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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  Perfect Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sergio Ramirez - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The balance of performance, quality, and practicality is unlike any other car out there. Go see one for yourself and youll quickly see what I mean. Truly gods chariot!

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  VW Eurovan - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By jmurphegan - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this van! It has so much room for my family. I couldnt imagine being without it.

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  Best of SUVs - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DougT - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The craftmanship and quality of superior engeneering placed on a conservative but savage SUV like the TReg.

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  Snow bound Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chod - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Im loving my 2004 Touareg. It handles great up here in the Northlands snow and ice. I have no complaints with the V-6 and would recommend it over the V-8 unless youre a speed demon. I traded in my old BMW 525 and Yukon Denali to consolidate into one car--this is the perfect comprimise. I can get around in the snow, do some light to moderate off-roading and still feel the road behind the wheel of a German sedan. Its the best of all the "luxury SUVs" Ive driven. Didnt get the nav package. Undertand a better one is coming out in 05. Would have liked the XM Satellite Radio option if it were available.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Phil Margera - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. I enjoy driving this ar where ever I go. It has awesome off road capabilities and is yet so comfortable.

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  great Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bmulligan - August 18 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this baby. That turbo kicks in and hold on. You get a lot for your money with features that some expensive cars dont have.

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  Love this car but more power please - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lomar - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding ride for the price, great handling luxurious interior

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  marandas review - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By maranda - August 18 - 2:00 am

  i love my .v.w. its so fun to drive and the price is so afordable and me my husband and 3 kids fit so thats what i call my type of car thanks toyota

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  Great car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By tricia - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Passat I have owned. It is a great car.....fun to drive and very stylish. It is a good value since it is a similar car to the Audi A4 yet is is priced lower.

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  Fun, Fun, fun..... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RamsFan1980 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  First off I would like to say that the 200hp SIX speed manual is AWESOME! I have never owned a car that I just want to jump into and drive like I do this car. The look of the car, the quick acceleration and the sporty feel just makes me glad that I bought it. Get the leather package. Gives a more sporty European feel.