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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  fun - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By echusby - April 21 - 10:00 am

  drives well, corners nicely, great acceleration. Limited legroom in the backseat, huge trunk. Highly recommended. Try it with the Phatbox 20gig mp3 drive in the trunk.

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  First VW, first diesel = Dont know why I waited! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By sheepleking - April 21 - 4:33 am

  Traded in a 2011 Rav4 Limited because the fit and finish (i.e. squeaks, rattles, road/wind noise) were terrible. I looked at countless vehicles and finally looked at the Passat. Once I read everything I could, scoured the reviews for any negatives (there werent any) and convinced my wife that diesels arent what they used to be, I took one for an extended test drive and was hooked. Fantastic fit and finish, little or no wind noise at highway speeds (75 to 80), solid "thunks" when the doors are closed and no odd noises from the cabin. Overall - Very happy and look forward to years of quiet, 40+ mpg drives. Ill post follow-ups every few months (as comments) for anyone interested.

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  I love my R - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Mike C - April 20 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my 2004 Volkswagen R32 for over a year now and would not trade it for anything else that was close in price. I have a cold air intake, short shift kit and a performance chip installed on mine and it makes it even faster and more fun. The intake actually increases the sound of the exhaust without sounding like the imports when you really get on it. It always makes me smile, I feel like a little kid when ever I take it through the gears and start passing people. I have had only two small problems with it, my driver side window switch started skipping and my rear calipers had to be replaced, a pin was worn out (with only 14,000 miles). Both items were covered under warranty.

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  43 MPG! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By curtolaf - April 19 - 4:23 am

  This is my first VW. I chose the Jetta because of the optional 1.9L TDI Diesel powerplant. I commute 70 miles daily and I was looking for a way to save some cash. I got what I expected. My previous car drank 89 octane fuel and at best got 26 mpg. Im not spending any more on diesel fuel and the savings are there. Despite its 90hp rating the Jetta is a kick to drive. The turbocharger delivers when you step on the "gas".

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  Buying My Second Gold TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By jenny - April 19 - 3:23 am

  Weve been a one car family for over six years (2003 TDI Golf) and are about to purchase our second car. Were buying another VW TDI Golf. Why? We couldnt find a better, more efficient car period - let alone for the price. It feels like a safe car - not tinny like the Hondas and Toyotas Ive driven in the past. His and hers TDI Golfs. Need I say more?

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  Most Stylish VW Ever!!!! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By S.H.E. - April 18 - 4:00 pm

  I went to the following dealerships in search of a new vehicle: Lexus (E300), Mercedes Benz (C Class), Volvo (S40/60) and Acura (TL/TSX). While at the Acura dealership, I turned and saw the CC. Test drove it that day and bought it the next. The interior/ exterior styling made it unique. The others cars may have more power, but the CC made up for it in price. Ive owned a Jetta, the New Beetle and now the CC for about a month. This car will definitely make buyers consider VW.

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  Fine Car for Big Dogs. - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mumphry Rauschenberg - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This driver is over 6 feet tall and almost 300 lbs, and the Passat is the only smallish car I find comfortable. Interior dimensions are generous and headroom is still good with the power sunroof. Seats and seating position are perfect. Wierdest feature: Multi-function display on dash informs you in a teutonic way ("Refill washer fluid!!!"). Unexpected feature: Lock the car 3 times and the sunroof closes.

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  Bug delite - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By michael99 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is so cute. i wanted to sleep in it the first week we got it. Early on week took a 1,000 mile road trip. It was wonderful. I was surprised how little road noise there was. The car is now over three years old. It works perfectly. I have moved to a hilly area and would prefer a little more tourque in the higher gears. The body has held up well. The interior has done well but then I had the seats covered from the beginning. Overall, it is a fun car. It still competes well with the new models. I will probably keep it another 4 years (50,000) miles before buying another VW. PS This is our 4th VW.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vwrocksmysocks - April 16 - 10:00 am

  i love this SUV- its efficiant and very high quality- the ride is so much smoother than even the bmw x-5. (i test drove that when i went to the dealership also) it is the best that money can buy

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  Excellent Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lenjoe - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for six weeks and 4000 miles. In one word "excellent". Very stable at highway speeds and you have no fear of rollover like you would with an SUV. It also give great mileage. On the high ways at 75mph, I get about 31-32 mpg. Overall I have had 26mpg in mixed driving.