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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  Awesome - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By whitea2 - August 23 - 8:55 am

  This is an awesome car to drive. I have previously owned a saab sports, bmw 535, bmw 330 and this cc lux out classes them in all categories to include handling, ride comfort, audio controls, navigation, mpg (26-33). Well designed exterior and interior. Ergonomically friendly. My only issue has been entry and exit since I am a senior citizen and need to bend a little extra. Well worth the extra effort. I thoroughly enjoy some of the subtle features ie mute, media, usb, touchscreen, navigation, sensor wipers, storage, etc. A great car and have been driving it for over 5 months.

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  Could use more oomph!, but still GREAT! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Flanders_Ned - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I am overall very satisfied with the vehicle and given the choice again I would buy the same car. I especially love the heated leather seats. The car looks great in black leather with every feature covered in materials that make you feel like you are in a much more expensive car. My only gripe is the lack of power for a V6. The car feels like it could use about 40-50 more horses, especially in the low end. Also, it is a little too soft in the suspension, i.e. body roll, squat and dive. It is the closest feeling you can get to driving a BMW or Mercedes for about half the price.

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  Good Looking Junk Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jane - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I regret purchasing this car. It has been in for ignition coild replacements with less that 5,000 miles on the car. BAsed on information from 6 VW owners with the same problem I learned that if it happened once it will happen again. Volkswagon customer service denies any problems even though they have a backorder on the parts. A BIG DISAPOINTMENT - UNRELIABLE

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  This is a crappy car! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fed-up - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I will never own another Volkswagen. The timimg belt went on this one at 94,000! I was told by the Dealer to have it checked at 100,000. Then the transmission went at 112,000. Crappy, crappy car. You need special tools to work on it so you can only go to a VW dealer who charges three times as much as a regular mechanic. My friend who lives in Germany told me that Volkswagen wasnt any good. I should have listened.

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  looks good, but doesnt hold up - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By annoyed in MA - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I test drove my brothers 2001 VW golf and loved it and decided to get a 2002 gls golf. Within the first year of having it i have had a lot of minor probs: all 4 doors completely freeze shut if there is freezing rain/snow, making me climb through the trunk and do power kicks to open them (and i am no weakling either), i had a faulty air intake boot clamp causing my car to completly stop running at rush hour on a highway exit ramp, an ABS recall, and lots of extra noises.

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  Oh My Gawd - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dpak4eva - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of a kind. Its fast, comfortable, Luxuriioosss... One improvement tho can be the suspension. Kinda boggy and has lotta Body Roll.

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  VW New Beatle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gilandis - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have has several problems with the vehicle. The most recurring problem has been with the windows switches. They have been replaced three times; two under warranty and once at my expense. The battery needed replacement after 3 years.

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  03 Passat GLX (5A) - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don Bush - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I believe that the Passat is the best 4 door family sedan for the money (compared to Honda (didnt care for the 03 Accord redesign), Toyota, and Acura (TL Type-S didnt do it for me)- it DOESNT compare to domestic products). A quality German-engineered and built car, many features for the money (interior design and fit and finish alone make this a wonderful car), safety (side curtain air bags, etc.), and good looks to boot. May be a few $K more than Japanese cars, but once you drive one, youll understand why. I came out of a BMW and wanted to stay with German quality, reliability, etc. and feel that this is a good compromise.

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  I love my new car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By acazero - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new passat...I had considered buying an Altima but I am very glad that I chose the passat instead. I absolutely love my car...and the price cannot be matched!!

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  Its a great car when it runs - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jd-nmi - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This wagon drives like a sports car when it runs. VW has had ignition coil troubles with all of the 1.8L V6 and W8 engines. Car has failed 2 times and is still at shop. No parts available- 1000s of VWs all in shop with the same problem. VW will only fix the broken componets so it will be back to the shop when the next two coils fail or cashed in under the Lemon Law. VW customer service is the worst in the industry.