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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  Love it! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marie - September 2 - 8:50 am

  This car was the first car that my husband and I bought together. I think we will be lyal VW customers for life. The car rides wonderfully, has plenty of get-up-and-go and is VERY comfortable! The cargo space rivals that of most mid-sized SUVs and it gets FAR BETTER gas milage than most SUVs! We are so thrilled with this car!

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  I love my yellow Beetle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tara - September 1 - 9:06 pm

  I have to say my bug is running good even thought it has 137,000 miles on it no major problems yet. And this is the first bug I ever owned and I love it. Great on gas. But the light bulbs have to be changed every time one goes out. I just love my bug, its a fantastic car when nothing goes wrong with it.

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  Great First Car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By morgoone - September 1 - 5:30 pm

  My parents bought this car for me as my first car and I have never had any problems. It is fun to drive and has enough room to comfortably seat me and 4 friends for whatever excursion comes to mind. I always feel safe in this car because i am surrounded by airbags. The sound system is amazing and makes my friends jealous. This is a great first car.

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  Jetta TDI - Perfect at 18,000 miles - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian_in_Florida - September 1 - 8:06 am

  I purchased the Jetta TDI with DSG Auto 6 speed tranny and Package 1 last Fall. After owning Japanese cars and BMWs the last 20 years, I was concerned about quality, but so far I love my TDI. The DSG tranny is superb. I drive 110 miles per day highway at 80 mph getting 42 - 44 mpg. The driving dynamics of this car are as good as my wifes BMW 330Ci. It is a n nice tight package with excellent fuel economy. I only wish the styling didnt look like a cheap Corolla.

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  My only regret was that it was leased not bought - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By Mollari 2261 - August 31 - 1:12 am

  3 years / 30 miles and there wasnt a thing wrong with it. It was actually heartbreaking to turn it in at the end of the lease. Everything I needed this car to do, it did extremely well. It was roomy, comfy, very stylish, practically luxurious, fun to drive, good on gas, and it never gave me a lick of trouble. Replacing this with a leased Jetta was like going to Arbys after dining at Mortons Steak House. While I lease that miserable car, Im saving up to *buy* another CC.

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  Best purchase. - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - August 30 - 10:03 am

  I had a Gray 06 Jetta 2.5 5-spd w/Package 1 (6 CD/MP3/Sat, leatherette, heated seats, etc.) which I purchased new. I brought it to the dealer in June for some warranty stuff (w/44k miles). As Im waiting for the verdict, I stumbled into the showroom. Of course the inevitable happened & the sales manager approached me. So, I ended up test driving a 2.5 and a 2.0T WE which I absolutely fell in love with. Got a fantastic deal, a lower APR, a fresh warranty & more. I like that Monster Mats & Gorilla Gear were included too :) Black w/Anthracite, 6spd...plus it has the features my 06 had, for less $.

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  R32 Uber Golf - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By mkenn123 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many different vehicles over the years from high performance to more sedate models. From my experience with the R32 it is the best balanced car I have ever owned. It takes the curves with authority while providing a firm but not harsh ride. The acceleration under hard throttle is impressive, although there are faster cars if that is what you are looking for. The brakes are nothing short of incredable, if you hit them to hard be ready to head for the windshield. If you are looking for a vehicle that does everything well, while adding the security of all wheel drive, then the R32 is it. Oh, dont forget the wonderfully supportive seats.

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  good one - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By driverone - August 29 - 10:00 am

  good one for everything

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  Best car in market - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EJ08 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I test looked at the Corollas, Civics, Mazda3, Sonata, and the VW Jetta is the best of the bunch. The jetta is a little more $$ then the Corolla, Civic and Mazda3 but its worth it. Believe me the engines on these Jettas will go forever. Great gas mileage, nice looks and drives like a charm. Also good resale. I researched this car and its a great deal. Plus I bought it with their 0% financing promotion.

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  Performance Without the Guilt - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By Ray Frush - August 28 - 5:16 am

  After owning my Golf for three months, all I can say is "wow." The Golf TDI is deceptively powerful for only having 100 bhp. I can climb I-70 mountain passes in 5th gear all the way from Denver to Glenwood Springs without shifting. It is incredibly fun to drive and it handles very well. The GLS model is definitely one to hold out for, heated seats are a must for Diesel engines (that warm up slowly) in cool weather. The ESP Traction Control system is very, very good at keeping the car pointed where you intend. The Monsoon sound system is one of the best balanced sound sytems Ive heard in a car.