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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  Just 2 things missing - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By JBDiamonds - September 14 - 12:53 am

  2002 VW GTI 1.8T tiptronic is a hoot to drive. I am 260 lbs and these are the best, firmest seats I have ever had. Car handles marvelously with the 17" michelins,no surprises, the acceleration is phenomonal. As I said the only 2 options that I would want is the multifunctional steering wheel with homelink, and the self dimming mirrors, but then I wouldnt have anything to yearn for. German technology rules.

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  Has some problems, Love it anyway - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By midna139 - September 14 - 12:14 am

  Although it had some issues, like needing the ignition system replaced (Around $400 DIY), I love this car. Ive been getting good gas milage and adequate performance. Mine has just over 160,000 miles on it, though the previous owner mistreated it. If you dont want to do any DIY car repair, I would not recommend this car. Otherwise, go for it. I use mine to get to and from school every day along with the occasional road trip and have never had any reliability issues with it. If you do get one, get yourself a good service manual and a metric socket set. I have the GLX 2.8L VR6 engine with the five speed manual transmission.

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  Jetta Review - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lrhodes - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive and performs well. The downside is the higher dollar maintenance cost.

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  Hell Yea! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ChicoMirico - September 13 - 2:00 am

  very sexy car...my chicas love it! but the acceleration is poor for a V8

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  Good overall , but could be better. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Motoman69 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car and it has served me well. However, like any car out there, it could use some improvements. As a whole, this is a very reliable car and should be considered when one is in the market for a family car.

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  It has its quirks, but I love it! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mickeyt52 - September 12 - 3:32 pm

  My GLX seemed have led a rough life before I bought it, but fortunately, the guy religiously changed his oil. Many K-miles later, the engine is very quiet and very smooth. So, that gave me room to spend cash on all the neglected stuff...now its a sweet ride. Ive read a lot of these reviews, and one thing Ive come away with is to NOT buy one of these Jettas w/ high miles if your not somewhat mechanically inclined or dont know a really good VW mechanic. But if you dont mind tinkering now and then, these cars can be a blast to drive, and customize as well. Despite their idiosyncrasies, there is a strong network of enthusiasts, many of whom will gladly share their knowledge and experience.

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  The best fun I ever had - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By dukeofyork - September 11 - 7:29 pm

  Was weary reading reviews of complaints . Understanding that this is a very technical design challenge to create a functioning hardtop convertible. When you first see the top go down and my friends are astonished still, and anyone that has ever seen it do it is impressed. With the engagement of the lever The windows drop the sunroof goes back the trunk opens up the opposite way, rear window goes and the top into the truck it closes up then the rear deck has a beautiful fit and finish. My autistic 27 year old son said cool transformer, This is a very impressive car 200 hp turbo this car jumps the transmission is art in movement. Will pass a car lnstantly faster then my V8 4bl. carb chevy.

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  Fabulous! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Awesome!! - September 11 - 2:43 pm

  The VW CC is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I owned a Toyota and it proved to be a major headache (engine problems, expensive parts, cheap plastic everywhere, no power etc)! I have owned two Mazdas and they both lacked excitement. The CC is a stunningly beautiful car with great performance and gas mileage. Seriously, there are no cars within the price range that can compare to the CC. The interior of the CC is gorgeous and roomy (the trunk is deceivingly large also). Take your check book if you test drive one of these beauties because you will want to own one!

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  Best car I have owned! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Christin Barone - September 11 - 10:00 am

  After doing much research before choosing the Passat, I leased the 1.8T and have never looked back! This is a peppy, fun-to-drive vehicle. I got mine loaded with options and upgrades, which I highly recommend. The top of the line sound system ROCKS and as a person who drives constantly for their work, this is a reliable car that gets excellent gas mileage. It doesnt hurt that it is a sharp car to look at and has turned more than a few heads! I highly recommend this automobile to anyone who enjoys a sporty yet comfortable ride and insists on quality and dependability!

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  Poor mans BMW - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By bigerock - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I teetered back and forth between the BMW Z3, the AUDI TT, and others. I was going to put my money on the BMW, that is, until I drove this little number. I went to the dealership for a test drive, and went home with it that day. This car is so fun to drive. Handles very tight. Its definitely a German car. It performs almost everything you ask of it. Yeah, its small, but I feel safe. Its got 6 airbags for gosh sake. The monsoon (upgraded) stereo blows. If you like listening to music, and consider yourself an audiophile, youre gonna have to get an aftermarket system. This car can also be electronically tuned to gain around 40 more horses and 70 more lb-ft of torque. Thats a TON!