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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  Reliable and Fun - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kayjay75 - January 17 - 4:16 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I bought it new and have never had any problems. Its fun to drive, is a rare model, and overall takes good care of me. Ive driven Japanese cars before but found them to be boring and average. This car has more personality than 100 Japanese cars combined. Its definitely not for everybody but if you truly enjoy driving then a Volkswagen is undoubtedly an excellent choice. I plan to hold onto this car forever. Happy driving!

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  Great Golf TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Brian - January 17 - 1:30 am

  We tested numerous cars when deciding to purchase my wifes 2001 Volkswagen Golf TDI. After driving hers several times I knew I wanted one just like it. I drive 38 miles to work each day and the car handles great, is quiet, has lots of pep, and I get around around 49 MPG if I keep my foot out of it. I ordered the Monsoon radio package and I have had problems with reception but the sound is spot on. Ive been waiting for the 06 Golf TDI but it now looks like June of 06 before we get the new body style. You can see new body style Golfs by Googleing New Golf. Try not to drool on yourself. I have seen one here that was brought back to the states by a guy in the Air Force. Unlike 06 Jetta, the new Golf looks excellent!

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  What a Great Automobile! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - January 16 - 9:16 am

  Having had two Audis with little luck, I purchased my 2006 Jetta TDI with a bit of hesitation. However I loved the new design and the diesel mileage. I have had the Jetta for two months now and am thoroughly impressed with it in all respects - ride, leg room, fuel economy [43-54mpg], color [exterior- seafoam; interior-beige leather]. It has the amenities of the Audis without the issues. The ride is great, it has lots of safety features, a plush interior and the design is perfect. Id looked at standard cars - Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Suburu - both hybrids and gasoline for a couple of months but could not settle for any of them. When I saw the new Jetta I knew immediately that was the car. Try it!

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  Why Buy Anything Else? - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By norcalguy29 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is proof that German engineering is unrivaled! The overall comfort and convenience is excellent. As a long distance driver(Northern Cali to Phoenix), I could not have made a better decision. I find myself driving this car more than my new car(2004 CLK500). This is my 4th VW and I am happier with my current more than my others. All of the minor issues I have had are more than worth the price of ownership. Compared to other vehicles in the same price range, it excells in comfort, convenience, ride, quietness, features and especially, QUALITY MATERIALS! Thank you Volkswagen!

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  TOUAREG! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Traintraxboy - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, I recently purchased it. Mine has every option, and there have been no problems! This is my favorite car yet!

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By janet brown-wooten - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my VW Comvertible Beetle, I own the Turbo, black,cream interior. This car has great pick-up speed, comfortable, reliable, and very sleek looking.

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  wagon kicks a__! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Paul MacIntosh - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Great mileage and performance. I was suprized with the first test drive! It really has some kick. I would recomend the Leather Package...that I did not get!

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  best in class of small SUVs - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By docbeaumont - January 15 - 10:37 pm

  my not so old explorer died suddenly and we had no option than getting a new car. contrary to their ad, fords escape was a bare bone for 400 lease, plus "some other"....rav 4 is nice but quite "wild" and my wife got scared to drive it...nice car if you are into something with bigger trunk. by chance we got to service our jetta and while waiting i have discussed with the sales person....again true as advertised, sam e as 3 years ago with our jetta. they matched toyota price of a car that is immensly more mature and settled. it is a joy to drive it and the satndard looks like an audi class....driving is unbelieveble, you can turn it almost on the spot, sprints into hwy fabulous. benchmark SUV

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  Driver Found - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NTHUZIS - January 14 - 8:20 am

  Settled on a new 92 Jetta GL because I was young and couldnt afford the insurance on a GLI.Im twelve years older and VW felt my plight and made the GLI that I always wanted.What a car.Driving is fun again.Love the European styling,classy upgrades,and grin quotient.I feel 21 again.Traded in a 96 Impala SS for it.Enough said.

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  Dont think about it just get one! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By love my VW - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. its secure to drive in the snow and rain. smooth ride all around, comfortable sitting, well designed interior and exterior. compact exterior with a spacious interior and a huge trunk.