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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  Well worth it. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By askibum02 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jetta Jazz for just under three years now. I think that for the money I paid it is a great car. My complaints are the clock spring needing to be replaced at 60,000 miles and the alternator and starter going at the same time at 70,000. Other than that all the parts last as long as they would on any other car. I have 92,000 miles on it now, and I would expect to put at least that many more miles on it befoer any other problems arise.

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  Great Ride! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW - November 23 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned!

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  Bluefrog reviewes the Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By bluefrog - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The most striking feature is how effortless the car is to drive. I am always confident that the car will go precisely where I want it to go. After 45,000 miles, I have had no problems, and even at 80 mph, I get 30+ mph.

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  Most Excellent Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By galacticbubble - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I am no car expert but I have had the best time driving this car. I have had no problem with enough power starting off or on the highway. This car has plenty of zip to move in and around city traffic which I do a lot of. It holds to the road quite nicely and I would not have it any other way. It has been so much fun to drive! The gas milage is great!

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  Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Aaron - November 21 - 7:50 pm

  My 2005 VW Beetle is a very good car. We have had it 1.5 years and have put 75,000 miles on it. It has had no problems and we get 45 MPG highway. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. We got 60,000 miles on the factory tires. The dealership was impressive also, they provide good customer service. I will buy one again.

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  Great to drive, expensive to repair - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Renee - November 21 - 7:13 pm

  Still love to drive the car, but frequent problems now at 7 years. Motor mounts, catalytic converter, CV, top of engine leaking oil despite 2 repairs - list goes on. Also weird electric issues throughout life of car - display showing avg mpg started malfunctioning after a year, 2 yrs ago sunroof started opening/closing on its own, etc. Even the hood open hydraulic died (no prop stick on a VW) - an $80 repair. No way will this car make it to 10 years and my next car wont be a VW based on this ones reliability. Bought new w/ regular maintenance - all done at a VW dealership.

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  VWs Secret - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Ric - November 21 - 11:33 am

  This is not your fathers VW. It accelerates like a sports car with the luxury of any top European sedan. It also has the convenience of having the road view of an SUV enabling the driver to see far down the highway. Like many SUVs you may take it off road. My off road experience has been limited to date but I do know that mud and snow are easily accessible. This is my fifth SUV and I do not think of it as an SUV at all. I think many men will buy this as a family car and end up wanting it to be their very own.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By olliemae - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Handles great but rides a little hard but that adds to the fun. Even with 2.0L good power for everyday driving. Moonsoon Sound system is above average but not great especally for a 200 watts system. A little small compared to many others similar models. But overall you will know why this is the top seller in Europe.

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  vw did again - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sblsux - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a safe SUV. I test drove a lot of the others, but the quality, safety & styling of the Touareg won me over. I would do it again. I wish they could better mpg, but 16 mpg in city that I get isnt so bad.

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  Touar-iffic!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Megarita - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the most awesome vehicle ever! I have never had so much fun with a car!