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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  So far, so good! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ccarbone22 - November 24 - 1:56 am

  I bought my first VW on a whim in September. I was apprehensive of the infamous VW "quality" issues, but went ahead and got it anyways. So far, I have absolutely no regrets at all. The car is a lot of fun to drive, looks great and is comfortable. The interior quality is impeccable-on par or better than BMWs and Audis. Ive driven it 7,000 trouble-free miles so far, and hope it stays that way. I am admittedly still holding my breath waiting for a problem to pop up- hopefully this VW will prove me wrong!

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  Awsome car - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lisa spano - November 24 - 1:46 am

  I have wanted a Beetle bug since I was 10 years old. I am now 40 and I bought one finally. And I love everything about it. The best car I have ever owned!

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  Fun and exciting car - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By heat - November 23 - 6:36 pm

  I initially went just to see what the hype was about and fell in love after the test drive. I was going to look at the Civic Si, but didnt even get out of the VW place with out the car. Took the one off the show room floor, #269 out of 1200. The car is really fun to drive. The seats are really comfortable. This is my first VW and definitely wont be my last. The DSG auto trans is really fun to play with when you want to do just that... play! I actually look forward to driving again.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By fjd - November 21 - 5:53 pm

  The Phaeton has an excellent drive and ride. I enjoy all of its bells and whistles. Due to the design by Bentley, this car will always be in vogue. Bentley has a way of determining styling that will last. I was a little concerned when I learned that they were no longer making this model...but it could help its value in the long run. I was most surprised by the acceleration and top speed. The 6 speed transmission and smooth ride enable you to cruise effortlessly had high speeds. Its fuel economy was another pleasant surprise. I have had Cadillacs, Jaguars, and Mercedes...this car surpasses all.

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  Best buy youll ever make - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Rohit Agrawal - November 21 - 5:06 pm

  I used to own a Jetta and wanted to test drive as many cars before I made the purchase. I test drove everything from a Camaro 2SS, 370Z to BMW 1- and 3- series. My budget was $40k approx. The top contenders were BMW 335, MB C300 and the CC. I think the BMW is on the sporty end and MB on the luxury end and the CC is smack in the middle. Have had it for three months and love everything about it...still looking for excuses to drive. The short throw clutch is taking a while to get used to but the transmission is super smooth. The styling is top notch and I often find myself checking my own car out in the parking lot. Love how the back end looks at night with the "floating" tail lights.

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  Best Vehicle ever Conceived - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By HL - Newton, MA - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Touareg for 2 week and put app 2,000 miles on including a vaction trip. I am simply speechless. Its an SUV when you want it be. Its a performance sportscar when you want it to be. Its a highway cruiser when you want it to be. And all of this without compromising. I have had several dozen people wave at me (or the car) and even more stangers begging me for a test- drive. This car beats my three previous Jeep Gr. Ch. and my wifes Audi Allroad

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  Made a believer out of me! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By auntsue - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I had previously driven an American 6 cylinder, and was afraid to go back down to a 4, when a friend told me about the 1.8T. After test driving the Sentra, Altima and Camry, I tested the Jetta. I knew I loved it immediately! After being bored with my last two cars, I was afraid I would never again find a car I loved -- but the 1.8T has restored my faith. My buying experience was my best ever (Burlington VW), and their service is excellent, too. The car has great pick-up, purrs nicely at highway speeds, and has lots of standard equipment. All around, a great car.

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  I Still Love My Jetta GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike Mc - November 21 - 7:10 am

  This is a GREAT car. I have owned many different vehicles. It is reliable, fast, and fun. VW has built an Audi in VW skin. It gets 30 MPG on the highway, while accelerating to 60 in 6.4 seconds. How it is not on everybodys 10 best list is amazing to me.

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  Almost Bought the Porshe! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mumbo - November 21 - 6:36 am

  I would never believe a VW could be this nice without driving it. We drove all of the models in this price range. The Benz was a true let down. The Japanese cars are too plastic and too dated looking two years later. The VW Touareg is truly amazing. I have been a Benz owner for 20 year, this reminds me of when Benz was a true high end vehicle builder.

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  good car so far - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By FF - November 17 - 5:56 pm

  bought the car new initially had a problem with the windshield wiper relay (wipers quit working in hard rain) which was poorly handled by the dealership. Had to threaten with lawsuit to get them to properly diagnose and replace. few other problems so far. The "home link" controller broke out of the sunshade and was fixed under warranty. starter motor gave up at 45000 miles and VW would not pay for replacement (very disappointed as this is a highway vehicle with very few starts per day). handle of glove compartment broke off (did not fix yet). multi-function display is getting very dim. one new CV joint @ 84Kmiles. car has been great otherwise pleasure and fun to drive (see below)