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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  Shezy`s thoughts on the gtizle - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By shezy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been my favorite for yeas and when they cane out with the 20th anaversary edition I had to get it and since I`ve had it driving has been alot better.I wanna give V-dub props for making it so all you git lovers this car is a must!!!!

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  VR6=Vroooooommmm6 - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By TECUNUMAN - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Just got the VR-6! Fast off the start! So far so good. Getting a lot of stares, people pointing---hey you! Reliability to be seen...

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  I loved my 2000 TDI so much I bought #2 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Green Mountain Boy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Other than having the AC not work after delivery in March this Car has been flawless just like my 2000 which I still own.The perfect car for someone that spends a lot of time on the road and wants to do it in a comfortable and cost efficient matter.My 2000 Sdn.has 120,000 miles on it and my 2003 Wgn. has 4,000 miles on it. What more can I say.The Jetta is the most underrated Car.

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  Vw tdi - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doris - May 12 - 5:07 am

  Ivery had it 10 years and had very few problems, too bad it was hit from behind

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  I Love my Jetta! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Catherine Williams - May 11 - 9:33 pm

  I have driven everything from cars to vans to SUVs to big Hemi trucks. By far this is the most fun, smooth driving, easy to park, economical vehicle I have ever driven. There is pllenty of leg room for passengers that are with me. The trunk is huge. Everything is right at your fingertips. My Jetta came with Sirius radio, which is very nice on long trips. It has plenty of get up and go too. Its gas mileage is great. What can I say....I Love My Jetta!

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  TDI - the Best Buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDIman - May 11 - 1:36 am

  While the TDI engine is more expensive to purchase, the original great gas mileage - 49 MPG/HWY with the automatic transmission, continues to improve (now 52MPG/HWY). This car is quiet (running at 2,000 cruising at 70 MPH) and cleaner than my Passat 1.8T (approx.1,500 lbs. less CO2 pollution/yr.). This turbo-diesel is a joy to run and drive. It has great torque! The many choices for fuel just tops off its versatility (standard diesel, biodiesel and with a few adaptations, vegetable oil and waste vegetable oil).

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  Stung by the pollen filters and drowning in water - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By blonde53 - May 10 - 4:01 pm

  Its like a death. Or a... divorce maybe? You love your vehicle and then you find out it was all a lie. Beware of the pollen filters! They have a design flaw and they clog so ... when you drive in rain the water will get trapped in your footwell. This is true if you own a Passat or Jetta. They have the same problem. In the Touareg it will cost you 6 grand and that will not be the end of your problem. VW has been aware of the flaw... sued in the New Jersey courts . Google to read lawsuit. Once the water has destroyed your AWD module and started to rust your car and mold begins to grow... your car is really worthless trying to sell it. VW does NOT care about its customers. DO NOT BUY VWs!

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  Buyers Beware - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By oddmoe - May 10 - 10:33 am

  Like many of you other reviewers, I too was looking at the Infiniti G35, Acura TL/RL, and Toyota Camry and ended up buying the 2006 Passat 3.6L Sedan. I thought it had the best bang for the buck. However, someone once told me that if something is too good to be true, it probably isnt. Ive driven this car less than 3,000 miles and have already had it in the shop 3-4 times. The electrical system has failed numerous times, tire-pressure gauge light has already gone off as well as the service engine light. Its usually a 2-week wait to get your car in for service and make it 3-weeks if you need a loaner. This car is not very reliable and VW dealers provide poor customer service. It worries me what this car will cost in the end.

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  Best car ever - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By robert - May 10 - 6:00 am

  I am used to driving trucks that get 10-13 mpg. This is a whole lot better then that of course. What else can you ask for? Its a sports car with all the luxury you need. Sunroof, great sound system, and all the electonics you need. I am 511 and 245 lbs and the recaro racing seats fit me just fine. Theres nothing to complain about the car. I never knew you can go so fast around corners until this car. The power is there when you need it with or without the typtronic. I never would have bought a VW let alone a Jetta but am in love with this car. Basically everything you need at a pretty cheap price only if you go through Edmunds.

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  Performance, Stylish, and Cool - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By SERGIO - May 9 - 10:00 pm

  The Passat is an excellent car to own. It has incredible quality, a roomy interior, and lots of power. Its like owning a much higher priced car and its so fun to drive.