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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  Rabbit is Right - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By 2intwenty - July 16 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased the Rabbit a week ago, and am enjoying the well-designed interior and great drive very much. I find the car very well-named as it feels very much like a quick and nimble little rabbit. My only caution is the engine noise, and I feel the 2.5 to be quite thrashy-rattling around 2,000-2,500 RPM under acceleration. I am sincerely hoping that this is not due to a developing engine problem. Time will tell and I will update periodically.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Boiler Bob - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car for the money in my opinion. Engine, after 139,000 miles is still strong but is noiser. It has comfort, fuel economy, reliability and style, what more can one ask. Last TDI in the Passat VW brought over and it was not a wise decision. I would buy another after 3 years of driving and is the reason I still have this one. The car is like family. Radio is not in tune to distant station as when new. Power windows and door handles are biggest problems with the car.

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  a new gem - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By keiththrasher - July 16 - 10:00 am

  my only disapointment is that they dont make a diesel version.

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  Great buy - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Neo1 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I totally loved this new design. I think it was about time VW made an SUV.

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  Booboos Cool Ride - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By boo-boo - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Great comfort, excellent fuel mileage and all around fun to drive! This car made for an outstanding 10yr. anniversary gift...husbands do get it right sometimes!!! :-)

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  2003 vw passat gl turbo - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By AJMATTA - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive midsize sedan, confortably fits 4 or 5 adults. Great gas mileage, roomy interior, great looks and a lot less money than other in its class. The 1.8 turbo gives it great power, the high torque helps too. This is my 4th VW and recommend them everywhere I go.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DallasandTony - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The car averages me 48 mpg and I have an automatic. I get 500+ miles on a take of gas. The car has more get up and go then I thought it would, and can pass without any probs. Makes me upset that all roads arnt winding roads. The vehicle also makes you feel safe with all the airbags it has. I have never liked a car this much. I recommend to anyone.

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  Listen to an actual owner - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By brownie - July 15 - 6:56 am

  I love driving this car. The only car I have ever rode for 5 hours straight and not felt tired afterwards. High quality interior materials makes the inside very nice. Monsoon sound package sounds crystal clear. Rear seats fold down and I put a ton of stuff back there. Car is very quick, very fast. The turbo throws you back in your seat when you hit 2800RPM. I dont think they make the turbo Golf 4 door anymore. If you want a turbo, you will have to get the GTI now. Great car.

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  2004 GLS 1.8T is a fun car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Taeler - July 14 - 4:36 pm

  Overall the 2004 Jetta is a great car. So much fun to drive, fast and responsive. Sun roof is great, 8 speakers in the Monsoon sound system make music sound good.

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  ITS GRRREAT! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By MIssAdamsSeattle - July 14 - 1:36 am

  I just test drove the new Passat. Just before my visit to the VW dealership I took a Honda Accord Coupe out for a test drive, an Acura TL and even considered the BMW 3-Series. The Passat definitely blew me away with all of its hidden gadgets and features. Im going to buy mine in 3 days! Deep black baby...