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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  More Fun than an Accord - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike F. - January 20 - 12:50 pm

  I was *this close* to buying a Honda Accord. I didnt even look at a Jetta at first because of disastrous reliability - then I found out starting in 2007 things had turned around nicely. I drove the Jetta and dropped the Accord. On the "fun" scale, it just blows the Japanese and American cars away, imo. I also test drove the Audi A4, basically the same car for a lot less money. I noticed very little difference in the pickup and handling. Surprising amount of room - about the same as the old Passat. I have 4 kids, ranging from 9 to 15 and can fit all of us quite comfortably. One annoying thing - my power window switch acts up in the cold. Besides that - I love the car. Recommended!

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  I Like It a Lot - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By kjonim32 - January 20 - 9:26 am

  Well, this is my wifes car who used to drive an SUV. So, when I offered her to test drive a Rabbit she got really mad. But 15 minutes into the test drive she told me that we were getting it. Well, now we have it and we LOVE it. Im trying to talk her in to switching cars for a week, but so far Ive had no luck. I do have a nice car by the way, a Chrysler Crossfire.

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  Paid off early & driving it till it dies - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By saarij - January 20 - 6:53 am

  This was my first "new car." Beyond paying too much for it, the car eats oil on the order of 1qt every 3- 4k. "Its designed that way." is the best description multiple VW dealerships around the country say, and is echoed by the national reps even after putting synthetic in it from day one at the recommended intervals (10k). I add & monitor it every 3-4 times I fill up. After 150k it has a unique "drone" at the 3800 RPM. My repairs have been the standard wear items (brakes, timing belt, CV boot). The car requires unique VW tools to do some of the most basic jobs (like rear brakes). Several recall items - mostly electrical. Insurance and repairs are typically higher for VWs.

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  Used 2008 Jetta, fell in love on a Sunday! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By geekygirl - January 19 - 11:22 pm

  I drove a smart car for three long years. Sunday morning I started searching the Internet, for maybe a new car I was looking for something different but I havent had before. I ran a cross at 2008 white Jetta, it had no pictures but I ended up going to the dealership before it even opened. The door was unlocked and I fell in love instantly so I traded my 2008 Smart car for the pretty white Jetta. To date I have had 87 cars in the last 15 years mostly high-end I love the ride of the Jetta and the super large trunk which I didnt have with the smart. I am looking forward to many more years and yes cars are cars they all have problems no matter what.

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  Just Test Drove a 3.6L - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tony - January 19 - 8:00 pm

  I just tested the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T and luckily the 3.6! The 2.0T is very nice and I was impressed with the overall ride. It didnt handle road bumps like my A6, but I could understand the reason. The A6 is a heavier car. This is still a nice car to drive. Luckily the dealership rep told me that a 3.6 had arrived that day and it was available for me to test drive. I was quite happy that he offered me the chance to road test before even he did. Now this 3.6 Passat is a very pleasing driving thrill! Hit the pedal and off you go. It has very strong power and I love the sound of the motor and exhaust, a really nice growl. I was sold!! I will probably buy within the next month.

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  Great car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By halavais - January 18 - 7:36 pm

  This one is a sleeper. Its beautiful inside and out, and a great performer. Think of it as on a par with a 3-series BMW in performance and pricing, but with 5-series interior space. If you are looking to impress people with how much money you can spend, a VW isnt going to do it. If you are more interested in a high performance, comfortable, stylish car, this is it.

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  My last Volkswagen - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dcl - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Though I still enjoy driving my Passat, I have had more problems in the 1.7 yrs I have had this vehicle than the total I had driving Accords for about 10 yrs. Fuel injectors, transmission problems, dashboard rattles, 1 headlight bulb has already been replaced. I fear when this car goes out of warranty.

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  VW - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By ALFRED - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned VW and they are very reliable so i give the classy yet sporty VW an overall 10

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  Fantastic - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Gsmshepherd - January 18 - 2:00 am

  its the best car i have ever driven. it has exceptional handling, beefy v6, smooth shifting

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  A great road car - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By John Eck - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Put 17000 miles on in first 6 months in Mexico, USA and Canada. Best feature is mileage and distrance--700 miles-- between fill-ups. Good power and high speed accelleration. Also nice crisp handling. We liked it so well my wife made me buy her one--so now we have two TDI golfs.