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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  A Solid Winner, 2012 VW Eos - 2012 Volkswagen EOS
  By sandboxkid - September 24 - 9:49 pm

  This senior has been driving domestic cars for 50+ years and recently leased a 2012 Eos Komfort convertible. My prior lease was a Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible The Eos blows the G6 away in many aspects and I loved that car.  Some words I use to describe the Eos are fun, quick, smooth, and beautiful. After 30 days and 1000 miles, I find the quality of workmanship and operation to be excellent. My mixed driving habits net me 28.3 mpg overall. The rear seating is fine for grandkids but I usually do not use these seats.  With the top in the trunk, you still have some room to go grocery shopping, not so with the G6. The wind screen behind the front seats is a welcome feature.  The car gives just enough road presence that you think youre driving a sports car.There is a moderate learning curve for all the gadgets facing the driver, so engage your dealers knowledge at delivery. My VW professionals made me very comfortable.  There is a vast array of exterior colors, I picked the Black Oak Brown with beige interior which has attracted many lookers. It was in the brochure and hooked me immediately. Now I cant stop finding reasons to drive my new Eos.

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  The Rabbit is back - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Ben - September 24 - 5:43 pm

  My experience so far has been great. The Rabbit is fun to drive in all settings I have encountered. The gas mileage is less than stated but comes in at estimates at about 60 mph. Oh and the 10 speaker stereo is great! Just be ready for high service costs. Even an oil change is about $50.00.

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  2005 Jetta TDI (Pumpe Duese) - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian - September 24 - 11:36 am

  The new Pumpe Duese TDI offered in the 2005 Jetta is even better than the already proven diesel of the last generation. The new TDI features a direct injection, which as a by-product boosted engine performance and fuel economy. For those interested in speed - the New TDI Jetta will out perform the 2.0L gas 5 speed manual Jetta and get twice the gas mileage during the process! Overall, the new Jetta drives with outstanding peformance, efficency, balence and versatility.

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  It does nothing wrong - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By clarkma5 - September 24 - 7:06 am

  Ive had my 04 GTI since it was new and Ive just ticked over the 80k mark (this is my second GTI, after a 02 Tiptronic). It has never once had a mechanical or electrical problem. Ive done just about everything in it...5 people and their stuff, track days, commuting, long road trips, backroad drives, snow, rain, sun, traffic, moving...short of towing or off-roading theres nothing it doesnt do competently or better. Its such a delightfully well-built car, its no surprise that VW didnt actually profit from the MkIV Golf. Yes maintenance is important, but isnt it with every car? Do it on schedule and its unbeatable!

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  1ST FUN CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By YOUNG 68 GUY - September 24 - 3:50 am

  Might be oldest bug buyer of 04. Enter/ exiting very important for this senior; tested many small size convertibles, by far my volks the winner. The quietness with top up (not a rattle) is sedan like. Goose the turbo, wind in my face, smoothly hugging the road...thrilling. Old guy/gal friends are very comfort impressed. Purchased 10 new cars but never before went for a drive just because it was fun !!!

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  my rabbit - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By speed demon - September 21 - 10:00 am

  i love this car, it handles like if it was in rail road rield.

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  Gold - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By runmanrun - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, over 95,000 miles and no major problems to date. Fun to drive and really good or trips. Would have expected to have paid much more for such a great auto.

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  Unique and spacious - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By alias alias - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This van is unique. You wont see yourself coming dowm the road every few minutes. It is very spacious and has surprisingly good pickup on the highway. The seating is upright, giving you a commanding view of the road, yet it has a very comfortable ride, unlike the SUVs with similar seating positions. It also handles amazing well for a tall vehicle.

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  Awesome car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gadgetgirl - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After doing a ton of research, I decided on the Passat, both for value and for style. This car is extremely fun to drive. The blue anthracite with black leather is a great color combo. This is my first new car and I couldnt be happier. I feel like Im driving a much more expensive car. Its so quiet inside with all the windows shut and the climate control running. The Passat is simply an awesome car. I highly recommend it.

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  VW Jetta TDI Wagon Review - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob Gunnemann - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the gas mileage on the TDI. It gets 35 mpg city & 45 mpg highway. My wife loves the heated seats. We got the cold weather package which is just great.