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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  2 1/2 week old R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By JR32 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. The handling is great around any corner (ignore ramp speeds). The engine/exhaust sounds great. I think its the best AWD coupe/compact car WITHOUT turbo and the stock system sounds better than other cars. I wish it had 30-40 more hp. to shut WRX STi and Evo owners up. Anyway, I like VW for staying conceptually sound in shape by not altering the exterior too much. On the downside, the summer tires are nice but not smart.... A/S tires would be outstanding, but I guess VW is too cheap to equip with Michelin,Falkens or Yokohamas in that profile. One more thing... quick acceleration in 1st and 2nd has to grown on you.

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  3.6 4Motion Luxury! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By NewVWDriver - March 7 - 2:13 am

  I happened to find this car on a lot in DC and negotiated the price before even test driving it. After owning this car for 10 days, I am amazed at how much fun this car is to drive. I also considered the G35, Acura TL (type s) and Buick Lacrosse Super. The Passat 3.6 engine with the sports package handles incredibly well and acceleration at all speeds is outstanding. A great every day family car. Also, I highly recommend the Dynaudio sound system as it is incredible. Although this car costs much more than a basic import sedan, it really is closer to an entry level Audi or C-class, but less money and more fun when equipped fully. A winner!

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  Lots of problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Anderson - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Apparrently it isnt a good idea to purchase a vehicle in its first year out? Headlights go out for no reason, tire pressure system keeps malfunctioning, hatchback/trunk keeps popping open. Have had it to the dealership many times with no success.

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  Great Fun Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By rraleighguy - March 7 - 2:00 am

  After I got smart and left the Volvo cult--I got SOOO much more for my money at VW--The Passat handles great--is a great looking car--definitely the best car Ive ever owned

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  Solid sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By furrey - March 6 - 10:35 pm

  well built sedan-excellant handling, braking visibility-great stereo-cruise all day a 85mph-great for avoiding pot holes,back seat is for dogs or small people -I am 64" tall so not great for long rides behind the driver-just enough electronics as to not to act as a distraction

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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By to_perspective - March 6 - 4:26 am

  Picked up a CPO Passat and I am very happy with the purchase. The interior layout is among the best Ive seen....very logical. The drivers seat is extremely comfortable....I could drive in this car for hours. With the many possible seat adjustments and the telescoping wheel it is possible to get the perfect seat position. Just wish it had a seat memory so when other family members adjust the seats I could easily return to my preference. Very pleased with the gas mileage and with an 18 gal tank you can drive for a long time between fill-ups. Performance is very good for a 4 cylinder engine.

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  every month a trip to the dealer!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jmm - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had to take the car back to the dealer for every conceivable repair, thankfully all under warranty. This car has had major electrical problems-- the engine, the brakes, the transmission shifter, the windows, etc. It is a nice looking car, and fun to drive (when it is running), but it has been extremely unreliable.

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  jetta 1.8t - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jgeeb - March 5 - 10:00 am

  this is the most fun ive had driving a car since my old GTI. upgrade the turbo with a simple 10 minute chip upgrade and now youve got 200hp in a $19,000 car.

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  none - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sparky1 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Jetta in July of last year. Its nice to finally have a quality built vehicle compared to GM products.

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  jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By melo - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Its a beautiful car but it looks a lot better then it drives. It has a lot of electrical problems that are annoying and expensive to fix