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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  AC garbage - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By alicat2441 - July 5 - 4:42 pm

  Do not buy this car or any VW-they refuse to stand by their product! In 7/13 my AC completely quit. VW said I needed a new AC compressor for $1700. VW of America helped-cost brought down to $700. AC worked until 5/14 where delayed/intermittent cooling started. 6/13 VW said AC had a leak. Problem continued. Had diagnostic done today and told I need a new AC unit. The AC compressor- new 7/13- is breaking down and sending debris thru system-cost to replace $2+K. VW of A will not help to replace AC system because 93K miles on car even though new AC comp was put in 7/13.. Warranty on 7/13 work was 12 month/12K miles-17K put on car in 10 months no warranty. Go read VW forums.

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  Repairs equal purchase price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hassef - July 5 - 10:57 am

  My brother bought this car for a little old lady 9 months ago for 5k. Haha, ya right. He has already spent 4k fixing it and his mechanic says the ball joints are going, onther 1k. What a lemon. I drove the car, it may or may not have been owned by a little old lady but it definitely drives like one. What a piece of junk.

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  Silent Diesel - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doug - July 5 - 3:56 am

  This car breaks the diesel stereotype of being loud and dirty. This car is quiet and produces no black smoke. Its torque is fun, fuel mileage is great, and it is a sleek ride. I have owned this car for a week and no one I know even knows its a diesel. So far its solid. So far city driving 34 mpg during break in period.

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  Lemon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By djjunglejulie - July 4 - 10:48 pm

  Owning this car was a nightmare! Do not buy unless you are a mechanic who enjoys repairing your car!! Words that come to mind are: Lemon Money pit ludicrous amounts of repairs repairs repairs repairs broken down overheating electrical problems just bad

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  Vdub - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dub the VDub - July 4 - 10:46 am

  I previously owned a 98 passat and loved it, even though it gave me nothing but problems. I Recently got the 2006 passat and all i can say is WOW. I am uber pleased with what i got. The original owner paid $32,000.00 and with only 39560 miles on it i managed to get the price from 21k to a simple 16k. By far the best car i have invested in. I love the power and performance. I suggest you use Amsoil Full synthetic oil 5w 40 European blend. It makes the power of the 225hp and turbo show through with amazing up and down shifts also helps car start immediately in cold. This will not be my last Volks. I think that this car will out last my last on. the Germans know how to engineer. Buy one!!

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  First time VW owner...so far, so good - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By KCjayhawk - July 4 - 9:50 am

  Purchased the 07 Passat wagon used in March with less than 10K miles and so far it is a real joy to drive. I too like many am experiencing some unpleasant squeaking in the dash area, but my local dealer assures me it can be fixed. Traded in a 4Runner and I have about the same amount of cargo space, its actually longer than my wifes Grand Cherokee. If you are tired of getting beat up driving an SUV, this is a great alternative. Engine, while a little clunky sounding on the outside, is very smooth and responsive. The interior is gracefully simplistic with all of the controls intuitively placed. Although there will probably be a learning curve if you are a first time VW owner like myself

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  I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Elizabeth - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  I love driving this car. It handles well, gets great gas mileage, and is incredibly comfortable. Some say the visibility is limited, but it doesnt bother me a bit. But you should test drive one to make sure you like it. I have had a blast with it so far though!

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  Best midsized sedan out there by far! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vdublover - July 3 - 3:36 pm

  We researched and drove Accord, Camry, and various other makes including Audi and Volvo. The Passat is the "Just Right" car in this segment. With plenty of power and fuel economy topped off with nice styling and comfort, this car suits my aggressive driving style, my wifes stylish taste, and my two kids space necessity. VW has won again!!

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  good car with a 2.0L none turbo motor. ff - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian - July 3 - 1:11 pm

  replaced just about everything on the car threw out the 5 years i have owned the car. so a good car if you can do the work your self and find the correct aftermarket parts to use as a lot of the OEM parts are pricey as well. If you were having someone ells do the work then this would be a more expensive car to own. Always keep on top of the timing belt changes with new water pump and tensioner. Iv replaced the clutch, new drive shafts, ball joints twice sins iv had it, recharged the A/C system a few times, gone threw a few sets of tires in the last 70k miles iv had it. will drive the car till the motor goes, then probably put another motor in the car and keep driving it. car drives like a go kart.

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  Just too much fun! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Turbo Freak - July 3 - 12:50 pm

  My son and I just bought a pair of matching GTIs. I cant tell you how impressed we are! They are very fast, comfortable, economical and just plain fun! A word of caution to all who are contemplating getting the ground effects kit. I had mine installed yesterday and found that the factory black side skirts are epoxied on! When they removed them some paint came with it! After a minor paint and buff on the glue areas its perfect. I wish I could post a picture because the improvement in looks is well worth it! The original black trim is too "Golf" looking to me. The DSG is simply amazing and the handling and brakes are superb. I would highly recommend this car to anyone....period.