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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  Luv My Bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Lori - March 6 - 5:10 am

  Ive always driven old Volvos, but last year after spending a month in Munich I became a fan of German engineering. I have not been disappointed in my new Rabbit. I am in LOVE. It hugs the road and scoots around like a high performance sports car! Everyone that drives it adores it. It fits like a glove when driving. Its a real drivers car. It great in the snowy Vermont winters (get Nokian tires).

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  Gotta Love It!!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CorradoG60 - March 5 - 11:50 pm

  I have had my Wolfs since Aug. 01 and I love every second behind the wheel. This is my third VW (90 Corrado G60, 95 Jetta), gotta love that German Engineering (No one does it better). The handling is excellent and the seats hug you in the turns. There are not enough good things that can be said about the 1.8T other than, "I wish it came in a 6cyl. Turbo."

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  What a bargain - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By george bentham - March 5 - 3:36 pm

  The Volkswagen Phaeton W12 is the best kept secret in luxury automobiles. it has features galore, impressive performance, and terrific handling. Some critics have said the steering is too soft. Having owned at least one of each German made car, I can say the handling can only be criticized by a professional driver or nitpicking journalist. It corners beautifully and the all wheel drive is a bonus. I can only be critical of the navigation system, it doesnt have any street names. Otherwise, the car surrounds you with luxury and performance. With factory rebates to dealers, the price is astounding for a car of this level. I shopped the Audi A8L, BMW 745, and Mercedes S500. This car is a notch above them for about the same price.

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  Passat 2.0 Value Edition Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By NY Passat - March 5 - 2:20 pm

  This vehicle has superb acceleration for a 4-cylinder. The engine feels much more powerful than the rated 200hp. The electric motor driven power steering allows for one finger steering at parking speeds and German style road feel at high speeds. Compared to a Volvo V70 2.5T you get most of the features, similar size, better performance and a $10,000 lower price.

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  Excited - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Tommy - March 5 - 10:36 am

  We just picked up our Routan and we couldnt be happier! There is NO CHOICE in my opinion when shopping for a minivan in this market. The alternatives are aged, bland and BORING. If you want exclusivity - get a Routan. Its gorgeous, handles superbly for a minivan, loaded with what you need, oozes techno gadgetry, reasonable price and 0% financing. For us it was an easy choice. The tough part was choosing a color.

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  Gives MB/BMW a run for less money!! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By stellar0714 - March 2 - 5:53 pm

  I ended up trading my 03 Passat GLX, which I loved, yesterday due to original transaction problems. Still in awe that this gorgeous car was so affordable. I have always been a automatic/sunroof kind of girl but the manual/no roof is perfect! Do not even miss the sunroof as the roof line is lower than traditional sedans, it feels like you are in a cockpit! Love, love this car!!

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  Hot Hatch - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chase Bellows - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Tis car is very useful yet fun to drive. It can handle huge amounts of stuff in the back and still has the power to make you grin. Also, Very good build quality

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  YES IT CAN - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By FirstVW - February 28 - 5:36 pm

  This car is fun in every way and has all the little features that make it feel more expensive than it is. The engine is so torquey, I never wanna drive a VTEC again. Perfect gear ratios in the 6 speed. Makes my 20 mile daily commute fun. Your car should be fun.

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  Major Improvement From MK IV - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jorge F. - February 28 - 10:06 am

  When I saw the new 2010 GTI online, I fell in love. For the first time, the outside of the GTI is as beautiful as the interior and driving experience. I traded in my 2005 GTI and was amazed at the changes. The manual transmission is smoother, the car feels "tighter," and the electronic upgrades like the I-pod charger and touch-screen radio blew me away. I also can feel the extra 20 HP on this model, and the acceleration and pull is as fun as ever.

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  Great ride ! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dano - February 28 - 6:50 am

  I just purchased a leased 2006 conv. beatle...pale blue/black top. Ive read these discontented reviews ,but, I feel great about my bug! When I purchased it there was still a 2 year original warranty on it. I also added 2 more years, which I would recommend with any used vehicle. I cant believe it rides like a large vehicle for such a small wheel base. I did have a/c compressor go out but it was under warranty and repaired in one day. Its ice cold! rear window would not go back up. again repaired in one day NO CHARGE. folks at the dealership are very nice, friendly, and professional. Absolute fun. People often let me know they love the look.