4:56 am

  This car has had nothing but problems since day one. First the bolts holding the door panels on fell out of the passenger’s rear door. Second, I have had a rough Idle that VW is unable to fix since about 5,000 miles. I turned in the BBB and they said it wasnt a serious enough problem even though is has been around for 20,000 miles, and five months. Next I opened my trunk one day and water came pouring out of my trunk lid, bad seal around rear light. Lastly and most dangerous, I rear-end another car and caused almost $8,000 in damage to the car and the air bags did not deploy. Luckily I was not hurt. The front impact sensor was destroyed, as well as many other parts. Dont buy this car!

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  Volkswagen Jetta GLX - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jonathan - June 26 - 2:10 pm

  My 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 has given me no problems at all. Its my first car ever. I love the nice interior, the car drives perfectly, and I havent had any trouble with it at all. People always say that theyre having problem with this car but it depends on the person and how they take care of it such as getting the oil changes, topping off all the liquids, and things of that nature. It has great horsepower. I have nothing but respect for this car.

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  After 5 Years of Ownership - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PJC - June 25 - 11:46 pm

  I was shopping for a WRX when I spotted the new Reflex Silver New Beetle Sport that had just arrived at the VW/Subaru dealer. Having stepped out of a Lincoln MKVIII, it took some getting used to, but I learned to lov... make that really like the little car. The major disappointments were harsh ride quality; having the driver side window motor suddenly quit (warranty); a short in right rear tail light assembly requiring 5 dealer visits for bulb replacement in 1 1/2 months (warranty, after $80 in repairs); and having a defective "leather" driver seat cover replaced (with another defective one)((Warranty, 1 time only).

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  I thought I was in a BMW 3-Series - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Emmasdaddy - June 25 - 8:13 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat Value Edition is far and above the rest of the competition. The interior is very tight and quiet compared to my other car, which is a Honda Accord. The interior is so nice that you feel you are in a car with a price tag of $35,000 or so. However for as much as the car gives you for the price you want more. I would really have liked the car to have an iPod plug and a drivers side power seat. But honestly for the lease deal I got I cant complain! You will have to at least drive the car to get a taste of the personality of the vehice, it truly is incredible!

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  best thing i have ever bought - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By rabbitfan - June 25 - 10:46 am

  I went from a 4 door Tacoma to the rabbit. Never again will I buy a truck. Fits my 6,3 self, wife, and newborn perfectly. Awesome display, speakers, ride is sooo quite and smooth. All these complaints on the mph, I have had no such issues. Nor have I had any issues with blind spots. A blast to drive slow or fast. Aux hook up for the ipod is always a plus, satellite radio is an option on some. Auto door locks after 30 seconds is a great for safety.

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  Beware Oil Pump Problems! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dissatisfied - June 25 - 12:43 am

  Having bought this car second hand we were initially impressed with its solid BMW/Mercedes like interior feel and handling. 5000 miles later on a trip from Oregon to Arizona, the car flashed a red STOP! sign and advised us to stop immediately or the manual stated a new engine may be needed!! There is no oil gauge on the dashboard to warn of impending disaster. Despite having checked the oil prior to the roadtrip the car broke down with absolutely no warning. The VW dealership replaced the oil pump, turbo and cams free of charge as the car was still under warranty. We have lost all confidence in the VW Passat. Buyer beware of the 2004 model.

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  Not Bad...Could be better. - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By ministerpaul08 - June 24 - 3:49 pm

  The 2011 VW Routan is a drastic improvement over the previous year due to design refreshes and a more potent powertrain featuring a six speed transmission, the new Penstar 3.6L 283 HP Six cylinder engine, and euro sport tune suspension. The build quality of the Routans interior is very good with excellent materials. Exterior styling is nice and not overly done and boxy like the Dodge/Chrysler models. Its sleek sloping lines are just right. Storage is abundant and replaces the stow n go found in the Routans cousin. The Routan is an excellent choice over Chrysler, but considering quality and refinement... Honda and Toyota may be a better choice.

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  Dont Buy VW Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By khalo - June 24 - 7:06 am

  I bought Jetta 02, August 2007. I spent lot money in repair, in 9 months cost me lot. Lot of electric problems, and interior falling apart. In 9 months the car been in the shop more than 6 times, never fixed. Dont buy it. Thanks

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  Money Sucking Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mamak - June 24 - 2:36 am

  Loved the car when we first got it. About 2 years in the repair bills started to mount. Oil changes are $50. Multiple recalls. An electrical problem that cost me $1500 (VW supposedly covered $800 in parts, I think they jacked up the invoice then discounted to appease me) and the car is on its way to the dealership now for its 5th ignition coil. The first four went 3-6 months apart, the car was under warranty but VW would not replace them pro-actively so four times I was stranded and had to get towed. Ive owned VWs before, we also have a 1999 Jetta that chugs along just fine, but the Passat is not cost efficient or reliable and will not be replaced with another VW.

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  A great performing Passat (2002). - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By butterfly - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 passat in may,I am so impressed with this vehicle. The way the car drives, how it manuvers around corners, the fuel ecconomy, lets not forget the style of the car i just love my car so much the price was great for all that i recieved. I will always purchase a volkswagen they are so dependable.