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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  48 months of supereconomical fun - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By still like to drive - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Only problem was with the windows and VW fixed those free. Inside space is amazing, mpg 50 always. Handling is super even in snow but low ground clearance. Dont try to sleep in it. Turns into mini wagon with ease. Even better performance after a new set of upgraded tires at 45K. Most people dont realize its a diesel unless I stay in one spot too long and the stink catches up with me. Gas station attendants argue that I am at the wrong pump.

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  The car that breaks down weekly - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By felix11111 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  It spends more time at the dealer than actually runs ;-(

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  A complete Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By arash1972 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 2002 BMW 330 coupe for V8 Touareg. The car handles and accelerates like the beamer. Ride is naturally more comfortable, very quite. The interior is very luxurious with high quality material. I test drove X5 and FX45 before I opted for this car. The 6000lb gross weight and tax deduction is a great bonus on Touareg. I bought the car brand new at $2500 bellow invoice price (because of time of the year) and got a great price on my trade in ($1500 more than other dealers were offering). I sent my offer to 6 local dealers through E-mail. I choose the one who gave me the best trade in value. Mountain VW of Denver were very accomodateing.

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  Cant go wrong with a TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chism - October 25 - 8:23 pm

  I have been very impressed with this car. It gets incredible gas mileage and is a very solid build. It handles well, and all of the controls are easy to get to.

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  What a deal. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By runteach - October 25 - 10:33 am

  Wonderfully performing car for the size. Took car for a day trip on winding state highways and the car was excellent, power and handling are superb. After driving many higher priced, less optioned cars, the VW was a no-brainer, just hope past reliability issues are non-existent. It is too bad VW is discontinuing the manual tranny after the 08 model, this might be the best manual tranny VW has produced. Gas mileage has been great so far, between 28-30 mpg for combined driving.

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  Been in shop 3x in 2 mos. no accident - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cat - October 24 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased this car used at 35K and its been in the shop 3x in the last 2.5 months with engine issues, key fob issues, fuse went, and suspension issues. The car has never been in a prior accident and never one with me since I purchased it. Ill never get another VW. Plan to trade this car in by end of year if these problems keep occurring, as I suspect they will.

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  Migraine - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By George - October 24 - 6:30 am

  I purchased the car with 96K and now have 133K. Repairs so far include: timing chain & belt clutch all 4 window regulators struts, ball joints, control arms - entire suspension AC all hoses sparkplugs now Im looking at fixing the heater core, which is ~ $700. Also worth noting the radio gets minimal reception, CD player died soon after purchase, electronics are quirky (turn volume down and it goes up), cruise control doesnt work. When theres nothing wrong with the car it drives fine and is fun, but the maintenance is horrible, and I take it to the best and cheapest shop around (Black Forest Industries). Probably put in ~$5K in 40K miles/2.5 years (paid 5600). Never buying a VW again

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  Fun when it runs - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWregret - October 24 - 5:43 am

  I loved this car when I bought it. But, when the repairs started, they never stopped. It spends most of the time these days in the shop. The repairs over the past year include $900 turbo, $500 timing belt, $650 coolant feed line (dealer), $600 struts and many other $200+ repairs. I cant even sell it because of other repairs that need to be made to it. Its a piece of junk. I wish it wasnt because I really liked this car. I will never buy another VW. Never.

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  2001 Volkswagen EuroVan - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By euronut - October 23 - 9:33 pm

  My 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan is a performer and fun to drive. We tow a boat with it and take long road trips. For traveling, you cant beat it. The reliability is poor and the repair costs are higher than most cars with the standard brake job costing $800. You should factor a 30% increase on repairs for Eurovan over a Golf or a Jetta. They are hard to work on and parts are scarce.

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  Love it - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chance - October 23 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car not too long ago with only 70,000 miles on it, I got it from a dealership and I am not to certain about the owner/owners before me but since Ive had it Ive put about 7000 miles on it. I have been putting 93 octane in it and synthetic oil and it runs excellent. Just as you would expect a German engineered car to run. I always hear mixed reviews about VWs and it has led me to believe that when it comes to a VW the car gods either smile upon you or curse your every step. I am lucky enough to have found one that has such low mileage for its age and still runs superbly.