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:

• 

  The Jetta Rules! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Volkswagen Matt - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This Car is the Best Car I have ever driven. It has the feel of a BMW at a way cheaper cost. The Design is sporty yet functional and the attention to detail that the Engineers at Volkswagen makes this car great. The added features such as the ability to roll the windows down with the turn of the key in the door shows that Volkswagen has thought of everything. All these features, not to mention the Flip Key that resemble the Mercedes keys make this car a must have. I give this Car a 10 out of 10

• 

  Awsome SUV for the Money - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jforr - November 3 - 9:56 pm

  The Touareg provides the best in on road performance combined with the best on off road performance as well. It is quiet and refined on the highway and has excellent turning radius for its size. The Touareg is by far the best value for a premium SUV.

• 

  2003 Eurovan Review - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Keono - November 3 - 7:40 pm

  Driving this van is like riding on a cloud. Smooth transmission with power to pass as needed. INterior is deceivingly huge (you can easily carry ten 4x8 pieces of drywall in the back!). Seats could be bigger, and if you are over 6 tall, the sun visor limits your sight distance a bit. Rear facing 2nd row limits the recline of the front seats, but makes cargo space a snap.

• 

  Outstanding Value/Performance in Class - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Professor - November 3 - 9:13 am

  I would disagree with the first reviewers comments on how quiet the little car is. One of the things I enjoy most about driving the stout and zippy little car is hearing the 5cyl, 2.5L, 270hp engine wind up as Im manually shifting through the gears. Gone are the days of anemic VW base- model engines; this engine is more than ample. From my research, its only approx. 1 second slower 0-60mph than the 200hp GTI. What I like about the base model Golf is that it gets its power honestly, via a naturally- aspirated engine (no turbos needed). The ergos and handling are very similar between my Golf and the 2010 GTI I test drove. Being able to run 87 octane instead of premium is a plus too!

• 

  Expensive Junk - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jack Long - November 3 - 6:23 am

  My wife bought a new Passat in late December 2006. The night we drove it home the right headlight failed and it took the dealership nearly two weeks to find and install another unit. The car ran fine until mid-May 2007 when it started to make a loud buzzing noise on start-up. We immediately took it into the dealer who advised that a bolt had sheared on the oil pump and it needed an entire new engine! As of June 14, 2007 the dealership has had the car for almost 4 weeks and is now installing the third engine because the replacement engine had the same problem. This car has been out of service for more than 5 weeks during the first 6 months of ownership. This is absolutely ridiculous quality.

• 

  Never again... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erin - November 3 - 3:43 am

  I have had this car for less than 2 months & have already had to put $1500 into it. Ive replaced a door sensor, trunk latch, numerous vacuum tubes, & windshield wiper motor. While driving 70 mph, the side mirror cap just decided to fly off too. Just got my catalytic converter replaced too. Thankfully, still under warranty (600 miles away from being too late though). Previously, I had a 92 Toyota Celica. In the 5 yrs I had it, I put about the same amt into it and most of it was maintenance. I will NEVER buy a VW again. Everyone I talk to with a VW agrees. TERRIBLE! Dont buy one unless youre ready to invest a lot of money into this car.

• 

  GREAT! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tiffanaynay - November 2 - 8:03 pm

  My Volkswagen Beetle is roomy, fun to drive, and pleasing to the eye. My father bought this car for me and I am in love with it....

• 

  Fun with the Top Down - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nancy - November 2 - 9:06 am

  I love my new purchase. It is well worth every penny. I looked at a few convertibles and for the money it is an amazing vehicle. It is not my only car so I dont have to depend on it during the winter snow months, but I do hear that is should handle great during that time. I am actually confident that it will because so far I am very impressed. I like to drive larger vehicles (SUVs) and I was very surprised that I did not feel confined when I sat in this car for the first time. I love driving it and cant wait everyday to get into it. I have not driven my SUV since. I bought it somewhat because of gas prices and fun but the gas mileage is an added bonus. I love it, love it, love it.

• 

  Super - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jesse Izenberg - November 2 - 2:06 am

  Just returned from a 5000 mile trip and honestly find this car to be more than expected.

• 

  Love it....so far - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By runnerguy45 - November 1 - 4:14 am

  Really like this car. 43,000 miles in ten months. I love this car but I do admit the fuel pump problem scares me, VW needs to put its buyers at ease by covering this issue. Knock on wood this car has been great. I averahe 44 mpg. 48 on highway.