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 little car - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By vw topless - June 27 - 2:00 am

  this is my second convertible i love this car !!!!! it drives great

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  my jetta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By karmann21 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my jetta!! this is one solid and reliable car! I will never go back to any domestic brands. they have great service. never had any problems. the engine is powerfull and fun. I deffintly recomend this car!

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  Best Car Ive Owned Yet. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tommymercury - June 27 - 2:00 am

  So far, my Passat has been a joy to drive. Its dimensions are perfect; not too small and not too big. Although for my 63" frame, I could use just a little more room. I have had few minor annoyances: sporadic buzzing in dash; creaking suspension noise when exiting the vehicle (I only weigh 180 lbs.); squeaky brakes. Ive had two of these problems checked out by the dealership, but was not fixed right by the dealership. The brakes still squeak and the suspension still creaks. Im not too concerned with the buzzing in the dash, since its muted by the stereo. What a great bargain for a German car. Thanks VW for a job well done!

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  I love this car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kimwk - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Beetle. Got rid of a 2000 because of 3rd child on the way and hubby insisted "I" needed something bigger. I have a 2004 BMW 325i wagon that he now drives. I dont miss it a bit (well, maybe a little). I LOVE this car! So do the 3 kids!

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  2010 - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Brian M - June 26 - 12:23 pm

  At first skeptical, but after a few weeks I realized this is a great car that really fits my needs. The legroom all around is great. Truly a 4 passenger car, not 5. Unbelievably, fun to drive. Cabin is very quiet and when that passing power is needed , it really delivers. After the initial break in period, of 1000 miles, the car seemed to get even better. When compared to other small SUVs, I step on the gas and the Tiguan Wolfsburg really moves, not just engine noise.

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  Not my wifes car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By - June 26 - 10:00 am

  When it was time to replace my 95 GTI VR6, much beloved for its power and utility, my goal was 4 seats and at least as much performance. My kids wanted a "punch buggy." My wife loved the snap orange New Beetle. I test drove the 1.8T but felt it was a step down, and had a rubbery shifter. Then I test drove the Turbo S and fell in love with the noticeable increase in power, 6 speed shifter, and great seats. My wife can get an orange one next time; mines a black Turbo S!

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  Solid Buy - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By BlueVW - June 25 - 10:36 pm

  Ive had my VW Golf TDI (AT) for over 6 months. Its been everything I hoped for - reliable, fuel efficient, and really fun to drive. I live in Annapols, MD. This car is perfect for city living and highway driving. Small enough to scoot around small historic city streets (nimble handling). Plenty of power (great torque) for highway driving. The hatchback provides nice utility. This Golf is by far the best car Ive ever owned (Ive had a Toyota Celica, Honda Civic, Pontiac Sunbird, Mazda B2000, VW Passat 1.8T, Dodge Durango, and a Jeep Wrangler). Im going to drive this car for many many years.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kristi - June 25 - 3:59 am

  Ive been going thru the reviews and have seen a lot of bad reviews. I actually love my 2005 New Jetta 2.5 model. I bought it used with 50000 miles in 2009. It now has 150000 miles. Last year I did have some costly repairs but it sure was cheaper than buying a new car. I drive my car for work and I feel confident that it wont leave me stranded and she never had! My Jetta has a chain timing belt, so no issues with the engine. With a rubber timing belt breaks can and do happen on every make and model of vehicles. If you have a rubber belt, check it periodically because they wear. Overall, I love my car! I love the leatherette material, the heated seats, the rain scenored wipers, the ESP for stability, comfort and good fuel efficiency even today.

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  Volkswagen Passat V6 GLS - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Al - June 24 - 9:06 am

  Car overall runs very good compare to Honda or Toyota 99. Grips to the road and solid feel. So far no problems and regularly change the oil.

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  BMW, but half the cost - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lorig - June 22 - 10:00 am

  great car for a great price