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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  The ultimate - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kokomokid - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My Jetta wagon is getting 45-50 mpg in mixed driving. From what I hear, the TDI automatic doesnt do nearly as well, so if you want a TDI, Id suggest the manual. Beyond the fuel economy issue, I also really like the way it drives. The engine has a narrower power band than a gas engine, but has lots of torque in the 1500- 3000 rpm range. The TDI feels surpisingly strong for 100. The car itself is well put together and, so far, has had no problems. (knock on wood) I really like the way the instruments look at night, with the blue LED lighting. The interior is attractive and comfortable for this thin, 511" guy.

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  The PERFECT Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ColeopteraVW - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This, I must say, is the best car I have ever driven, and I have driven quite a few. I LOVE the turning radius! And ADORE the fact that I can get in and out of tough parking places! I am personally not a performance freak, so this may not be for those who want dangerous acceleration. The great gas mileage is a huge bonus! And you cant forget safety! It has belt tensioners, dome roll-cage (convertibles have stability thing I think), six airbags, and anti-intrusion door beams, and more! If someone offered me a Corvette for really low, Id take it...then sell it and buy a couple Bugs!!!

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  A true gem - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sunnygirl - August 30 - 12:10 am

  After the purchase of our 99 beetle we have only been back to the dealership for oil changes, nothing else. We purchased the car through the CPO program and never looked back. This car is the best car we have ever owned, hands down!

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  a very fine automobile - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tenney - August 29 - 6:30 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI is a high quality vehicle with the bonus of having very good mileage for a vehicle of its size. It has excellent handling. I would prefer a standard transmission, but the automatic is very flexible. The only thing I would change are the sunvisors, they do not provide enough side coverage. I have averaged 34 mpg in the first 9,000 miles in suburban driving and up to a whopping 41 mpg on long trips.

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  Unhappy Camper - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jimbo Jones - August 29 - 8:13 am

  Much nicer car than the previous model in every way...fit and finish and quality of materials is second to none..unfortunately, have owned the car for 3 weeks and it has been in the shop 3 times (still in there after 6 days)...the first time was after the first 5 miles...with an undiagnosed problem

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  long live wagons - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By V Dubagon - August 28 - 4:36 pm

  I am new to the wagon, however we also own a 2006 Passat Value Edition. We love them both. They are always fun and stylish. This car definitley stands out over the Accords or Camrys. You couldnt ask for a better vehicle. It has oodles of room, lots of power for this size of vehicle vs. engine. VW has done it again. What a great car company.

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  Disappointing Jetta - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pops - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Lots of problems early on with car. Automatic trans problems. Rear brake problems. Power window problems. Remote alarm problems. Alternator ceased at 30K. Exhaust down-pipe has broken two times.....On and on. Very disappointed in the realiability of this car. I have had many VWs before but this is my first brand new one. It will also be my last.

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  Turbo Love - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Biff Henderson - August 28 - 10:00 am

  If you want to drive a stealthy car that blows the doors off of all civics, focuses, and celicas... this is the car for you! It has awesome utility + performance for a very reasonable price. I love this car!

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  mistake - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By jimbo jones - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My mistake. There are better cars for less $.

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  Lots of noise - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta owner - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Jetta GLX makes lots of rattling noises. It is far from a quit ride. If you are looking at the Jettas make sure to check out the service department. You will spend a ton of time there and it often difficult to get a loaner car.