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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  BMW Performace, Volkswagen Prices - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Squicht - December 23 - 10:00 am

  After owning various BMW models, including the market-leading 3-series sedan, Ive come to own a Tornado Red Jetta GLI. Ive found it to be an immensly entertaining ride, with a free-revving and torquey VR6 engine, a slick 6 speed which is a joy to row and pedals placed perfectly for heel- and-toe downshifts. The suspension readily absorbs road irregularities while being stiff enough to prevent excessive body roll. An all-around fun car to drive which rewards great drivers.

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  Seriously in love - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By arlene - December 23 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight. I bought this Harvest Moon VW covertible with beige leather seats that heat up for prolonges weather changes/ convertible riding. It gets alot of positive attention on the road. feels safe at 80 miles per hour. only downside is rear visabilty. But I highly reccomend it.

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  Best car weve ever owned - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By longstreet - December 22 - 7:38 pm

  We traded our beloved 2007 Jeep Commander gas hog for the TDI Passat hoping to average 35 to 38 mpgs. (As an engineer, I could not bring myself to buy a hybrid). So far, after 8000 miles, we are averaging 44 mpg with a few tanks over 50. The torquey TDI almost never downshifts (max torque is at 1750 rpm) even in the hills and mountains of Western PA. In addition, and unlike the Ford Fusion we test drove, the bluetooth, electronics, voice dialing, etc. all work! The first time, and every time. The car has plenty of power, and will chirp the tires from a standing start if you are a bit too heavy on the gas. Handling is very European, with predictable steering and confident roadhandling

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  Jetta TDI - the Sleeper Car of the Year - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mike - December 22 - 9:50 am

  To tell you the truth, I was apprehensive about buying a foriegn car, let alone a diesel. I believe in buying American, but after all these years of them killing me at the pump, I needed to do something about it. I found out that diesel cars got better gas mileage, but there were no American car companies that offered a diesel automobile! So I bought a VW Jetta TDI and I am so glad that I did! Although it only has 90 hp it is quick, responsive, and fun to drive plis I get very very good gas milage! The handling is superb it drives like a sports car, but the ride is is like a luxury car. I am absolutely sold on Volkswagons products and their stunning quality!

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  I love it! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By R32Girl - December 22 - 3:13 am

  My 2004 Volkswagen R32 makes driving a fun and exciting experience. The power gives me an adrenaline rush I never want to lose. I will never drive another car that isnt AWD, and Im going to drive this car until it cant go anymore!

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  Should be recalled - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By W8in for it to Godot - December 21 - 10:10 am

  Apparently, almost every W8 suffers from a cam adjuster problem that costs approx $10K, and takes a month, to fix. The part has a design flaw, which VW of America has fixed, but they will not offer any warranty help, or support their dealers, who often cant fix these cars.Between the cost of the parts and the constant problems, a W8 cost more than a Porsche to run. Not a car for real world applications.

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  Gotta love that 5 Cylinder! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By tay272 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car alittle over a year ago and still havent had any mechanical problems with it and I dont see anything going wrong for a long time. Reliabilty issues arent too much of a concern with newer Vws like this one. This engine is bulletproof and will deffinately last a long time. The car is a blast to drive and with a few mods, becomes much more fun. I just wanna step on it whenever Im in the car just to hear that 5 cylinder engine opening up. No complaints with this car yet!

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  2010 Golf TDI 4dr Silver - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Tom - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Was in market for a bit more than a Civic or Corolla (last car I owned). The Golf seems more solid, quiet, smooth, I mean its very smooth, no engine vibration. Seats are firm, handling is good, but, if you really push it, you will want the GTI - which I considered, but wanted the TDI (for the mileage). I am getting 44.1 mpg (so far), city/highway. Had minor problem with oil leak - dealer said bad O-ring on intercooler. Had to wait 2 days for part, but dealer set me up with (free) loaner. Not all bad I guess. This car is FUN to drive. Hit the radio, open the sunroof, and Drive! It simply has a much better driving feel when compared to similar cars, and the 6 speed manual is VERY smooth!!

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  Fun, but not worth it - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By James - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, but cheaply made. Interior isnt thought out well, and is almost funny in its badness. Interior peels off, switches and knobs break very easy, and forget about getting a drink and planning to fit it in the cupholder.

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  Great Value Minivan - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By ad - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I have previously researched this car for almost 6 months and I just decided to buy it now for a huge incentives (i mean $8400 off from MSRP!). The only downful on this van is that they always attached it with chrysler/dodge. Hey people, we should be proud of our own products. Anyway, based on my analysis, the handling is decent, it has enough power to pass slow moving cars. I dont have problems changing lanes, the side mirror is a good size and its adequately placed. I dont have problems with my blind spot side. It feels that you are in control in the road. My family loves it. Dont get the overpriced Sienna and Odyssey. Save your extra money for vacation.