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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  The 2006 is so much better that the 2004 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Keith - February 16 - 5:00 pm

  I am so glad that we went to VW again for our new Jetta. I can hardly get the keys away from my wife. We had a 2004 GL, but we needed more room. We got that and more! It handles the Alaskan winter roads better than any 4X4 SUV I have even driven. ESP is a great feature! What, there is ice on the roads? I am looking forward to long road trips this summer.

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  Beware - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Scott - February 16 - 2:40 pm

  In the first 18 months my Phaeton was in the shope for repairs a total of 19 times. It left me stranded on the side of the road twice. I had an A8 prior to this and am now getting a Lexus LS 430 to replace it.

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  Dont buy one at any price - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dismayedgerman - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2000 Passat. The first year this car was great. Starting in January of 01 the wiper motor went out. Then the check engine light started coming on. In May 01, check engine light comes on. Trunk lid opens on its own. Door locks open and close on their own. Car will start and not start. The gasket that protects the passenger compartment from the outside elements was defective and allowed the water to leak in and ruin the computer etc.. It came that way from the factory in Germany. The car has been in again for a malfunctioning air injector pump, vacuum hoses and mass air flow sensor. If you are thinking about buying one dont.

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  Cutest car on market - 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Paty Robertson - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned

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  Beware of the service department - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeff Gingras - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The best all-around compact sedan for $20,000: Faster than most small cars, good fuel economy for such a powerful car, handles good but doesnt ride harsh, very good interior quality and ergonomics (besides the cupholders), and a long list of standard features. Of course nothings perfect: Quiet cabin helps rattles from the dashboard and doors sound more prevalent(door rattles can be dispatched by wrapping electrical tape around the "U" shaped door latch). Service departments are lousy. This has been verified by numerous owners around the country.

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  Dedicated Passat Fan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Barry Ryan - February 15 - 9:46 pm

  This is my third one. I had a 2002 wagon in which I survived a broadside collision. The car was totalled but I escaped without a scratch. VW has an ad which depicts exactly what happened to me; at an intersection the other car ran a red light and I hit them broadside. I saw my life flash before my eyes! I replaced that one with a 2006 sedan. Just today we picked up a new 2008 wagon for my wife. For me, the Passat is the perfect car. The quality, performance and aesthetics are unsurpassed. In my opinion the Passat beats out far more expensive Euro competitors and puts Honda and Toyota to shame. I know I sound like I work for VW but I dont; I just love the product.

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  Great Vehichle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sandeep - February 15 - 7:26 pm

  THis is our 2nd touareg. The 1st one was a buyback because of electrical problems that were never ending. However, we still loved the car and agreed to take a replacement Touareg. The 05 Touareg has met all our expectations is probaly the nicest SUV we saw while we were looking to make our purchase. We compared it to the BMX X5 and X3, Lexus, etc. However kept coming back to it. Even after our initial lemon Touareg, this is still our favourite vehicle and am glad we stuck with it. The 05 has been problem free since we have had it.

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  90K miles, still excellent! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By VPA - February 14 - 7:53 pm

  The 2007 GTI is a very well made car, the only significant repair after 90K miles was rear wheel bearings. There was also a problem with the PCV valve which was fixed under a service bulletin. The car also loses or burns some oil - not unexpected for a turbo, I guess, but you must check the oil regularly. Numerous interior squeaks and rattles were corrected after I replaced the horrid stock Continental tires with BFG SuperSport A/S and then Goodyear Eagle GT A/S. Ride and handling are great, the stability control is excellent. No steering feel due to the electric steering, but you learn to live without it. An almost perfect, practical sporty 4- dr hatch at a reasonable price.

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  2001 VW Jetta GLX - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hairleftmorningwet - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I Bought this car from an induvidual for 13K , with 47,000 miles on it . The car was in outstanding condition . Having heard the horror stories of reliability , I purchased a 4 year Extended Warrenty with unlimited miles. After six months Ive not had any troubles what so ever . The cup holders do block the CD player ,the break pedal sits just a hair to high , and on uneven roads the dash around the cupholder rattle the slightest bit . The car is a blast to drive , and the interior is beautiful . The inerior is on par with the Audis and BMWs Ive seen . The Leather Seats are beautiful . Braking is great. I get 24\25 MPG on the hwy , and 19\21 in down , thats with correct tire pressure .

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  Happy with this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Linda Johnson - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after having 4 SUVs in a row. At first hesitant about owning a car, but very glad I bought it. The handling is great, I feel very safe in it and styling is classy. I have had it for 6 months and have not had any problems at all. You get a lot for your money with the Passat and I would purchase one again.