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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  Great wagon - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By aitkenhead - August 13 - 3:07 am

  It is as other reviewers say, the car is a pleasure to drive. Road handling and braking feel very good. The interior details have good fitment and visual appeal. Controls are simple and uncluttered. Another reviewer says he chose the top end with Nav (which is actually a step down on radio/entertainment features, be aware of that) somewhat because it is combined with keyless entry/start, and I was motivated that way as well. Diesel MPG exceeds expectations. Note: stowing rear seat cushions to get a flat cargo space has a feeling of flimsiness about it, and required removal of rear headrests for this operation is a very inconvenient procedure.

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  Best Value Going - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matthew - August 12 - 10:13 am

  This car is one of the best values, hands down. It is the quality and feel of a BMW for the price of a Nissan. The interior is high quality and the car feels heavy and solid. Has pleanty of power on the road, and the indigo instrument panel makes the car feel like the cockpit of a small plane. Highly recommended.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Jay - August 11 - 9:26 am

  This is the greatest convertible ever! It feels just as solid as my 2006 GTI 2.0T. Go for the dynaudio and the sport package for the extra goodies!

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  You gotta Believe!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By JulianH - August 10 - 10:00 am

  My new Phaeton is a dream come true. The fit and finish exceeds all new car standards here or abroad. VW has thought of everything, and I mean everything. The car has a real solid feel. Everything is computer controlled and at your finger tips. It is extremely quiet and the rear compartment is like a limo. I have owned several Mercedes and Q45s and they dont even compare. The 4WD is awesome. The brakes are the best Ive ever experence. The VW staff provided a two hour tour of the car before I could take it home. I dont think this will be my last Phaeton. I believe this car is making history.

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  Love to Drive - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NotTheFamilyCar - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new, changed the oil regularly, had trouble with windows and AM antenna (both fixed by dealer under warrantee), yellow goop cleaned at each oil change by dealer for a few years, just changed the battery and tires. I could not expect more from a first year of a new style.

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  Squealing Brakes - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sherry Duvall - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Lemon!!! As unbelievable as it may sound, I am in lemon law arbitration. After four attempts to repair the rear brakes from squealing...not just squeaking....VW wants to analyze the front pads. A stall tactic that has resulted in me hiring an attorney. Just beware!! I was told there are three other consumers at this dealereship experiencing the same problem.

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  Passat 1.8T gl - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ron Sawicky - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 17 cars since starting to drive and I can honestly say that this is the best car I have owned. I actually look forward to driving it to work each day. I would buy the same car again without hesitating one moment. Considering the available competition, that says alot!

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  Just the Details - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By details - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jetta. Purchased the first on in 2000 and the product and service I have received has always been top notch with Volkswagen. Minor problems were alway repaired quickly and to my satisfaction. My next purchase will be a Volkswagen.

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  Move over BMW, Mercedes and Lexus - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By gastro - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Audis for 15 years, including the A8. Naturally, when I had a chance to test drive the Phaeton, it was love at first sight. The vehicle was an Audi A8 with more extras and wow, what a great lease deal. I have test driven Mercedes 500 series, BMW 745i, and Lexus 430. Sorry, but the competition will have to come back with VW designs to beat this gem. It truly is a hand-crafted vehicle, with room in the back seat for a King.

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  the best - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By traniman - August 10 - 2:00 am

  the best suv ive ever owned