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:

• 

  W8 Passat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Man - June 16 - 1:00 pm

  This car has given me nothing but joy since I bought it. The design is great and the comfort super. Also, for a V8 engine is is remarkably fuel effcient. They are hard to come by, but well worth the extra effort to find one.

• 

  Excellent ownership experience - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fishman - June 16 - 3:46 am

  Hands down the best car Ive ever purchased. Traded in my A6. The Passat still looks great even after 2 years and 22,000 miles. The only problem Ive had is the windshield washer not working which the dealer fixed right away. Other than that just regular maintenance. Im getting first class treatment from the dealer. They treat me better than the Audi dealer (Don Rosen) ever did. I am using regular gas and still getting 36 mpg on the highway, 25 mpg around the neighborhood. The interior is so solid. Not one creak or rattle. It has been a pleasure to drive and I will definitely be looking at the Passat CC next year.

• 

  Just perfect - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By rulerofthemoon - June 14 - 6:16 pm

  Had the car for about 3 weeks and could not be happier. Its the perfect combination of sporty fun and practical comfort. The convertible hardtop is stunning to watch and will sell you on the car. Interior noise is what youd expect for this car ... unlike the soft-tops I drove that just were too loud with the roof up. Get the upgraded floor mats ... adds a nice touch. The Komfort trim is VERY well equipped. The Lux version is a considerable premium but some items, like steering wheel controls, are useful.

• 

  Best car yet - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rodney Trail - June 14 - 10:06 am

  I had driven company cars, one new one every 16 months, now have my own Jetta TDI Special Edition, its the best car i have ever owned, fantastic vehicle

• 

  337 - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By rugby - June 14 - 2:00 am

  this is the best volkswagen ever built. i just bought a 2002 gti 337 and this car is great.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By MCHINxMD - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Just got my car on new years eve 2002. man I love this car so much. The GTI 1.8t has lots of power, very agile handling and a very luxurious interior. My car in particular has every available package and the car is still reasonably priced around 22k. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty yet luxurious 2 door.

• 

  My VW rush :-) - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWKidd82 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my WB Jetta for a little over six monthes now. Its a blast to drive. I been in the shop for minor issues. (squeeks, rattles, dash bulbs). My only major problems was my brake lights were stuck on at 17,800 miles, only 3,000 after taking delivery and Ive had one window regulator replaced under extended warranty. No engine problems.

• 

  great car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By never again.... - June 14 - 2:00 am

  MUCH BETTER THAN HONDA CIVIC!!! I drove a civic, a lancer, a cavalier, and volvo v40, and they dont match up to the jetta. I have had this for almost a year and i have had no problems and i have 48000 MILES!! I drive around 50000 miles a year and i hope to keep it for a while.

• 

  A great Volkswagen - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RYCsailor - June 12 - 8:26 pm

  This vehicle replaced a pickup used for boat towing and general transportation. It has proven to be an outstanding choice with its great towing capacity and comfortable ride. Contrary to earlier reports of excessive problems, the 2005 model appears to have resolved the problems. While the acceleration is not blinding, it is adequate, the seating comfort is first rate as is the design and workmanship. The winter performance was a non-event with no problems encountered and no indications of impending difficulties. Highway travel is comfortable and mileage is acceptable at 20 mpg, 16 mpg around town.

• 

  Theres just something about the wagon. Its sexy - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By john john - June 12 - 4:09 pm