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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  Get yourself a Wolfsburg - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ndmike88 - May 21 - 7:33 pm

  Have only had our Jetta Wolfsburg 2 weeks and so far it has been a blast to drive. Interior and exterior quality are the best I have ever seen in a new vehicle. (And I have been driving over 40 years. First VW). Several people at work asked me when I bought a BMW. When I tell them its a VW Jetta they cant believe it. Great car for a nice price.

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  Cant stop staring at it - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By jspeith - May 21 - 3:57 pm

  We recently bought a used 2009 CC VR6. Our main goal was to find a sedan that had comfortable seats, good fuel economy, and excellent reliability. I also wanted to find a car that was not so common that it would be on every street corner. We got that and more! The design team for this car deserves an honor equivalent to the nobel peace prize - I cant stop staring at it. The exterior of the car has lines Ive never seen before even on cars five times the price. The interior is laid out so simply it is genius. Coming from a RX330 it was an adjustment dipping down to get in but once inside the room is more than adequate even with only four seats and it is a blast to drive!

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  Great Car, Very Problematic - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By VW EHHH :( - May 21 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this car and it seems I got unlucky with the buy vs other GTI owners who have never had any issues with the car. It has been one year, and already I have had about 3 major repairs done to the car. The car is great to drive, very fun, but I guess in my case very problematic and have been to the dealer with repairs in the last year over 7 times. From electrical issues, to an intake manifold being cracked from bad mold casting, to air conditioning falling apart and need replacement. However, I do recommend you purchase an extended warranty and VW has completed all repairs, but as far as satisfaction with the car. I am VERY VERY displeased and dissatisfied.

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  Drivers Wanted - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SyouV - May 21 - 10:00 am

  All VWs are cars for Drivers. Touareg is no exception. One needs a Driving skill and focus to appreciate this car. The V8 is so powerful that a gentle but precise push on gas in needed to roll it from stop (the so- called "hesitation" problem). The ride is so quiet that air is heard flowing off vents. And one needs to buckle up before switching the ignition and fix tire pressure between weather seasons. These pretty much cover for the "lemon" issues. Then just Drive! This Car is amazing to Drive!

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  Maybe - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By James E - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV for a month. Its been to the shop twice already. Ride is comfortable not enough power. Go with the V8. I was displeased with the sales staff at the location where I purchased the vehicle. I caught the sales staff in a few different lies. Lame, just sell the car.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By G. Newsom - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Touareg has an excellent feel for the road. It is comfortable and spacious. The car does offer a real offroad ability and easily manages city potholes and traffic. The negatives are that you must get use to the large rear headrest that seemingly block your rearview and the gas mileage. Also there is a little vibration sound from the sunroof. None of these factors are so bad that I would not have bought the car again. Though I may have bought the V8 or V10.

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  Do Your Homework - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By S Wascak - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Beetle "burns an acceptable" 1 quart of oil a month. Had rings replaced at 30000 miles. I just traded it in on a Toyota at 35000 because in 1 month it went through a quart of oil. We were told that that is common and acceptable for the VW Beetle. That its the way it was designed. Stay away from this vehicle!

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  Ask how much to change the oil. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By keiller - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive found only two oil brands that are certified for use in the new diesel. My dealer charges $70/oil change. They will sell a quart for $10/qt. Otherwise you may need to find Motul oil on line to order. Thats what I plan to do. The dealership seems confused about the oil situation. I dont want to take my car fo them for care.

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  1 week in - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jack - May 21 - 12:56 am

  1 week into owning this car and I couldnt be happier. Im shocked at the power this car has. My last car was a GTI VR6, granted it had over 120k but this TDI has just as much pick up. I have full confidence powering into traffic from a stop. This is a simple, elegant and very well designed car that inherits many technical, structural and visual cues from Audi.

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  Great car with minor glitches - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By ecm64 - May 19 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased my Passat a little over a year ago with 77k. Thought this would be a good time to review what I think of this car so far. First off, this is a great driving car. By far the most enjoyable car I have owned as far as handling, engine performance, and road manners. VW has really nailed it with the steering on this car; very precise and accurate with good road feel. Also, the 4cyl engine in this car is very smooth with lots of power on tap. No turbo lag whatsoever. As for the minor glitches; main LCD dash display is starting to fade in/out and both power window switches on the drivers door that control the back windows only work intermittently. Typical German car wiring issues.