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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  Run away as fast as you can - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By geolro - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I completely concur with Paulie and Adam. Ive had the same problems both of them have described with varying degrees of success in remediation. * Spastic shifting * Spastic starting in cool weather * Alarm system malfunctions * Radio went dead * Door seals ruined after winter weather * Squeaky steering wheel * Squeaky front seats * Squeaky body panels in cargo area.

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  my vw - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jean maria - June 11 - 10:00 am

  the car preformance is more then i thought it could be. this is my first new car and i am glad it is a vw. we bought ours after my sister got hers, after us my in-laws purchaced theirs and love it also.

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  Fun Car w/Flaws - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Moniquer - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just finished first months lease on my new 2003 Passat and I must say I have mixed feelings regarding the car. Its a great driving car whos engine might be a might small for the transmission its mated to. The car has a rich European style interior with infinitely adjustable front seats providing superior comfort.

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  Nickel and Dime problems - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sreece - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, and looks very nice. At about 12K miles, I had the windows fixed (three times), things began to fall apart inside soon after. The seat height adjustment handle broke, the power mirrors quit working, and the gas tank opener switch fell inside the door. Fun car, but lots of small problems....I traded it yesterday for a 2003 Civic.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sballgurlie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new beetle back in December of 2002 and i absolutely love it! I wouldnt give it up for anything. Its a fun car to drive and even though it may be look small on the outside, it is very spacious inside. The beetles are built very well and i havent had one problem with mine, whatsoever!

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  Great First Car!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chris Selph - June 11 - 1:10 am

  I bought this car for $3500 from a military family in August of 2009 at 98,000 miles. I have had no issues with the car since The previous owners took very good care of the car. As far as interior problems the only things that have gone for me are the clove compartment hinge and cupholder. Luckily I know a friend who has an extra cupholder, so that fixes that issue and the glove compartment isnt that big of a deal. I get about 32-40 mpgs depending how I drive. Also I take very good care of the engine and components and havent had any problems yet. Being at 102,000 miles I am considering getting the timing belt/water pump changed.

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  11 years and still a great car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pinky - June 10 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car when it first came out and now, at 105,000 miles, it still runs great. A few repairs here- and-there, but great overall quality and driving experience. The mileage remains consistent, the look is still classic and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another.

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  First Time GTI Owner - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By nomad - June 10 - 3:10 pm

  I just got my 2006 Volkswagen GTI last weekend. Its interior space and torque are very impressive. Its exterior style kinda grows on you, with the red calipers black is the best color. I dont have much of an opinion on its perfomance as Im still breaking it in.

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  Extremely happy with my purchase - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By cocomicas - June 10 - 11:51 am

  After reading many reviews and talking to mechanics, I decided to go with the Passat TDI. I started looking at the Jetta, but certain aspects with the Jetta I wasnt impressed with such as the single torson bar for the rear suspension. The Passat is just better built, plus its built in TN. After looking at the different models and price, I decided to go with the SEL. This thing is loaded. I have taken it on a 1200 mile trip, averaged 43mpg @70mph avg. Only problem was a rip in the door panel. Dealer fixed it promptly. I only miss two options: HIDs and heated steering wheel.

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By stx066 - June 10 - 11:06 am

  I have been looking into buying a GTI since about January of this year and finally found the one I was looking for. I traded in my 2006 Honda Civic EX and boy am I glad I did! The GTI may not get as good gas mileage as the Civic, but it is way more fun to drive. Well worth the price.