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:

• 

  4 faults at 3000 miles! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Mikesan - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I wish I could love it. At 3000 miles I have the following problems with my 03 MV: Fuzzy sounding speakers, Heater/AC blower does not work, driver side window washer doesnt work, peeling plastic on the driver side door handle. I actually prefer my 2000 GMC Safari for comfort, but its near the end of the warranty cycle, so its for sale. Keeping the VW because of the still-fresh warranty.

• 

  Better than an SUV - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By ShrinerMonkey - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great looking and equiped car for the money, basically an Audi but for thousands less. However, the build quality leaves a lot to be desired, squeeks and rattles abound and are very hard to fix. The turbo lag of the 1.8T is annoying and the engine is noisy. The MAF sensor went out at 32,000 miles ($500 to replace). The rear seats are a major hassle to fold down and the glove box and cup holders are a joke. The headlights are also dangerously underpowered on their low beam setting. Overall a good car, but disappointing build quality and reliabilty.

• 

  Wonderful SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By markchurch - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After seeing the Toureg I tried to not to fall in love with it. But once I test drove it I was a gonner! I am still being amazed by some of the thoughtful features I continue to discover each time I drive it. This is the SUV Mercedes should have built.

• 

  Helluva Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By kcmwdc - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After 2,000 miles, car is just great. Have Audi A8 with similar engine. Both awsome. However, shifting from D3,D2,D1 or back up again, car goes into "no where land". Punch the gas, nothing. Also, nobody can figure out how to install XM Satellite Radio.

• 

  VW Service Stinks! - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By milehighassassin - July 9 - 8:16 am

  I have loved this car. I bought it because I drive about 30,000 miles a year. I drive about 65-90 mph on average, depending on traffic. I average about 42 MPG overall. This car has great power, dont let the 100 HP claim get you down. The true power comes from the turbo-charged diesel, putting out something like 174 ft-lbs of torque. The ESP has been great, saving me once. My biggest and MAJOR complaint has been the VW service. They stink. They deny everything they can. My mud flaps are cracking from the snow and ice build up. Diesel prices also are about 50 cents a gallon more than gas, so do the LONG math if you think you are saving money. I save about $1.40 a week, when you figure the difference in fuel.

• 

  Great engine/Gearbox shonkybuild quality - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By De Spear - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The engine is great and mates wonderfully to the DSG The car has plenty of torque and is responsive I am very disappointed with the quality of the materials used Car dealer service is very expensive. http://ontargetreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/2005-vw-golf-tdi-20-comfortline.html

• 

  5 yrs later...$8000 in maint. & rising - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ididlikevwjettas - July 8 - 10:00 am

  If you are going to buy a used vw jetta make sure to get extended warranty! Bought the car used at around 60,000 miles with warranty till 100,000 miles. Problems: internal engine problems-dealer replace whole engine, got used engine in-did not work, got another used engine-worked, secondary air system leak-replace cracked round plastic resevour next to oil pan-not covered by warranty, replaced all belts; due to noise, replace faulty ac compressor, coolant leak at thermostat housing. rear alignment is off: not adjustable, WTF! Just got new tires. must be bent suspension? thats gonna cost alot! Otherwise great performance, vr6 is quiet and seems at times "as if the engine is not even running.

• 

  Fuel Efficient Family Friendly Fun - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By soflotdi - July 5 - 6:55 pm

  I purchased a 4 door Golf TDI with automatic (DSG) transmission in late July (2011). Ive just passed the 2000 mile mark and so far I have been thrilled with the TDI. Im 65" tall and find the driving position more comfortable than that of my Honda Accord. There is plenty of room for a family trip, and the rock solid build quality and quiet interior make it a pleasure to drive long distances. It handles like a go-cart and the diesel torque provides abundant passing power. To date I am averaging 35mpg in miced City/Hwy driving. [violative content deleted]

• 

  Average Reliability But Fun to Drive - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By CT8799 - July 4 - 3:53 pm

  While I love the quality of the materials used both inside and out, I never know what might happen with the car, reliability-wise. Within the first month of ownership, I had at least 2 trips to the dealership as a result of smelling a burning smell from the rear brakes after driving. Since then, have had both headlights go out (within 2 days of one another), followed by another one going out again. Also have had exhaust system issues (under warranty) and car has stalled while stopped at light, but this was an exhaust issue as well and the repair seems to have fixed the issue. Not sure I would buy another one.

• 

  Good little car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike - July 4 - 8:36 am

  After about a year with my Rabbit, I can finally write a review. The Rabbit is a fun little car to drive, with a lot of pep. The 6 speed tiptronic transmission is a lot of fun and very unexpected in such a low price car. The interior and build quality constantly amaze me after having Fords, Pontiacs, Chevys. The 2.5 engine doesnt mind being revved, and sounds pretty good when doing it. Although, it is a fairly thirsty little car, as I average 17 in city driving. It replaced a Crown Vic which was getting 12, so I cant complain that much. Not a bad car in winter either, never got stuck once with a good set of snow tires.