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:

• 

  The Ultimate Hot Hatch - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Tony - December 6 - 7:33 pm

  This car really has it all. Pick up (0-60 6 secs), amenities (touch screen radio is top shelf), practicality (hatchback & four doors), handling (XDS), and looks/style. And all this for an excellent price (between $25K- $28K, depending on your options). I really dig the new styling (front and rear are big improvements over the bulbous MkV). I still love the plaid seats and the red stitching gives the interior a very upscale feel. I love the bluetooth (very clear) and the iPod integration is near perfect. There have been a lot of reviews wanting more hp, but with this amount of pick up and midrange torque, I wouldnt care if it had 150, 200 or 250 hp...as long as it drives like this!!

• 

  Best Ever - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bob shulman - December 6 - 2:20 pm

  My previous SUV was am Acura MDX, which I was totaly satisfied with. The Volkswagen drives so much better, feels better (its the euro feeling), same mileage, much more power, but everyday I enjoy the vehicle more and more, its not the Volkswagen our parents had years ago.

• 

  outstanding - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By ksmith - December 6 - 2:03 pm

  This car is outstanding! I have a loaded 2 door model and have had it for 2 years. Its the best car Ive ever had. People constantly stop me to ask me about it. Its comfortable and very fast. The mpg is consistent. There is surprisingly a ton of room in this car. VW has great cars and this one is top of the heap!

• 

  Awesome!! - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Prakash - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Returned my leased 08 Touareg and got Lux. Its Awesome!! My lease was up in Feb11 but, couldnt wait. VW had an offer for paying off last three payments so, couldnt resist but, to pick this up! Steering feel is great, nice interiors, drives like a sports car. Side and rear looks are better than any of the other lux SUV including Cayenne. Now BMW has a competition.

• 

  no regrets! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Jake D - December 6 - 2:00 am

  After all the negative comments and review about VW I had my doubts about ever owning one. I got a chance to drive my friends Jetta GLI and was very impressed. He never had any issues with the GLI and then I saw the first CC driving down the road and I had to have one. I bought the V6 because it was the only silver one they had on the lot. Now, 14 months and 27,000 miles later, it has been the best car I have ever had. Not a single problem, it has performed flawlessly. The dealer is nice, I bought a new Jetta Wagon for my wife 3 months ago. Even after owning it well over a year the CC looks absolutely gorgeous. I am proud of owning it.

• 

  BW loves his VW - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BW - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a month ago from Carmax and am very glad I did. I wanted did buy an imported car and was very pleased at the standard options that come with the S model of VW Jetta. The triptonic automatic is excellent, it has 6 speeds and has an S mode which is excellent at launching the car to terminal velocity at any street light. This car is very fast 0 to 30 and 60 mph to get on a highway. The gas mileage is great on the highway and gets at least 30 mpg. City mileage is disappointing around 20-22 mpg, but it makes up for it for being geared to go very fast. The trunk is HUGE! You have to see it to believe it. Its amazing how VW engineers did a tons of things great for this car.

• 

  Just what I needed... - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pattimac - December 6 - 2:00 am

  After looking for a reliable, economical and affordable car, the Jetta was just what I was looking for and needed.

• 

  excellent car - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pvtmack - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Driving the Jetta has been nothing but a pleasure. Its really very comfortable, reliable, and affordable. The gas mileage is better than I thought. Its a great looking car, inside and out. We enjoy the sound system and the sunroof. Driving has truly been an excellent experience in our new VW Jetta.

• 

  Great Value - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RA - December 5 - 11:06 pm

  This is my commuter and our family car. one year and 10000 miles, at 40.5 mpg [I have an excel spreadsheet for mileage] for a car with 95% commute of half 35 to 45 mph then highway, total of 58 mile round trip for work. Mileage is getting better, with the computer reporting a best of 49.1 mpg one morning on the way to work recently, when I made all the lights. My only short trip was over 45 mpg, for a 300 mile trip. I love the ergonomic features of this car for its price.

• 

  Das Auto!! - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By Michael - December 5 - 8:16 pm

  A minivan?? I dont drive minivans. My wife wanted a Toyota Sienna for years, but we stuck with our Explorers, Blazers, Suburbans, and even an Escalade. But when I saw this vehicle I fell in love with it. This is the ONLY minivan I would ever consider. It drives like a German sports sedan, is as long as a Chevy Tahoe, and has the room of a luxury car. This auto has power everything, leather Captains chairs in the front and back, which recline to a 180 degree position. The rear seat is comfy and also has power stowaway seats and the rear entertainment systems allows for 2 movies at once! Great for parents with children of different ages. This is NOT a Chrysler, the suspension VW uses is superb