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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  Fun, Fast, Affordable - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Big Pimp - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Never had one mechanical problem. Would definitely purchase another VW or other German made auto. Dependable and fun to drive. Recommend this car to anyone.

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  The best car ever - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tk101 - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been ASWOME! it has 78k on it and have done nothing to it beside routine mantince that had to be done on the car. i have a 5 speed and it really goes for a small engine. I street raced a lot of cars and beat a lot of smaller cars and could even stay up with v-6 camaro, and the mustang. Great gas milage around 45 to 50 in town. If you want a good car buy this one!

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  Good car to have, has lots going for it - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Aleks - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car and i am glad i got this car. Not only was the price very nice, but it is very well worth the money. ALthough i got new tires, the handling with the origial ones was also very good both in handling and in grip. This thing really does well in corners, on ice, rain, and dirt. Cornering is very nice, and the fuel economy is spectacular.

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  Get One - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ponte Vedra Beach - January 14 - 4:46 am

  I purchased my 81 year old mother one and got her out of a 2004 Cadillac DeVille. She loves it, the control and safety features are the ticket. I bought my daughters (2) TDI Beetles and they love them also. VW is putting quality products on the road and standing behing them.

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  Best Car Ive Had - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Julie - January 13 - 3:53 pm

  I LOVE this car. If the new GTI offered 6-cyl., Id get a brand new one. This car is so fast and so affordable. It has never left me on the side of the road, nor has it ever required ANY major repairs. I only have regular maintenance: oil, tire rot., wipers, tires, etc. I got a K&N air filter and its even faster. I LOVE IT!

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  Great Car - More People Should Know Abou - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ed Ansel - January 13 - 10:06 am

  This is a great car. With fuel cost going so high I was thinking of a hybrid but didnt like the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. Stopped by VW almost as an afterthought and so glad I did. Getting 38 MPG in town and 44 on highway. Typical German built car. Details are not left to chance.

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  This car is awful! Beware! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By amyinbuffalo - January 13 - 6:50 am

  Long story short: I leased my Volkswagen EOS April1, 2009. Today is August 3, 2009 and its been in the shop 3 times (STILL THERE mind you) for the convertable top malfunctioning OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. It stopped mid-air in a parking lot and wouldnt open all the way OR close all the way! I had to get a Flat Bed to take it to the dealership! Now VW wants to replace the ENTIRE roof! Its 3 MONTHS OLD! And, this is the best part, they are telling me that I MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. Its $8,000 alone just for the top! I am PETRIFIED to drive this car anymore and I dont want it anymore. The aggravation I have been through is appalling. Its STILL in the shop for the rest of summer!!!

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned...Hands Down! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Jud Dyer - January 13 - 2:23 am

  After 7 years and 100,000 Miles of daily driving...this car has never once been in for any repairs other than regular maintenance and routine replacements. Never have I been more in love with a car in my life.

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  Best Family Car on the Market - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kevin ONeill - January 12 - 10:10 am

  The VW Jetta has it all when picking a family vehicle. From style to value, this car has it all. Looking for high mpg? The Jetta beats the Toyota Prius in real world conditions. Is a well tailored and executed interior high on your list? The Jetta has you covered with the experts pick as the best interior in the business. The driving experience, especially with the Audi sourced DSG six speed automatic transmission, is terrific. The low end torque of the TDI driveline will make gas powered cars seem lackluster. Looking for build quality? The Jetta has it, from narrow body panel gaps to the best paint job on the market today. Give credit to VWs new state of the art production facility. Great job VW!

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  Diesels Yes, Gasoline No - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By irwin - January 12 - 9:46 am

  I have 73,000 miles on the car and have had no maintenance needed other than the standard periodic checkups and oil changes. I have better than 50 mpgtotal (I have not added it up since 50K but at that time it averaged 50.83). I have own 5 V.W. diesels and put on nearly 150K on three at 10, 12 and 17 years old. I would stay away from the gas version of the cars but I intend to keep this one and would purchase a diesel again.