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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  Dont Ever Buy One!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By M. - May 25 - 9:53 am

  I had very poor customer service. I had been doing service with them for sometime on a 99 Beetle that ran like a charm, 135K. Traded in for the Passat. Fell in love with it for one day. Light came on, and stated it had a vapor leak, the axle and cv joints were shot, front passenger seat replaced, oil and transmission pan replaced, two hoses replaced, very squeaky brakes, back right window didnt work, and two different sets of tires. Dealership had never shown or mentioned any of this until after purchase, and after I had been in 5 times in less than a month. I finally had enough and as I was about to trade it in, all of a sudden it started leaking transmission fluid everywhere!!!!

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  Awesome, absolutely awesome - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Muntenia - May 25 - 6:36 am

  I bought it after reviewing a long list of models from various brands. The majority had bland designs and most of them look the same. The stylish and sleek design of the CC stands out from the crowd. The two-tone cornsilk interior is fantastic. The 2.0 T engine is powerful and the car handles extremely well and sporty. Once you drive one you will end buying it.

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  I love my Jetta TDI! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill - May 25 - 2:16 am

  Dont believe the sticker when it says 35 mpg city and 41 mpg highway... I have 6,000+ miles on mine (10 fill ups at the pump) and have averaged almost 44 mpg! My previous car was a minivan so maybe its just a matter of perspective when I talk to friends about the great acceleration. But for me, its fun to drive, looks good (especially from behind the wheel), and I like the fact that the price of diesel fuel has fallen below the price of regular unleaded again! I had a few problems: the master cylinder was replaced, and the antenna needed servicing to ensure that the XM radio and navigation worked. But my dealer took great care of the car (and me) and this car is a joy to drive

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  possibly the greatest daily of all time - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By eldaino2 - May 24 - 9:26 pm

  i can think of a more unbeatable combination of style, performance, and daily driveability. if you want a sport compact that can haul stuff, and people, efficiently, quietly, stylishly and look just at home on the track or local meet as it does taking your wife to a nice restaurant downtown and your kids to school, this is it. it strikes the perfect balance between sport and comfort (with a lean towards sport). other cars like the speed 3 and cobalt ss may be faster and handle a bit better, but they are by small margins, and those margins are not big enough to overlook what the GTI offers compared to those vehicles. a one trick pony it is not, but it very well may be the best dd of all time.

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  Gotta love the VR6 - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick in Texas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in June of 2001. It only had 15,000 miles on it and it still smelt new! I love it, power is very impressive with the help of a K&M Supercharged Airfilter (which was tough putting in). I have had ZERO problems with it except for the ABS light that has come on about 5 times for a few minutes then goes off. Very quick for what it is and on my last trip (365 miles) I got 26.6 miles to the gallon. In town I normally just get around 18 because I do drive it a bit hard. Wish I had the electric seats because there are way to many adjustments when someone else drives it. Love it!

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  TDI forever! - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By thetdiman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I am very surprised at the reviews on your website. VW makes an great automobile. I love German cars and VW is the one that I could afford to buy new. A VW feels more like a BMW or Mercedes than a Honda or Toyota if you know what I mean. Drive one and then drive the other cars I mention and you will see that I know what I am talking about. My TDI is fantastic! It is a great engine. It is much quicker than one can imagine for only 90hp. With almost 60,000 miles, I have had NO problems with this auto!

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  Jetta window problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW previous owner - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Window regulators on power windows fail causing the window(s) to fall into the door. VW has not issued a recall on these parts even though they are aware of the problem. From what I have read, consumers have been reporting this failure on Jettas for several years. Replacing the window regulators can be a costly repair. My passenger window failed twice within 10 months. Regulator kits were on national backorder. The car window was unsecured for over a week. Experienced very poor service.

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  Love my VW - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Freeway Willy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive now had my 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8t for a year. I really cant say enough good about this car. Quality has been great. The best part of this car, though, is its performance. It is a blast to drive. It is quick, nimble, graceful and smooth as silk. Save your money. Try the Jetta turbo for just as much fun as an Audi or BMW.

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  Jetta = Fun - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sonkota4 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth VW Jetta that I have owned but the first for the new body style. I Love it! This is a fun car to drive.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Simon - May 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is an outstanding machine. The European style diesel engine is fun to drive and economical. And, it is a good looking car to boot.