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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  FUN Bug no problems - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ivan - April 21 - 7:26 am

  I bought the 2002 Beetle Turbo S used with over 30,000 miles on it. I have about 42,000 on it now. Heard about realiability issues but have had none so far. Fun car to drive, sporty, and fast. Comfort is a little weak for 61" guy but overall not bad. I have added a sub to stock Monsoon radio and it sounds way better.

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  Great car... if you have a sense of humor - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By Extensioncord - April 21 - 6:53 am

  Good and bad. Smooth power, slick shifting, excellent handling, great ride and Audi-level interior design. Unfortunately, insurance is high, rattles and squeaks intrude on an otherwise library-quiet cabin, electonic gadgets are prone to failure. OnStar inoperative from day one. Buggy alarm/central locking system. Wouldn’t start at 5,200 mi, was towed. As this is my fourth VW, I’m used to the quirks … bad electrical systems, squeaks, leaks (like inch-deep puddles in my ’02 and that windows iced up on the INSIDE), stereo replacements, windows that fall into the doors, etc. The only question is: can YOU get used to it? Better make sure you have a good dealer. Otherwise, two words: CIVIC Si!

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  Fun to drive between repair shops - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By caro2012 - April 20 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my 2001 GTi with 25,000 miles on it and put another 105,000 miles on it over the course of 5 years. While it was comfortable to drive and had nice styling, the car completely lacked reliability. In the 5 years that I owned it, these are the things that broke or degraded prematurely: PCV tubing Ignition coils Ignition coil wiring harness (degraded insulation) Timing belt (replaced at 50,000) Clogged oil pick-up tube Radiator fan (broke) Coolant flange (degraded, leaked) Drivers side seat belt clip (bad sensor) Automatic transmission (failed at 100,000; rebuilt and failed again at 130,000) Broken, leaking axle at 130,000 Leaking power steering pump Cam tensioner Belt tensioner

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  Fun Car - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By tincup33 - April 20 - 7:50 am

  I own a 2003 Cobra so Im used to a fast car. I was surprised by the GTIs ability to just get up and go. Its handling is awesome and the design is very eye catching. We got rid of our Xterra to save on gas but its hard not to get on it everywhere you go. I turned my wife onto this car and Im glad I did, she was going to get a Rabbit.

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  Beautiful Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By B. A. - April 20 - 4:33 am

  My wife loves her Touareg. It has a great interior, is roomy and plenty of pep.

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  Nice change from X5 - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Jack C - April 19 - 8:13 pm

  The CC takes a little getting use to after driving the X5 but its a smooth transition and this car is quiet, comfortable "Classic Comfort" and fun to drive. Great touch screen media center. Great for Ipods. the blue tooth controls on the steering wheel work great with the address book illuminated on the dash board. Really happy with my decision buying the CC over another SUV.

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  2006 Volkswagen Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Vic - April 19 - 8:50 am

  This truck has a nice, classy look inside and out that drives like a dream.

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  Mr Toe Rags - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ChipRode - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I would have chosen another ML 350 but for dealer attitude, they insist on navigation systems and third row seating! Well I know where I live and I don’t plan on having kids. My first 1000 plus miles in Mr. Toe Rags tell me it’s a very nice vehicle. Gas consumption is OK at 17 mpg overall for 1057 miles but it does dip into the sixteen’s and fifteens around my short country commute to work. Yes it’s thirstier than the Mercedes. Quiet and refined it does not get buzzy at speed and it goes fast enough to get expensive tickets. It is a smooth riding, fast performing easy to drive super utility vehicle.

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  Exterminate the Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kattkat242aol.com - April 19 - 2:00 am

  To anyone looking to lease or buy this adorable decieving automobile. THINK TWICE!!! Not only did I pre-order it 6 months in advance it has spent at least 6 weeks in the shop for various different things. From the day I recieved it May 1, 2003 it has been nothing but problems one being very dangerous in fact life threatening. It is currently being procesed under the New York State LEMON LAW. Yes you heard it here folks a big fat ( adorable) LEMON.I had VWs in the past and were a loyal lover of the beetle. Now I think I need to get a big fat can of RAID. Feel free to e mail . Kattkat24@aol.com

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  97 Jetta Jazz - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EB - April 18 - 6:40 pm

  I absolutely loved this car when I got it new. I drove it with 115,000 miles with no problems. Then the 1st transmission died (manual). At 146,000 miles the second one died and I am ready to retire it. I still love the car but its not so much fun without the 2, 3 and 5th gears!