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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  Great Automobile - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Gary - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  I did a little research before purchase. The problems some people were experiencing were frightening. After a test drive I was hooked. The only problems Ive had was to replace windshield wipers and balance 19" tires. Oh, console squeaks a little when the cockpit is cold. Driven to Florida from Texas effortlessly at high rate of speed (two speeding tickets). Excellent vehicle 8600 miles and counting. If you are considering this vehicle invest in radar detector. The Touareg is a joy to drive.

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  Clunker trade in - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ken - February 16 - 8:10 am

  Drive 30K miles a year. Cost for diesel will pay for itself in 1 year. Range 500 miles using 12.5 gallons. Came with 6 months free Satellite. Now do not have to listen to the political hate shows. If American companies had this engine they would need to be bailed out and we do not need to rely as much on foreign oil. Traced in 1999 truck(clunker) getting 12 MPG and now getting 40+ MPG Great car so far(6500 miles)

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  Love my new TDI sedan - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eugene - February 16 - 2:40 am

  The last car I owned that was actually fun to drive was a 1988(?) VW Jetta. This car may not be quite in that class but its hella more fun to drive than the trucks and SUVs Ive had over the past 20 years or so. My reliability rating is based on only 1 week of ownership, but so far so good. Since nothing has gone wrong, I give it a 10.

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  Amazing - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By mrcaren - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This is quite shocking about a car with a vw on it,I had pretty much wrapped up a deal with Audi for an A8 then i figured ill test drive the Phaeton boy am i glad it knocked my socks off,without a doubt it will blow away Mercedes BMW and Audi and forget Lexus. Simply put this is the car before Maybach and Rolls

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  VW Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By kevin gill - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Now dont let the name fool you its one of the best lux suvs out there! Edmonds says its a crossover but no crossover handels this well off road. The only thing that I wouldnt mind being changed on the Touareg is the name.

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  Fantastic Value - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DBY - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had our Touareg for about 6 weeks now. What a great vehicle. All the "bells and whistles" you could ever want at a great price (compared to competition). Subtle exterior styling, incredible interior fit and finish. Long time (and current) BMW owner and was looking at the BMW X5 (great vehicle also). But when comparing price & features, VW won by a landslide.

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  Disappointed with GLS Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jkilo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Made a mistake purchasing this vehicle. Build quality and dealer service have been poor. Paint had numerous small blems. Rear hatch trim replaced twice. Roof line trim inserts bow up. Fully loaded highway ride not comfortable. 1.8T slow off the line - OK at speed. Fuel economy not great. Tip: on your test drive set tire pressure to mfg spec - this dealer sets them low to smooth out ride.

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  All great but Monsoon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hoople - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This auto fills my needs for a civilized econobox and exceeds my every expectation except for the MONSOON radio package. The sound system is tuned for rock and country, not classical music. The AM section is weak and I must rearange the balance controlls when switching to and from AM. Did someone slip me a Delco when I was not looking? Had I known it would be this bad, I would have opted for no radio at all and gone aftermarket. It seems that I will wind up doing that anyway. The Monsoon, at least the one I received, is grossly overrated and I would not recommend it. Go with the standard unit, it cant be much worse.

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  I love my GLI, but ... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Geege - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why the GLI doesnt have steering-wheel controls for audio like the GLX. I had them in my last Jetta, a 2001 GLS 1.8T manual. I moved UP to the GLI, which has more horsepower and is still manual, but now i have to reach to change tracks and manage one extra gear, too! It doesnt make sense. Also, I loved my 2001 cupholders that tucked away into the dash. Stupidly, VW redesigned them, putting a bottom in them, thus ruining the original bottomless design. I HATE my console cupholders - they are practically under the emergency brake. NOTE: your cupholders ranked a 2 in the survey.

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  Surprising satisfaction - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ed din - February 15 - 8:26 pm

  Everything perfect. Ignition key could be removed when not in park. Complicated repair in steering column performed by dealer with overnite wait for parts. Made note of upcoming 20000 mile service. We love to drive it and disappointed that we did not give it a good work-out in recent weather.