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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  i love my jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaIIIglxvr6 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  this car has been everything i expected and more

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  Love the Golf - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By GolfChicK101 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Very economic on gas, runs smoothe. Very comfortable, and very cute for any college kid.

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bob Phillips - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 99 VW Jetta and heard that VW had made big improvements in the newest model. The VW Jetta is a little car with a big car ride. They added power locks, power windows, in dash cd player, cruise control and other features which make the VW Jetta a mini econo-luxury car. I have had no problems with either VW Jetta model. Oh, and the full size spare tire is a bonus, if you ever get a flat.

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  Fun to drive mid-sized sedan - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By scj2 - June 19 - 3:50 am

  Ive owned the 2012 SE Passat V6 for over 1 month and have enjoyed it. Purchased as a CPO vehicle, it has great acceleration and a smooth ride. Plenty of leg room in the front and back seats. Car rides well, has excellent power for passing and navigation works well.

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  Best of the bunch - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By drlink - June 18 - 11:00 pm

  Drive any other car in this category - BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. If you can get past the marquee, you will realize that the Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is the best put together vehicle of the bunch. it has perfect fit and finish and comfort on long trips like none other. I hope they dont pull the plug on this fine car.

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  Vw Jetta DO NOT BUY - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bob - June 18 - 10:50 pm

  2002 VW jetta worst car ever made. Water pump went out, electrical issues, transmission went out, heater problems, many other problems also. All this with only sixty thousand miles. By far the worst car ever made..

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  It is a really good car - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hana Kim - June 18 - 6:47 am

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  Another great VW - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By trav87 - June 18 - 5:50 am

  I bought mine used from a local VW dealer, and abuse the snot out of it. I autocross and do hill climbs with this car, as well as daily drive it. Normal wear and tear items get replaced, and regular maintenance keep things going strong. As with any used car, parts tend to wear out faster than new, so be prepared to spend money keeping them going. Do your homework and never buy a used car without having it checked out!

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  Pocket Rocket - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Morianos - June 18 - 2:50 am

  We bought this car for my wife brand new in 04 I guess. Its been great ever since and VW has stood behind it. My wife hit a curb, VW replaced the wheel and tire free of charge, a slight defect in the paint on the bumper was also fixed no problem. Fast with super gas mileage what more can you ask for.

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  I love this car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Holly - June 17 - 1:13 pm

  This is the best car ever and even if I could have any car in the world I would still want this one!