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 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By avalanche18 - April 29 - 3:40 pm

  This car is amazing. But, dont let the beauty of this car fool you. I just recently purchased it used and already have to replace the catalyst converter($380) cause of the fuel fumes I smell in the cabin of the Jetta. Well i did buy the car used with 122,00+ miles on it, these things are bound to happen. Also, the Monsoon radio has just shut off. If that happens just take fuse #42 out for thirty seconds and let the static electricity calm down. other than that this car is Amazing! The power of this vehicle is amazing.

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  Almost there - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By clarkma5 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  When I first got this car, it was a bit of a love-hate relationship. On one hand, I loved the engine and the interior, but I hated the transmission and the handling. Now that Ive had this car for awhile I realize that the transmission does a decent job, and, despite the body roll, this thing sticks in corners quite well. The interiors just as good as day one, too, and the engines still smooth and powerful. There were a couple squeaks and rattles in the first few months that have since disappeared. I got past the window reg and coilpack recalls without a hitch...overall, my thoughts on VWs reliability and dealer service is higher than most peoples.

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  Keep the windows shut! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EdS - April 29 - 10:00 am

  2 problems, 2 words. Windows! Cooling! I leased the car new and within 1 year replaced a window regulator. I have had it for four years and average 1 a year with an exception for not replacing the passenger side after I turned the car into a commuter. Cooling system has been the final straw and will cause me to never own another VW. Of all the cars Ive owned in my life, Ive never had one have the air conditioning system go out until now. Add to that the fact that the driver side window regulator went out the next day and you have a VERY pissed off owner.

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  SoMeOne Else With The goOP!!!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy2BHonda - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Hey! Im glad I came here and Im even happier I got rid of my canyon red 99 NEW GLS!!! The window fell 7 days after buying it and the transmission blew 1 month later. It had 49k miles! That damn goop that came out of it and onto the door...ARGH!!! The check engine light was always coming on. I thought Id love that car.....

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  LEMON - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lemon1 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Wagon less than a month ago. During that time it has been at the dealer twice for repairs. The O2 sensor and a hose went out less than 72hrs after I bought the car and McKenna VW in Costa Mesa, Ca. wanted to charge 500 dollars to repair the car. Even though it was under warranty McKenna said "I should take it to the dealer I bought the car." After getting the general manager involved I got the car fixed, but was told McKenna was "doing me a favor.” VW has the worst customer service ever and I will NEVER buy a VW again. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY.

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  I love my Jetta! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ALee - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jetta. After owning 2 sables in a row and a Sebring, I got my 1st German engineered car . . . . I will NEVER go back! I have a 6 year old son and he can fit himself and 2 friends in the backseat, PLENTY of trunk room for the sports stuff, but I still feel like I am driving a sports car. I feel so safe in it - it is so sturdy. The transmission seems to shift hard, had it checked, they said no problem - so I guess I have just gotten used to it - but otherwise I am in love! It is a bold red with black windows, sunroof, black leather interior - awesome!

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  Worst car ever... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettasucks - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2001 Volkswagon Jetta GLX. WHile the car was under warranty there were no problems. Literally within 100 miles out of the warranty everything broke. The heated seats were the first to go. Then an a/c vent. The center console clip. Window clips were recalled. Once I had that fixed, my door locks went out. ($300+) The check engine light stays on in my car. Everytime I have it repaired, the very next day something else breaks. One word for anyone considering purchasing this car, RUN AWAY!!!!!!!

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  top thanks to the new Diese engine - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Rusty56 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  with a V10 Diesel enginge this SUV is fantastic.

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  Solid and fun - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff Ogden - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Looks great. Drives great. Handles like on rails. Dislikes: back seat is small and V6 is a bit light on the power, but not bad.

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  Nice car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Badoodie - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really like this car. A bit smaller than my previous Mazda but much more fun to drive. Nice leather interior. Most importantly, my mechanic and my car insurance guy both gave it very enthusiastic thumbs up!