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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  Best Car for the money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bjreich - July 2 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a sedan look no further, this is by far the best sedan you can buy for the money. Just a word of advise, if you are in the Northeastern Ohio area, check out Dave Walter VW in Akron. This is the best VW dealer in the area. I have never had such a pleasant car buying experience.

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephanie L - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The experience at the dealer wasnt so great, but this car is definitely worth the money and trouble. The car looks like a luxury car, but the price is not. It produces great power (190 horse power), and it has a great look that makes some heads turn. I have had my eyes set on this car since the first time I saw it on the road.

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  A fun Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By donm - July 2 - 10:00 am

  You will not be disappointed in this car!! Great acceleration, handling and ride!! Get your hands on one if you can.

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  wow, I cant believe I got one - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By dazednconfused - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Lady luck gave me a big fat kiss when I landed this puppy... Every dealer except Advantage VW were jacking up the price of the 337 by as much as 3000. I got it for the MSRP. They are selling just the contract to buy one on ebay for 6100! Anyways, it runs great as expected and it looks cool as heck, my only complaint is the turbo lag at low RPMS. I guess I could fix that with aftermarket stuff but I dont think I will mess with anything..Its great the way it is.

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  Forget Audi - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doster - July 2 - 10:00 am

  A great car even for a big guy. Plenty of legroom. Yes, the cupholders are terrible, but I dont care. The manual tranny is great and the engine is totally responsive to even a light foot. Definately a keeper. Engine and tranny noise are non-existant in the cabin. Going from an American vehicle to this car is like going from dark to light in comparison...tight and controlled! Hopefully, the fun will live beyond the 2 year/24000 mile warranty.

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  Taking My Time To Get Where Im Going... - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Nicolina - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Sure the car has its drawbacks when it comes to speed...but who needs speed when you take your time to get where youre going? You cant help but feel relaxed in this car. Its fun to drive and flashy. I have red! What more do you need? Its too bad it got bad ratings from people that couldnt spring for the GLX model...power top, leather seats, rims...all the good stuff. Men look funny driving this car too...I just dont understand it. Its definately a chick only car!

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  good for the price - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cinders - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This was a 1999 leftover with only a few miles on it. Ive been very happy except for the very, very squeeky brakes. The dealer, after a few visits, told me theres nothing they can do, breaks are fine, and gave me a pamphlet explaining why they squeek. The noise is so bad I cant drive with the windows open and Im trading it in. Also, the side view mirrors are too high. I see thats been redesigned in the new models.

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  Luv it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettafan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband & I love my Jetta. Its Sporty, quick & reliable with an awsome sound system. Great for people or couples without kids. The backseat is kinda small for passengers. I mainly have it to commute to work. The backseat folds down for x-tra cargo space. My V6 has a ton of power. My husband calls it the sports car. When given the choice on which car to take on a trip, we have always chosen the Jetta.

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  Tough to Beat! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rsbible - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased “our” Jetta for my wife a little over a year ago. At first I was a little concerned about the sticker price (in comparison to other models in the same class) but the fuel economy was the kicker. After a little over a year I find myself running errands just so I have an excuse to drive it. The performance is outstanding and the mileage just can’t be beat. All I can say is… sharp, fun to drive, and well built! I am sold on VW!!

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  Best Luxury Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By pluckon - July 2 - 1:06 am

  Thank goodness the Phaeton bombed in the market, because it allowed me to get a low-mileage W12 for barely more than $50,000. Ive been in almost every hoo-hah car on the planet and this ones the best. Its outlandishly fast, solid, beautiful and incredibly comfortable. The stereo is awesome, and they could fight a nuclear war outside and youd never hear it. By the way, I will never understand why luxury car buyers complain about fuel economy! If youre too cheap to buy a lot of gas, then for goodness sake dont get a 12-cylinder car.