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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  Love the Goddess - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By BW in Wash DC - March 25 - 7:46 am

  Bought myself a b-day gift w/a Komfort 6M. Brings a smile every time I have the top down. It is the perfect combination in size, handling, and fun. Not a speedy coupe but come on, it is a convertible, relax, ease back, and feel the sun on your back. No problem yet w/seal leak as some others reported in earlier models.

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  Actually a Really Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By JSC - March 24 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased this car in 2007 at a VW dealership that had sold and serviced the car since new. It came to me with 24k miles, and Im now unfortunately selling it (blame it on the economy) with 63k miles. I honestly have to say that Im already regretting selling it - I love this car! Its a complete sleeper - it appears as a small econo-box to unsuspecting motorists, but its really, really quick and can handle surprisingly well for a front-wheel drive car & the interior is up there with Audi/BMW/Mercedes/etc... Parts and labor charges at the dealer are up there also, it is a German car, so keep that in mind. If you cringe at $80 oil changes, do it yourself, or find a mechanic that does VWs.

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  smitten by the R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By 564651 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  What an awesome car. I cannot think of one negative thing about it. My former car is a 2001 subaru RS.And comparitively speaking the ergonomics and fit and finish of the vw is vastly superior. It is an autobahn ready german rocketship.

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  2004 R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Marktini - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my R32 for almost a month, long term reliability and ride degradation review will have to follow after 6 or 9 moths. For now I can say this is one of the most fun cars Ive ever owned to drive. Including several GTIs and an Audi S4. The car just feels right, the 4-motion works great under hard cornering and prevents the wheel spin that the GTIs front drive cannot.

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  Super fun car! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By afroloop - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Well, I just got mine and it is not broken in yet so I havent really been able to drive it hard. It is a beautiful car though, very comfrotable to drive and the exhaust sounds very nice for stock. I usually change the exhaust on my VWs but I will keep this one as it is as it sounds really nice. Even in the non-broken in stage it is very quick even keeping it below 5KRPM.

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  Three year update... - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By jrb333 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive now owned this vehicle for three years, and thought Id do an updated rating. This car has been just excellent in every respect. It still looks as sharp as any car on the road, and it has been 100% reliable. Build quality is fantastic-paint, trim, and interior all look new. Still one of the best values out there. I highly recommend this car.

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  Vermont TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vermont TDI - March 24 - 2:00 am

  No cold weather start problems, even in a cold climate. Heated seat option is awesome! Well-mannered car, somewhat vague suspension, a "civilized" ride that gives up a little on sporty handling but gains in economy and (so far) reliability. Fuel ratings not quite what was quoted, I average 40mpg, however, I drive the car pretty fast on the interstate, and its happy at 85- mph! Relatively quiet, solid build, a safe car to be in, excellent corrosion warranty, a good 2 family car with a little junior. Lousy rear seat leg room for adults though.

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  My beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By A E Pearl - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Have always driven, and bought expensive cars. I can not say that I have as comfortable or as happy with a new car as this Beetle Conv. Bought the turbo, and love it. By the way, my wife are not light weights either.

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  A Great Choice - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By rchanatry - March 23 - 11:09 am

  Ive had my 2010 Tiguan SEL4Motion for a year and have driven it through a heavy north east winter. FANTASTIC in all snow conditions with standard Pirreli all seasons. The engine and transmission are flawless. Transmission as smooth as my BMW X3. So many high end features..xenon adaptive headlights w/ turn spot light, electric folding heated mirrors, touchscreen navigation, heated washer nozzles...amazing amenities. My only complaints: 2 minor rattles (seat belt, and ac vent) and Touch screen nav/radio unit freezes after phone call occasionally. (Turn off car, open door, restart fixes it.)

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  Love it so far! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dangercart82 - March 23 - 9:06 am

  Just got my 1999- cyber green- 2.0 -5 speed with 82k miles. So far I love it! For a 10 year old car it looks outstanding, (Cyber green faded slightly but that is to be expected) It had one previous owner and was well maintained. I had to replace the timing belt right away because it had never been done and the motor for the window/lock on the drivers side was dead (also to be expected.) The ABS light is always on, not sure if thats a big deal or not yet the brakes seem to work fine. Other than all that she is perfect :)