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:

• 

  Thanks Volkswagon - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Adam Wolfson - August 28 - 5:13 am

  I was looking between the Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, and when I finally test drove the New Passat, there was no more competition in my mind. I love this car. The ride, the placement of everything inside, Everything is great! I know that Volkswagon has had problems in the past, so time will tell with the Passat.

• 

  Phaeton phenominal - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Chris Crane - August 28 - 4:56 am

  It is a pleasure to drive the Volkswagen Phaeton V8. Every aspect of driving becomes enjoyable. The gauges and controls are logical, easy to read, and instinctive. The car handles amazingly well in the snow. I have driven an Infiniti Q45, BMW 740i, and Lincolns, but nothing compares to this car. There cannot be a greater value than the (reduced price) Phaeton.

• 

  Very impressive package - 2014 Volkswagen Touareg
  By wnm - August 27 - 7:51 pm

  Just bought 2014 Sport with Nav two days ago after closely following Touaregs improvement for few years. Comparing with no less than 4 other SUV, we decided to take Touareg based on overall performance and its value. Certainly you can find few alternates which exceed Touareg in various areas, however Touareg impressed us with exceptional performance and overall value.

• 

  Buy one you WONT regret it! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Driver Hired! - August 26 - 12:03 pm

  Well I originally wanted to purchase a two year old Audi A4. It would be in the price range I was looking for. I came across the Jetta and actually thought it was the Audi. Doing some homework on the Jetta revealed that it has one of the highest safety ratings, is a cousin of the A4 and is an overall excellent value. The Jettas prior to 2008 were more expensive and was not crazy about the wheels and tail lamps. 2008 VW changed them and lowered the price. I now own my Jetta and get compliments everywhere I go!! The car has almost every option I could need and it only cost me $20,500. every car in its class doesnt even come close to the Jetta in Value. AND its German..

• 

  Pleased with the 2003 Passat and Oakvill - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bruces Baby - August 26 - 4:03 am

  As a 16 year owner of the 1st model year of the VW Jetta, I answered the call for drivers wanted in 2007. My used 2003 Passat is truly a joy to drive. I faithfully change oil out @ 8K with Castrol Synthetic 5 w 40 and look forward to enjoyable years of driving. Purchased in 2007 with ~ 83 K I have now in 01/09 133 K with only a transaxle boot replacement

• 

  best buy far - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By driver commuter guy - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I replace my commuter car every two years, and have difficulty finding the right blend of a drivers car, safety, good mileage and comfort, let alone a reasonable price. Ive always been torn between Japans reliability, the Germans handling, and the Swedes safety; no more! The 2002 1.8T matched with a slick manual is the finiest blend Ive ever owned. Nice work VW!

• 

  Almost perfect - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cabl - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is an excellente automobile that may be unbeatable for the price.

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kalamazoo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Pleasing performance, fine fit and finish, quietness, excellent sound system, features, features, features -- still finding new features.

• 

  vw beetle-theyre greeeeeeeeat - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By smea - August 26 - 2:00 am

  great car, it is a blast to drive and it is pretty to look at

• 

  Engine boggs on accelleration - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By JC - August 25 - 2:46 pm

  Day after I bought the car it started hesitating and the car stall on me in traffic. Took the car to the dealer the next day and they said they couldnt find the problem. After taking the car several times to the dealer they finally found the problem. It took them 13 days to fix it while I was given a rental car. They replaced the "EVAPCANIST".