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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  Loving my car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Teresa - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Jetta. I have the GLS 1.8T with the sport package. I had such a pleasant experience with it, starting with the dealership (Bertolet). They were very friendly and helpful and HONEST!

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aschely Cone - May 7 - 9:26 pm

  This car is not a luxury sedan and its not really supposed to be, but it drives very very well - smoothly with substance and weight to it, the interior is well-done, and daily I appreciate another thoughtful design feature. The seats are quite comfortable and the dash lights are lovely red and blue, another very satisfying aspect of the car. For instance, the trunk is unbelievably well designed and quite packable; I am continually amazed at everything I can fit in it. So far, I have had no trouble with anything. I also like the purr of the diesel, discernable at low speeds and idling, but not intrusive and oh the mileage! It exceeds my expectations.

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  The Rabbit Rocks - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By joe - May 7 - 5:13 am

  This is one sweet ride. It has a great build, great power, and a great price.

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  This is a great car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bug owner - May 5 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! It makes us smile and whenever we drive it other people smile and wave. It is great with the top down and quiet with the top up. We put one of those hood covers (used to be called a bra) on it and it looks even sportier. .

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  A nice change - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By sdafins - May 3 - 10:16 pm

  Have owned various makes including 8 VWs. This is far the best. Dynaudio is superb. Energetic power with good mpg. Fit/finish is first rate. Comfortable, and fun to drive. When it comes off lease, my wife has already suggested another VW.

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  German Engineering - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Matthew - May 2 - 10:16 pm

  I love my GTI. It gets good gas mileage. I usually average about 24 mpg in city/highway driving, and Im not easy on the throttle. Got over 27 mpg going from IL to Dallas TX with an average speed of 70 mph. The power of the 2.0T is amazing. It pulls even from 6th gear, as long as its in boost. I cant wait to get APR Stg 2+. I should be looking at around 240whp and 270wtq or around there. I always find an excuse to take the long way home, this car is addicting. Even with all of the TSBs, a few recalls, etc., I still love my GTI. Good job VW!

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  The .:R is back and better than ever! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Dr. A. Keller - May 2 - 3:33 pm

  The new R32 may not be as rugged as the previous-gen R32, but it definitely feels a bit more refined with a stiffer chassis, precise handling, more upscale interior material, more comfort features, etc.; all while still retaining its crown as the ultimate hot hatch! The VR6 has a very nice grunt from all around the rev band and is a perfect match with the DSGs lighting fast, crisp gear changes. You can definitely feel the VR6 open up with the more miles you put it through. It feels MUCH more aggressive now (1200 + miles) than it did when I picked her up with 12 miles. If I can describe the R32 in a few short words: its a wolf in sheeps clothing.

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  2006 Jetta 2.5 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pernie - May 2 - 5:43 am

  This car is just plain fun and a pleasure to drive. I think this is the best product VW has put out, dollar for dollar, EVER!

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  Comfort, Torque, Fuel Economy WOW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Malinois - May 2 - 3:20 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that was: 1. comfortable 2. had the cargo and passenger space of my SUV (2001 Nissan Pathfinder) 3. wasnt anemic when it came to acceleration 4. had decent fuel economy. I found all of that and more in this VW Passat TDI. I typically get 29 mpg city and 38-40 mpg highway. With a little technique called venting, I can exceed 600 highway miles between fill ups. This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that has not disappointed me in some way. Now if VW could just make an all wheel drive version..., the 247 ft.lbs. of torque could probably handle 4-motion.

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  cabrio - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By douthett - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, excellent handling, easy to get around town, plenty of room inside.I bought this car to replace a BMW 318 and I am very happy with the choice.