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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  Sporty with seating for four and a trunk - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Jackson - November 28 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the 2004 Volkswagen R32 after taking home a Mazda RX-8 and a Nissan 350Z. I loved both of them, but they each had their drawbacks, the Wankel engine in the RX- 8 and no storage and no back seat in the 350Z. The R32 fit the bill of what I was looking for in a car. The AWD paired up with the 3.2L V6 make this car thoroughly enjoyable. I drive a lot, and this car is very comfortable on the interstates, and in town is comfortable as well. Its exhaust note is mentioned often, and for good reason. I wanted a car that was fun to drive, but could carry my girlfriend, two dogs, and camping gear. It also needed to allow me to appear responsible. All in all, this car is a dream.

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  Excellent Quattro a.k.a 4-Motion AWD - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul M - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought dealer’s demo 2001.5 Passat GLX 4Motion last month. The Quattro a.k.a 4-Motion AWD system provides amazing stability to the car. During cats-and-dogs downpour the car behaved as it was on dry pavement. In addition, the richly appointed interior and upscale looking exterior plus excellent crash ratings make this car a pretty good buy. On the down side, the engine needs low- end torque. You don’t get much acceleration before the tach reaches about 3000. Also, I wish instead of that bucket-size ashtray on the back of center consol, it had CD storage. Apparently, Germans smoke a lot more at the back seat...

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  I love this car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By transmit - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking at cars for over 4 months, test driving dozens of models and researching them thoroughly. I pretty much decided against getting a new car because nothing I drove impressed me. That was until I test drove the Golf. This car put a serious smile on my face when I drove it and equally important, it was the only car that seemed solidly built (for under 30K) and just had an air of quality that the others lacked. The interior materials are particulary well done.

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  Great Little Driving Machine - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By BocaBoy65 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im hooked on German Engineering. The way my Golf handles still amazes me. Wethor driving on slick roads, ice, or sharp turns, my car effortlessly careens me thru. This handling EATS tires so make sure you ROTATE. The interior design is also awsome. The color of the dashboard lights, the placement of controls, the seat pattern design and the chrome extras all make up an impressive look that is always complimented when someone gets in my car. Interior hardware not so good. Visor lights, side view mirror and seat handles all broke within first month.Gas milage is just ok.

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  Fast and reliable - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jrogers75 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a automatic Jetta Gls and it took sometime to time getting used to the Transmission features, Once the transmission became familar with my driving style, it handles and drives like a race car. Wasnt very impressed with the quality of the inside cover of the sunroof though "cardboard with carpet" very flimsey. Car can be very noisy if you only have the sunroof open too. If you have any back problems I would buy this car !! Very good support for the back and you can move virtually anything with the seat.

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  vw passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stockdoc - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great wagon at 12 to 15 k less than bmw saab and volvo. Its a great value and fun to drive. I especially like the 4 wheel drive , heated seats and tiptronic transmission. Only problem is wind noise when sun roof is open.

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  Overpriced and Overrated - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmi - November 28 - 10:00 am

  VW customer service leaves alot to be desired. There is a reason the warrenty is for only 24,000 miles. New radiator at 42,000 miles, $600.00, ouch!! Selling, and buying another Infiniti I35. They wrote the book on qiality and service!! Auf Wiedersehen VW.

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  I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE COMPLAINTS - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SYR - November 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF S... THANK GOD HAS A WARRATY COVERAGE. AS SOON AS MY WARRANTY IS UP, IM SELLING IT.

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  Fun car with a few minor bugs - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By fourfish - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed this car since buying it new in 99. Door rattles were and window switches were all fixed under warranty. Had an $650 repair at 41K to replace a gas tank breather tube (engine check light was on). Overall, its a fun car.

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  Economy, Performance, and Style - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lanark - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my TDI. It took a while to find one with a 5 speed, but it was worth the hunting. I cant believe this kind of pick-up from a standstill on a diesel. And naturally, unless youre in the market for a hybrid, you cant beat the mileage. Plus, even though the car is (comparatively) low-priced as far as German sedans go, it seems to be an eye- catcher, not to mention that there almost seems to be a TDI clique/club/cult? Comfortable and stylish interior for two adults (dont plan any road trips for four 6-footers) Only real complaint is: why doesnt VW give up on the dial knob for seatback adjustment that theyve been using ever since the (original) Beetle?