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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  2003 and STILL kickin - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By oldvolkshome - February 23 - 8:36 am

  I purchased my 2003 1.8T Jetta 5-speed new. Aside from a new water pump at 60k miles (normal) and a faulty coil over arc this car is the best car I have ever owned. It is now 2011 and have 100k miles with original brake pads and original clutch and trans. The car runs beautifully.. It helps A LOT if you drive your car gently and DONT "over tach" and screech your tires! When it comes to having a good or bad car, its a 50/50 thing. Just getting lucky and picking a good one combined with how you drive it and maintain it. I highly recommend using synthetic oil. I have used Mobil 1 from day one and my motor doesnt burn a DROP of oil 100k miles later. Love your car & it will love you back!!

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  Horrible Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jetsetguy - February 23 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car new and was very excited about its overall interior and exterior design and performance. My excitement quickly faded as the car is always in the shop. This is the worst car I have ever owned. It has been in the shop at least every other month. Several of the repairs lasted over a week to correct and I had to rent a car while the repair was made. It has had so many electrical and computer problems I cannot even count them. You name it, it has been broken. Here is the short list, Braking system, fuel system, Every computer system has been broken (some more than once), steering system, tire pressure monitor. NEVER buy this car.

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  the best kept secret - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By jj - February 22 - 5:23 pm

  I love the drive, comfort, design and logo of my Volkswagen Phaeton V8. When you want something that is unique, go for this car and let go of your ego. I appreciate the weight and the substantial feel of the car.

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  Im a believer - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stewsir - February 22 - 4:48 pm

  I leased my Jetta about 8 weeks ago because of a change in my commuting status. I needed something that could haul 3-4 adults 50-60 miles a day, each way. Ive had VWs, Audis and Volvos previously. This isnt my favorite car, but for what I got it for, its the best, by far. Very comfortable inside, front AND back. great mileage. I average 35 or so around town and 42-45 on the highway. Its nice to see just under half a tank left and 450 miles on the trip odometer. I think Im doing 600 or so miles per tank. Pretty impressive for a 14 gallon tank.

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  tdi fun to drive - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By brad - February 22 - 5:36 am

  Did a lot of checking on many cars such as focus,civic and camery. After driving all of them so glad I went with the Tdi jetta. Has more pick up handles better then all the rest on the list and I am getting 42mpg going to and from work and one third of that is in the city.Inside the sound system is great. Love the seating and trunk space is great. You will love this car

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  Tiquan driver - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Reggie - February 22 - 3:26 am

  I bought this SUV in may, right away I liked it. The only thing I can say is I agree with all other reviews as far as gas mileage. But only one other driver mentioned the radio which sounds like its playing through a tunnel lousy quality. I think the is to much road noise also. The brakes are great and the handling I love.

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  2010 Passat Review - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dano - February 21 - 8:53 pm

  Traded an 06 Jetta on the 2010 Passat. A great improvement over the Jetta. Good power and handling and better fuel economy. This car has a lot of road noise.

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  Love It! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cgf - February 21 - 2:23 pm

  Just got my new 2010 Touareg. Shopped Mercedes ML350, Lexus 350, Volvo CX90 - best deal and standard features. This ride is very solid. I think this is my favorite car so far. Had VW in the past 79 Bug, 84 Golf.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jerry - February 21 - 9:46 am

  Great car fun to drive

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  Too much fun for such great mpg - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By coolbreeze - February 21 - 3:00 am

  This is a true driving machine. The diesel engine is smooth, clean, quiet, and fast. The turbo kicks in and you take off. Fit and finish is wonderful. The panoramic roof is worth every dime. Makes the interior feel so roomy, and even living in nc I do not feel any effect from solar heat. Suspension is right on. I have seen mpg of 52 for my round trip to work and back (45 miles rt). I cant wait to drive it tomorrow.