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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  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By LAZARO - July 1 - 11:40 pm

  Ive had several VWs, but this R32 is by far the best i have ever owned.

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  Drains? - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By anonymous - July 1 - 8:46 am

  I love my gold 2001 Passat. It is so beautiful and I always end up smiling while Im driving it. It drives great, looks great, and holds its value. However, it seems to have problems with the drains. First, the air conditioning got moldy in it because there is no drain for it. Then, the sunroof started leaking. Now, the floor in the back gets a nice puddle in it if it rains and I drive. Other than these problems, it has been very dependable. For a first car I really couldnt ask for anything better. At least, after reading the reviews with sludge problems, I hope so...

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  Best Vehicle Yet - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By pathlesstravel - June 30 - 8:13 pm

  Ive owned many types of cars and minivans but our 2001 Eurovan weekender is by far the most flexible and fun even though its now 13 years old. With 3 small kids and time off, my wife and I meandered 1,600 miles across California off the beaten path and had way too much fun. Its a home while on the road and the club seating means the kids face each other for hours of travel without fatigue. Anywhere we park the kids have a hangout. Mechanically its quiet and powerful. We change the oil and trans fluid more frequently than specified by VW. It has 131,000 miles and still drives solid. Visibility is good and interior size feels generous. We are not a bells and whistles family.

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  Possibly the best sub $30k car you can buy - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By robcarter3 - June 30 - 1:31 am

  This car is a blast. It puts a huge smile on my face every single time I drive it. The power delivery is smooth and effortless and the engine makes a satisfying growl. The DSG is fantastic. The ride strikes a great compromise between sportiness and comfort. This car does everything. I can drive aggressively and have a fantastic time. I can haul 5 people, or 4 comfortably. I can haul a ton of stuff. I get great gas mileage. The interior of this car is far more refined than any of its competitors. The materials look and feel upscale. Its just a nice place to be. For the money, this car is darn near unbeatable. It is equally good as a daily driver and a weekend toy.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DG - June 29 - 3:26 am

  I test drove the Wolfsburg Edition and the SE model at the dealership, and those two trims dont compare when it comes to driving excitement. The Wolfsburg just exudes power even with just a light touch of the gas pedal, while the SE just felt limp even when wound up. If youre looking for a practical car that can really pull when you want it to, consider WE Jetta.

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  I just love it! - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By smurfy76 - June 29 - 1:53 am

  I love this car. It looks cool, functions well and just satisfy all my need. It is a BMW/Benz just in much lower price.

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  Turbo Commuter - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By driver - June 29 - 12:30 am

  What a fun little car? Great Styling. Turbo lets me squirt through traffic with ease. Great utility. Comfortable on long trips. Haul around stuff when you need to by folding rear seat. Spent two weeks on the road out west camping with this car with mountain bikes on the roof. Still plenty of power and extremely supportive seats. Mazda 3 owner stopped me in the badlands. She was from chicago. she asked me how I liked the v-dub. I told her its the most awesome car. She said her car was killing her. She was turning it in as soon as she got back to chicago. Go for the leather, 17s and monsoon, you wont be dissappointed unless youre not really looking for hot hatch.

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  Fun little car - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Paul - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I love driving this car. I went from a pickup truck to the Rabbit. I didnt realize what a dog my truck was until driving the Rabbit every day. Its quick, shifts great, handles tight, fast lane changes are easy and smooth. I wanted a Mini Cooper S and the Rabbit gives me that sporty agile ride. I would not trade hp for better mileage. The engine is Great. Took a road trip on Thanksgiving and enjoyed the car. The cruise controls and audio controls were very intuitive and after a couple hundred miles I didnt miss them not being in the steering wheel. Its a very nice wheel so dont not buy the car just because the controls are not in it. You will forget about it quickly enough!

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  unbelievable cool car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Erwin - June 27 - 2:00 am

  You have heard it all by now, and its true. The car is way cool. This car is calling my name all day from the parking lot! VR6 is the way to go. Smoother engine (I also tested the 1.8T), and more torque at lower RPMs. The sound of the VR6 around 4000 RPM is killer! Sounds like a Porsche. Handles like a racecar. Doing 100 mph on I-95, not even realizing it. Every gear has same torque so accelarating is easy and a blast. Get it, you wont regret it!!

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  reliable & fun - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By jordi - June 27 - 2:00 am

  this is my 4th VW. great city (small enough) and highspeed-highway car (tracks great; once up to speed you can stay at high speeds for extended periods). large when compared to older golfs. only a few problems along the way - not sure if this is because its one of the few german built golfs. manual windows helped me avoid regulator problems and recall. online sale was hassle free.