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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  Jetta 2003 Testamonial - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jharris - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Styling is sharp, finish is great, loads of features for the money. Why dont US carmakers make something to compete with this? Ive got the stick shift and its just that much more fun to drive, heated seats, sunroof, CD& cassete, what more can you get for this p

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  The most fun car on the road - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Luka82271 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I got my VW Convertible as soon as they were fairly available and I have to say, this is by far the most fun car Ive ever had. Top down or top up its zippy and styled so well. You would never regret owning this

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  Hey Honda, Dont Look In Now - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By majjikdick - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving a Honda Accord EX- V6 for the past 4 years and was pretty happy --- happy until I drove my wifes new Passat. This car is better than the Accord in every phase of the game (handling, performance, comfort, appearance, fit/finish). This car cost less than $27,000. Youll pay about $33,000 for a BMW 3 series (4 cylinder, no leather). If you buy one of these jewels, you will not be disappointed. The Passat is very impressive: quick, comfortable, fun to drive, built like a Chase Manhatten vault, and beautiful. If VW figures out what all the fuss is about theyll probably raise the sticker price by $5,000!!!

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  Van - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Drom - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is an exceptional van. I have the weekend package on it, which is a must if you get the van. Take the kids fishing and camping on the weekend. Go to the beach and take 6 kids with you with lots of room.

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  Nothing but problems - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By claret - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have very little that is good to say about this vehicle, or Volkswagen in general. I have had several unresolved problems with this car and the dealership where I bought it. In addition, if you ever have a problem with Volkswagen dont bother calling their headquarters. You will get rude, inattentive service with zero resolution to your problem. Problems: Thermostat, spark plugs, "false" computer chip errors, etc.

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  spend your hard-earned money elsewhere - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By bbdozer - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be more disappointed in a car. Its been in the shop out of commission for a total of eight days in a two year period. In my previous ten years as a Nissan/Toyota owner, I was without a car a total of ZERO days! I regret my decision daily and am trying to sell as we speak.

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  GLX AWD - What a ride - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By flue_fisker - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall the GLX has been a great car..Ive used it on on long road trips to my short work commute...I enjoy driving it every time..great feel and definitely not a cheap feel..good solid German built auto..

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  Dream car turned money pit - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Krystyna - December 23 - 3:43 am

  I purchased this car new with 12 miles on it. The car ran great for the 1st 3 years. My problem 1st started with an o2 sensor that was replaced in the 1st year of ownership-and my cup holder was replaced twice and the 3rd one broke but was not covered by the warranty. My glove box handle also broke off not to mention the arm rest broke. Then in 04 the j-joint snapped and caused the steering to fail. 05 I had to replace a cracked oil pan. Then in 08 the radiator blew ($500.00). Then the timing belt fell off, smashed the power steering pumu and wrapped around the tension arm ($750.00 w/o a new $350.00 tension arm) Ive had 2 batteries, re-replaced the 02 sensor and today my car wont start.

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  VW Passat GLS V6 wagon (140K miles) - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Patrick - December 22 - 10:13 am

  It is a great car for everyday use. I have mine for 6 years and I drove around 70K miles and it runs like a champ. These V6 engines are strong and hard to kill. The only thing I changed besides suspension, is timing ( which is normal every car, so is the oil), gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. Yes these are expensive parts, if you buy original like you should. I am a mechanic so every part I buy, I change it myself. This car is great for hauling cargo inside. So if youre looking for a first car and know something about how change little things and have budget limit to 5K, I suggest you get this car. Now it depends on a person, if youre planning on modifying like boosting, get a 1.8T, if not and want to have the car as a daily drive, get a V6. Why a V6 for a daily drive, because turbos are very expensive to replace, and you never what the car went through with previous owner.

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  2007 Passat Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By MN - December 22 - 1:16 am

  I recently purchased a 2007 Passat Wagon 2.0T. This car replaced a 1999 Passat Wagon and is a significant upgrade over the previous models. The 2.0T engine has alleviated the lag that existed in the 1.8T that was standard in the 1999 version. In addition, the car has more leg room and storage which were lacking in the 99 model. This car is fun to drive and comfortable too when equipped with the luxury package. I also looked at the Volvo V70 but after test driving both, I decided the Passat was a better all around purchase. I hope the 2007 version will be as reliable as the 1999 we drove over 100,000 miles with only minor problems.