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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  A driving machine! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWConvert - July 16 - 2:36 am

  I just picked up my Artic Blue Silver 2006 2.0T Passat with Luxury Package 2. It is a dynamite vehicle. I test drove the Honda Accord, and it felt "vanilla." Im so glad that I purchased the Passat. It has a solid feel on the road, the 6th gear really helps quiet the engine (rpms) on the highway. I havent heard any wind noise at 65 mph +. I think that is due to the Dynaudio system which is top-notch! Driving at night with the guages (red/blue) is nice. All of the buttons and touch points are solid!

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  Great ride - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joe - July 15 - 4:26 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, great fuel economy.

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  Perfect car for a second childhood - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By josjaws - July 15 - 10:00 am

  When the time came to replace a 1966 Mustang Id used as a daily driver for eight years, I had all but signed the dotted line to order a new Mini Cooper when I discovered the GTI. A weekend spent comparing the two cars quickly showed the Mini couldnt hold a candle to the Volkswagen in terms of build quality, handling and just-plain- fun. Now that Ive had the GTI for just over a year, Ive had no reason to regret my decision. My wife and I recently completed a trip from Denver to Dallas [910 miles] in one fifteen hour drive. Neither of us felt beat up or exhausted. Great seats!

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  They forgot to sweat these details - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By nhsto - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Poor reliability. $4000 in repairs in year 4 of ownership. Oil cooler gasket, valve cover gasket & cam seals, windshield wiper fluid reservoir pump and tank replaced, (Mass airflow sensor replaced after numerous problems catalytic convertor replaced, warranty), rear passenger window regulator replaced, driver side will need replacement soon, new battery at 60k kms, throttle body service 2x, rear brake light bulbs replaced withing first year, headlights replaced in 2nd year. new tires, uneven wear, rear brakes replaced 60k kms. Current milage: 96k, kms Cup holders are useless and are all broken. 1.6 km per mi

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  My Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Architect - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the Touareg. It is such a nice car. I love every aspect of it, especially the nice details. I love the sunroof and the seats. They are very comfy.

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  The Best Thing I Have Ever Driven! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Shea - July 14 - 11:43 pm

  I have only had my Touareg for a little over a week but I am completely in love. The cabin is beautifully and conveniently lit. It has radio controls on the steering wheel and the dash is laid out so that all info that you need is literally under your nose. This SUV even has a mini flashlight in the console! It handles like a dream and takes corners with full control. The only suggestion I would have would be to add power seats and give it better gas mileage. Other than that, you simply have to drive a Touareg to believe it. You will be hooked like me!

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  Reliable Engine, Cheap Interior Finishes - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VW_Convertible - July 14 - 9:06 pm

  I am generally happy with the reliability of my VW engine but am disappointed with the quality of the interior fittings. The Front Power Window mechanism (was faulty) broke several times when the car was nearly new and had to be replaced with re- designed motors and chains (very expensive if car is out of warranty) The rear power window mechanism breaks often and is expensive to repair.....The Car overall is beautifully designed and finished on the outside, has very comfortable front seats, and has a quiet, smooth, stable ride with a well appointed dashboard and easy-to use controls. Automatic transmission started to jerk & stick at slow speeeds > 75,000 miles...Keys cost > 350$ to replace

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  Touareg rules - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DJ - July 14 - 7:23 pm

  I was compelled to write this review on my 06 Touareg after I saw several misguided reviews complaining about mechanical tire wear, gas mileage and maintenance. This isnt a Honda Civic, its a $40k+ 5,000 lb AWD SUV with tons of safety features and gadgets galore. Tire wear gas mileage & maintenance are all going to be higher, thats what you should expect with any luxury car. If youre not willing or prepared for higher cost of ownership, you shouldnt have bought one. Buy a Honda. That being said this is my 4th VW and although its more expensive per visit it visits the oil change half as often and has needed nothing more than oil, one set of tires and front brakes over 40k miles.

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  On Tap Instant Exhilaration - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Speedfreek70 - July 14 - 3:56 am

  "After you read my review you are all going to think VW paid me to say this: Nothing could be farther from the truth. I bought my 2010 GTI 2 dr in Candy White w/DSG paddle shifter- equipped Automatic. This car is sleek, stealthy and a head-turner when freshly washed. I make up excuses daily to drive it as frequently as possible. This little hot hatch is truly fun to drive. The turbo is responsive & the shifting is absolutely spot on when using the manual mode. It handles superbly, reminiscent of a souped up go- kart. The exhaust note is just perfect as is the sound emanating from the resonated air box under the hood. I cant get good gas mileage w/this pocket rocket. A true & true fun car!

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  70,000 miles without problem - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Curtson - July 12 - 7:30 pm

  Most writers seem to have complaints but that is not my experience. I wrote about this car at 42,000 miles and am doing a follow-up. I still like this car as much as I did then. Ive had to replace the headlight bulbs, a couple relay switches, and the rear lights. The timing belt replacement ($600) is usually done at 90,000 miles but Im doing it at 80,000 to be on the safe side. Ive replaced it in other cars so dont see this as an unusual expense. Slightly more expensive total repairs than my wifes 2005 Camry but its a lot more fun - we always take this car.