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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  An Amazing Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Roxieebd1195 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I leased a Jetta before going into my Passat and I love it... It is very comfortable with a touch of luxury specially for the price.. I would not trade my car for anything.

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  Amazing handling, pick-up, and interiors - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sunil - February 7 - 6:03 pm

  We are expecting our first baby and wanted something more spacious and safe than our old sedan. However, we also wanted something with good mileage that was also powerful (that ruled out the Prius). This car fit the bill perfectly. We are averaging about 35 mpg after 2000 miles (city+hwy) and the car has some serious pick-up. It handles beautifully and has some serious pick-up.The interiors are very stylish and the controls are very practical. We had the power sunroof added on and it is well worth the money, makes us feel like we are in a convertible. We paid MSRP.

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  Fantastic Car - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - February 7 - 10:39 am

  I echo everyone elses review of this car. It is a tremendous value and youd be hard pressed to find any other car in this class that can offer you the drive, tech, looks and sheer German performance. I came from an Audi A4 and was about to lease another but then I test drove the Jetta 1.8T Sport. It was fantastic. It is fully loaded with tech (including Android Auto) and the dual-tone leatherette seats, 17" wheels, push button start, navigation, Bluetooth, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano-black trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights and the bi-xenon headlight push it over the edge. And all for $23K. Not to mention the speed-proportional power steering. Go test drive one. You wont be disappointed.

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  TDI review - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By weav - February 7 - 1:10 am

  Only one defect that needed to be corrected. Electrical connection in sat. radio. Car is very enjoyable and comfortable even with 64" frame.

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  06 Passat Appraisal - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By BC - February 6 - 9:40 pm

  With only 3,000 miles to date. I am averaging 26.5 pg, and 31.8 on highway during two long trips at higher speed. Wind seems to affect the Passat somewhat, steering in the wind seems affected but otherwise this car has excellent center weighting and response. Its acceleration is outstanding and its seat comfort once adjusted is excellent during long trip. This car is fun to drive, has smooth acceleration and good brakes. Mine has a few nagging issues, but nothing significant. The cup holders are not sized for to American cups or bottles. Its storage is quite good with several small storage areas or drawers.

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  My 2000 Golf GLS 4DR - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By Wild Bill - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car. I understand it is the top selling car in Europe. It rides extremely well for a compact auto. Very tight, good gas mileage, and love the key. 2 proactive recalls that were handled by the local dealership. Ive owned for close to 2 years, no problems and still very happy with it.

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  Happy camper - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By luckydude - February 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Jetta diesel I have owned. The first was totalled in an accident. I was a lucky dude. The air bags worked and I had a small scratch on my wrist. The car was not at fault. It was drunk driver problem. I like everything about the Jetta. I average about 800 miles per week and on this newer vehicle, I am averaging 50 mpg, and I know it will get better.

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  zeke - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By zeljko Brkic - February 4 - 9:46 am

  The 03 Volkswagen Jetta GL is a great little car. Its fun to drive with great gas mileage.

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  excellent - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jc - February 4 - 7:16 am

  I actually had not reviewed this vehicle before i bought it! I just fell in love with it as soon as i saw it. Its fast and the panels are beefier than the original standard Jetta. I bought the car without even driving it! Just knowing it had a 1.8 Turbo 6spd Manual was enough to seal the deal. It is everything i wanted in a car, And i strongly suggest buying one!

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  Understated speed - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By C Walker - February 3 - 11:33 pm

  A wolf in sheeps clothing...I went looking for an Audi TT and found the R32. Great fun to drive, all wheel drive capabilities for midwest winters (winter tires and wheels are required) and a usable back seat for the young one. I was prepared for a compromise but got an upgrade...I dont use the stereo much because I prefer the sound of 3500 rpm. The R32 is a car performs better than it looks, and it looks quite nice.