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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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Matt - November 14 - 8:16 am

  I have 4000 miles on my GTI so far and its a great car. This is my favorite car that I have owned (02 Mustang GT, 98 Cadillac STS). VERY fast and still gets good gas mileage. DSG is fun to drive on open roads and automatic mode is very convenient in traffic.

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  This car saved my life! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Faina S - November 14 - 2:36 am

  I was in a snow / ice storm and as I was heading towards an underpass I lost control and went into both sides of the underpass damaging the car but had no serious injuries, the car stayed in pretty good shape so I am happy to have a repeat purchase from this company.

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jordan - November 14 - 1:36 am

  I bought the car because my other three cars all got around 13 mpg. The Jetta was a great choice. It is safe, well built, and handles really well. I have owned it for about seven months and have had no problems so far. In mostly city driving I have averaged about 27 mpg and on highway around 35. I bought the car for $17,500 and it does not feel like a stripped model with its rich materials and high build quality. It has everything a person needs standard: power windows (w/express up on all four), an alarm, A/C, tilt/tellascoping wheel, and a huge trunk (I fit myself and three of my friends in there for fun!). As for the performance it is no Corvette but it has suprising power and torque. What a great car!

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  perfect tuned sleeper - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By GUESShimself - November 13 - 10:00 am

  If you want a nice reliable sedan, that doesnt really look the part, but definately acts the part of a sports coupe, then this is the car for you. Easily tuned and modified, great gas mileage, great comfort. Great bank for the buck!

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  Surprisingly Sporty, Economical & Fun - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By jddaigle - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I got this Golf to replace a 2001 Jetta with the 1.8 liter turbo engine. I wanted to reduce my fuel usage & try using biodiesel fuel. I loved the Jetta and love the Golf. The design of the interior is near-perfect, with everything where it should be. The performance of the high-torque diesel engine is excellent--I can easily keep up with (or pass) traffic and merge & pass on the highway without downshifting. The seats are very comfortable and supportive and even in base trim offer many ways to adjust your driving position. Handling is tight but not quite sports car tight (I may upgrade my suspension in the future). Road noise is very well controlled.

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  excellent car - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By Ronny VT - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Actually, we bought the car in 2000... we live in Europe, and diesel is the most common fuel here... It must be said that Volkswagen was a pioneer in the direct injected diesel engine... and you feel this when you drive a VW diesel... They perform like a petrol engine, are quiet, but they have a better fuel economy... Its a great car to drive... If you are looking for a nice reliable car, for a fair price... this Golf is your best buy

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  T-Reg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Magicman - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle! I will move up to a V- 8 or V-10 next year for more performance

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  READ THIS & WEEP FOR VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By XvwOWNER - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Turbo Diesel, 5spd Manual. Theres not enough room here to list my gripes about this poorly built car. Ive learned to hold parts of the dash while driving. From the first 14 miles, I notice SMOKE. Then, the cruise failed, with such a rough idle, you cant run the AC while idling at traffic lights. Oh no, whats that, an engine light? Come on VW... quit torturing your customers. Signed, a future X-VW owner.

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  2004 Jetta 1.8 Wagan - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Patricia Flaherty - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for two months but I love it. Very easy to drive,pickup is outstanding. ABS standard breaking is also very good. Cargo space is also outstanding. Overall, I think this car is an outstanding bargin for safety, good cargo space and fun to drive. Not to many family wagons are also fun to drive but the Jetta 1.8 Wagon fits that bill as well for in my case under 20,000

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  cute but problematic - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By allisong - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I loved my bug but now its gone due to a leak in the roof of the car. Apparently there are drains in the roof that clog easily and with nowhere to go, the water leaks into the car. The dealer and the regional manager say that drains and the need to clean them out is common knowledge. Ever hear of this? The car had numerous problems from the beginning. I went to two different dealers for service and at both locations the car came back with new problems including scratches to the interior paint, wires being switched (trunk and gas latches) and several other annoying issues. Careless and frustrating service and constant problems, my bug is gone!!