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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  Perfect!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - June 18 - 4:36 am

  I traded in a BMW 325xi for a Passat TDI Wagon GLS. I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is exquisite. The TDI engine is a joy to drive. This caqr has loads of low end torque. its handling is excellent. It has a beautiful classic design, quiet interior, and no rattles.

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  So much fun. - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Franky - June 17 - 10:03 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. Handles like magic, and acceleration in second gear is seriously amazing. Road noise is considerable, and the entire fuel system went at 9,200 miles (the pump and sensor had to be replaced per a TSB [technical service bulletin] so the problem is not uncommon). Other than having to deal with VW road side service just a few months into the car ownership, it has been a real joy. If you live in a northern climate, the sport tires will make your winter the worst youve ever experienced.

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  You gotta go with Turbo yo! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By G.I. Joe - June 17 - 7:44 am

  Must get turbo! Upgraded mine an a few other things. Although the good parts arent cheap, ya get what chall pay for. Make sure you have knowledge of the car or someone else does. So as long as its taken care of youll have one of the baddest rides on the road guaranteed!

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  2009 TDI - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By H - June 16 - 9:36 pm

  Drive nearly 30k miles/year. 6 speed makes this car fun to drive. unless you spend a lot of time in traffic, I would suggest no buying DSG. Tried the DSG, but felt like it hesitated slightly from a stop. Good ergonomics. Simple interior yet comfortable and inviting. Great for running errands or long trips. Fold down seats give it versatility for skiing, etc. Average 47-50 mpg highway and nearly 40 combined.

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  MY BEST BUDDY - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Silphos - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Somwehere between the sun-roof, the cruise control, the 12-radiostation memory, the curvatures of its body and the super spacious trunk, I discovered this car was the best decision ever!!!

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  Run away now. Dont buy - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By joe smith jones - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is complete garbage. The vehicle seems to be in the shop more then out. If it wasnt that my wife loves the style,it would be gone. I wildest dream is that I wake up one morning it it was stolen from my driveway. No such luck.. Even thieves dont it. I have had problems with the diesiel engine, more times then I can image, replaced AC, power windows at least two times on each side, along with numerous other patrs. brakes lasted 20000 miles. Service has been horrible at best. Want to make lots of money, open a trustworthy VW shop in Baltimore. The best I could do for this vehilce is schedule it for a crusher at a local junk yard.

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  Great Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By REB - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Best car ever owned and I have owned many!!

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  Dont Buy a Touareg! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Natalie - June 15 - 10:13 pm

  This car has been nothing but trouble. It is entirely too sensitive and there is a red or yellow warning light on constantly whether it be for the tires, temperature gauge, EPS system, etc... For the money you should expect and get a lot better quality than VW offers in the Touareg. I feel like I own a Hyundai! The Touareg is the WORST vehicle that Ive ever owned. Im on my way to the dealer again. Im there about every other month getting something fixed. What an inconvenience! I cant wait for this lease to be over!

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  Run! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DBH - June 15 - 12:16 pm

  This has been the most unreliable car Ive ever owned. To put in context, Ive also owned a 71 Beetle and an 82 Fiat. I have babied this car, looks new, only 22k miles in just under 4 years. Been in to dealer approx 10x. Parking break 2x, steering column replaced, power windows, struts, leaks, recalls, air cond. smells bad, dealer wont fix. It squeaks & rattles like and old pickup. Had to replace tires at 19k miles and as I said, "I baby this". You look at the paint and it scratches. Now for the positives, if you only care about looks and German style, go for it. 3 mths left on lease, Toyota here I come!!

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  Get it fixed right - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert in Alhambra - June 14 - 11:10 am

  First, I can not understand why there are so many parts within the wheel bearing. That aside, my car has been a very reliable car. After 120k miles, I have replaced all of the ignition coils, spark plugs, struts, and a few other items. The importance of a reliable mechanic can not be made enough. The dealerships work - all of it ever made - had to be redone. No kidding. After I started going to an honest mechanic, someone who told me about certain gas stations, rather than replacing something that didnt need fixing, life was better.