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Skoda Car Reviews

Skoda Cars

Due to frustration over the inability to have his bicycle repaired, Vaclav Klement partnered with Vaclav Laurin and began a bicycle repair shop in Mlada Boleslav, Czechoslovakia in 1895. This was the beginning of Skoda Auto Works. By 1899 L&K produced their first motorcycle and later ventured into the auto market in 1905 with their Voiturette, meaning little vehicle. After working with French engineers and having varying success with different models, L&K merged with Skoda Works, a steel and machine manufacturer, in 1926. Skoda Works became the official name of the company and the L&K logo on the vehicles they produced prior to the merger, disappeared.

Skodas were known as sturdy, dependable machines and enjoyed a strong market through much of Europe for many years. With changing consumer trends and some less than stellar performers, sales declined. Many industries in Czechoslovakia were privatizing at the time so it was decided that a foreign partner could revive the company. Volkswagen was brought in to achieve this task. Due to new designs and a risky advertising campaign, the image of Skodas being an unattractive workhorse is gone.

Skoda Cars History & Background

Skoda Cars

Skoda is the leading car manufacturer in the Czech Republic. Skoda was founded in the 1890’s by Vaclav Klement. The original company began as a bicycle repair shop.

Klement and Vaclav Laurin opened the shop in 1895. Laurin was already a bicycle manufacturer by trade. In 1899, Klement and Laurin designed their first motorcycle.

Skoda joined the war efforts during World War I, and in 1905, the company began producing cars. After the First World War, Skoda began building trucks. The company was struggling financially and decided to merge with Skoda works. Production soon took on the Skoda badge.

During World War II, Skoda Works became Hermann Goring Werke and served the German war effort during the occupation. After World War II ended, Skoda designed their first post war car and it was the beginning of the 1101 series.

In 1991, Skoda joined forces with Volkswagen and became the fourth element in the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen’s experience has helped to fix many of the styling and mechanical problems that Skoda had previously faced.

Skoda has come full circle in recent years and now has several manufacturing plants. Skoda is also an active participant in the World Rally Championship, and in 2006, the company reached its goal of producing 500,000 cars in one year.

Current popular models include the Fabia, Roomster, Octavia, and the Superb.

The Skoda Fabia is a supermini. The Fabia was designed to replace the Skoda Felicia. The car is available in three body styles; four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, or as a five-door estate. The car comes with a wide variety of petrol and diesel engine options. The Skoda Fabia was first produced in 2000.

The Skoda Roomster is a leisure activity vehicle. The roomster comes with a variety of engine choices including a diesel engine option. The Roomster was first revealed in 2006 at an auto show as a production model.

The Skoda Octavia is a compact car that has been produced in two generations. The car is available as a four-door saloon or as a five-door estate. The original Octavia was produced in 1996.

The Skoda Superb is an executive car that comes in the form of a four-door sedan. The Superb comes with several engine choices including a diesel option. The Superb was first produced in 2002.