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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  VW for life - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Polaris - September 14 - 2:03 pm

  Always liked the Bug when I was growing up, so when it was time to buy a new car in 2006, we took a chance on the new Jetta. The car is awesome in every way. Looks, handling, reliability, everything. The car is built for people who like to drive, it is so fun. Got into a bad accident with it earlier this year, not a scratch on me, plus its fixed and like new. Love it!

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  Still in honeymoon phase - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Floridian - September 13 - 12:10 pm

  I have now had my tdi one year and 35,000 miles. Still drives like new. I do a lot of highway driving and it is too easy to drive way over the speed limit (85-90) while still getting 35-37 mpg. Queen size air mattress fits in back for the dog. No downshifts required when driving up 6% grade mountain highways. Torque just flattens out the mountain. Driven very conservatively, I have nearly hit 700 miles to a single tank of diesel.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jef - September 13 - 3:53 am

  The Volkswagen Touareg is just plain fun. I got it recently, but already drove in the snow up to Lake Tahoe and went up winding highway 1 north of SF. The ride is just awesome, it has great handling, is easy to control, and is very comfortable even going through those curves. I got the blue silver which has a more silvery color at night and more blue color during the day. People turn their heads when you pass! My buddy said my truck was so much better riding and looking than his (Mercedes ML350). The ride is also very quiet which is great when you like classical music or soft jazz.

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  WHAT A CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By al_caholik - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove the Jetta GLI and all i can say is wow. The model i test drove had everything, leather sunroof and cold weather package. The engine performace even surpassed my big v8 i currently drive. The 6 speed is a blast and i WILL be purchasing my car SOON.

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  Fantastic CUV - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By simshawk - September 12 - 5:00 pm

  After 17k miles, and 1+ years on the road, I am still loving this vehicle. Great performance, excellent braking /handling, and fantastic ride. Gas mileage could better, but I have a bit of a heavy foot. Elderly friend said it was smoother and quieter than her Lincoln. Wife likes it as much as her daily driver, BMW 328i. Passengers are continually amazed at the rear seat roominess. An absolute blast to drive, a GTI with room for hunting and fishing gear...

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  35K and the livin is easy - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By scottincarmel - September 12 - 10:10 am

  My 07 4 door (pkg. 2, manual, 18" Huffs with summer tires) now has 35K miles on it, and I have not had it back to the dealer for anything. I do my own oil changes (Mobil 1 0W40) etc. For the winter, I ran 16" Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 winter tires, which made this car unstoppable, very impressive. About the only issue I have is with paint chipping on the hood (speed mayhave a bit to do with that!). Otherwise, all systems "GO".

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  Great Ride! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Thundercat - September 11 - 1:00 pm

  I agonized over buying this car for weeks. It was between the Jetta, the Acura RSX, and the Honda Accord. After test driving, I picked the Jetta. It came standard with more features (especially safety features) than any other car I looked at. I mean, come on, everyone drives a Honda, be different. Plus, lets face it, it looks cool. The ride is smooth and the interior is great. I love the leatherette seats...all my friends think they are real leather. The heated mirrors and seats are great in the winter. I got the Option 1 with Sirius stellite radio...now I wished a picked XM, but the car is so versatile that I can get XM later if I want.

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  Many improvements on the 06 Model - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chris - September 11 - 11:36 am

  We had am 05 Touareg, which was our was worst nightmare, a total lemon. VW bought it back and gave me an 06 model. I have just about every option. My favoriate option is air suspension, its great for off-roading. This vehicle is very good off-road and in the snow The DVD navigiation system is much better than the 05 models CD navigation, it is a night and day difference. I have had no problems with my 06, nut the 05 was total debacle. Im definately on track to buy another one in a year or two, based on how my 06 has been so far.

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  Our Golf - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Scott88Gt - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Good car, not a problem to date. I would not hesistate to buy another VW. No, it does not have as much power as my other two cars, but its a Golf not a full-race 850 BMW either. I have transported engines, one treadmill and stuffed it full for one move--I like it.

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  the only vehicle I have ever liked - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bsmith - September 11 - 10:00 am

  the Touareg, After I got over the silly and awkward name. I found my Touareg to be everything I never thought an automobile could be. The fit and finish was not that of what traditionally has been the $40,000 suv but only found in higher priced luxury SUVs!!! It took me some time to build up the gall to test the offroad capabilities. Because I have the adjustable air suspension I have been able to outperform my friends H2!!!! this vehicle has changed my view of Volkswagen!