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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  Wolfsburgs not so great. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KLF - March 17 - 3:56 pm

  Ive owned my Wolfsburg for a little over a year now and I wish Id never bought it in the first place. Ive had to take it into the dealership at least 9 times. Four times for the same thing!! My speakers rattle constantly REALLY loud and nobody can seem to fix the problem. I also have a thumping in my trunk coming from who knows what! I could go on and on, but I dont have room. Bottom line: "El producto de Mexico"! Ill never buy a VW again. My advise...buy American.

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  Corrosion on engine - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By lvanderlinde - March 17 - 6:28 am

  I purchased a new 2011 golf 4 door TDI on May 30, 2011 from a central coast dealership and when I brought it home and inspected it, I discover that the engine had moderate corrosion on all aluminum parts. Unsure how the corrosion occurred on a new car, but buyer beware. This car is shipped from Germany and the protection from the sea water may have been compromised.

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  Fun, but a few issues! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Danielle - March 16 - 12:23 am

  Ive seen a lot of people mention the tire pressure sensor light going off all the time. There is a small washer that sits against the pressure sensor. Sometimes that washer gets bent which will let air leak from your tires. Ever since I found out about that and replaced the washers, Ive had no tire pressure issues. The car is wonderful, fun to drive, comfortable, and solid. There are so many airbags and the frame is solid, the doors are heavy, etc. I love my Passat. There have been problems with the transmission jerking, electrical malfunctions, etc. Its a pain, but I still love the car.

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  With the wind in my hair... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristabelle - March 15 - 1:43 pm

  Never thought Id have a VW, much less a convertible, but here I am. This car is so cute, fun and fun to drive. Ive had the top down non-stop and have had to figure out the best way to keep my hair fixed and out of my face! Gee, what a problem to have! Im 30 w/no kids and 2 dogs. Cant wait to buy doggles for the dogs to wear in the back seat...with the wind blowing in their hair...

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  Mixed Feelings - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Star27a - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Beetle new and Ive loved driving it from day one, but I have to say the first 10,000 miles were mostly spent at the dealership. Granted, most was covered by warranty, but what a hassle!

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  A less expensive Cayenne - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By iaswell - March 14 - 10:00 am

  The Touareg rides like a dream, especially with the air suspension. Capable of going off-road, but built to comfortably navigate the concrete jungle of the real world. Adequate pick-up with smaller engine. Gas mileage is slightly better than advertised (still not great). The driving experience is fantastic! Fahrfenugen on and off road. The interior is extremely well designed. From the rear window shades to the driver and passenger visors - motoring concerns have been carefully examined and re-examined.

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  Craptastic Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LAR - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my VW in May of 2002. It was a great car for the summer, but once I moved up North the problems started. The doors squeak incessantly -- taken to the dealership 4 times, been told they were fixed each time, but still have a squeak. The only option they gave me was to tighten the doors, but then I would have to shut them harder, causing rattles down the road... Passenger side window fell into the door, followed by a giant (10") spring flying out from under the seat. The drivers side door handle is covered by some material that began peeling off the day I drove it off the lot. Im waiting to Lemon Law!!

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  A Breath of Fresh Air - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buglover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchasing my bug, I made plans to drive from Chicago to California. A solo trip with diversions north and south of the direct route. I travelled through 13 states, through many twisting mountain passes and boiling deserts, and this car was atreat to drive! Tight turns on hairpin corners-she held at three times the recommended speed. National parks with a 360 degree view with the top down! Close enough to pet the buffalo at Custer State Park in SD. My bug handled the snow and off road terrain at Crazy Horse Monument. My 6CD changer and Monsoon sound system blasted and relieved other drivers from my questionable singing voice.

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  cool car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jeff suttle - March 14 - 10:00 am

  geat car fun to drive and economical its a real blast

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  Go Beetle Go! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rob Tarbell - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This car will fly! drives smooth, handles bumpy roads very well, excellent air conditioner- gets cool quickly and car still has excellent power while running air,heated seats are wonderful, excellent warranty, this is my 3rd beetle and each model year gets better,turbo is best model to have