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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  Makes my drives actually Exciting!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vonnicht - June 8 - 3:56 am

  I have had the car since Aug of 2008 and I am very impressed with Volkswagen right now. The build quality is superb, This car not only feels as solid as a rock, it OWNS the road. Handling is amazing I feel like I have superhuman reflexes with how responsive the steering is. I average about 26 MPG with 60 hwy/ 40 cty driving. Another plus with this car is that it requires fewer oil changes, the recommended is every 10,000 miles or 12 months. It does require full synthetic. I researched many other models and makes and you cant beat the level of quality and luxury that Volkswagen has to offer at this price level. I also got mine for 3k less than book, certified.

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  GTI rocks !!! - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mario - June 7 - 1:10 pm

  If youre looking for pocket rocket, fun, and fuel efficient vehicle look no further. Great quality in and out, could easily get away with an Audi badge. Great powerplant and car manners of a sports car. It simply puts a smile on my face whenever Im behind the wheel!

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  LOVE MY BEETLE - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By khlv - June 7 - 1:50 am

  I traded in my Red 99 for my new Sunflower yellow (GREAT COLOR) 07. Talk about a GREAT deal! Great price, and they fixed all (but 1) of the features that bothered me in my old beetle. Cup holders were moved, both seats can be raised, and a LOT more power! that extra .5 in the engine REALLY makes a difference. SO FUN TO DRIVE!

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  6 month / 18,000 mile Review - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By K Milec - June 6 - 7:33 pm

  I drive in excess of 700 freeway miles a week and needed a commuter car to replace the SUV I was commuting in. I compared the Jetta to cars from the foreign and domestic brands and found them lacking on either finish, features, safety, fuel economy, or cost-of-ownership. The Jetta won me over on finish, features, safety, and fuel economy. While the cost-of-ownership is more than a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, I dont consider the features of those cars equal to the Jetta. So, what about the fuel economy? Wow! The fuel savings from the TDI engine are about half the monthly payment on the car. In all: This car really satisfies me.

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By greennfun - June 5 - 12:26 pm

  After test-driving many similarly priced vehicles, used and new, this one came out as a winner! Compared to Mini Copper/Clubman S, BMW 3-series, Japanese, WRX and MS3. If not pushed hard gives comparable mileage to Honda Fit and when driven hard, feels quicker and sportier than BMW 328i. For the money, amount of amenities in this car is amazing. Seats are very comfy. Day-to-day drivability is very high. Stock audio is comparable to premium audio. Turbo sounds intoxicating!

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  Love it! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Simi Valley - June 5 - 10:26 am

  After looking at several different cars over the past year, I finally decided to get the CC. For the price, this is absolutely the best car. Definitely feels like I should have paid more for what I got. Interior is very nice, and the same goes for the exterior. Surprisingly good gas mileage, as long as you dont have a lead foot. Sport mode is very responsive when driving through the canyons, and the handling is excellent. Go out and test drive this car!

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Melina - June 5 - 8:26 am

  The VW Beetle was my dream car, and I finally was able to find one, which I purchased used from a dealership. There is the possibility of some electrical issues, but I keep it well maintained and absolutely adore it. I still just like looking at it, and driving it every day. Repairs can be costly, again the key here is maintenance. I get compliments on my car almost daily. Cup holders inadequate, as are the sun visors, but other than that I really cant complain.

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  Great car - Great Value - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cheekygeek - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This cars styling is a head-turner. This is one car that looks better WITHOUT a rear deck spoiler. Very classy, yet sporty. Just the right touch of chrome sets this car off. (Compare it to the earlier years without the chrome and see the difference). I love the comfort of German seats (especially when compared to Japanese). The Passat is like getting an Audi A6 for $10,000 less. This is the car the Camry and Accord WANT to be. Rear seat passengers have room and comfort, even with front seats back. Good headroom, even with the electric sun/ moonroof.

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  I loved my Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By noofie - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Jetta until some jerk pulled out in front of it and totaled it. However, my daughter and I both were unharmed basically. I never had any probelms with the car except for the power windows broke alot. They are expensive to fix! I was never stranded because the car was very reliable. Overall, I enjoyed the car immensely.

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  the best vehicle ever - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ni - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car is all i have to say