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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  Gets the job done - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By docta96 - April 1 - 3:16 pm

  This is my 10th VW. I bought it as a Certified used car from a dealer rather than a 2006 model since I wanted a factory tape deck. This is my third diesel and is, by far, the best. I spend quite a lot of time in the car and it is does everything well. The Monsoon sound system is great except for poor AM reception that the dealer has been unable to correct. Although I drive the car briskly and primarily non-city, the fuel consumption has been 48 - 49 MPG over the last 7,000 miles. The cruise control, despite less than optimal placement, is dead-on accurate. The car handles well, has excellent brakes and the ESP system works flawlessly. The trunk capacity is good, but the rear seat room is below average.

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  I Love my Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - March 31 - 2:56 pm

  I fell in love with my Volkswagon Bug when I drove past it one morning. I went out and test drove it, and it was beautiful! It is a five speed and has a nice take off. Everything changes so smoothly. The large dash is something to get used to but you dont even notice after a bit. I love the large windows and everything is within reach of the driver (stereo, air hazards) This is a car for a woman looking for a little bit of cute fun!

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  2004 Volkswagen Golf GLS - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By boblom - March 30 - 11:43 am

  This car is great fun to drive, but to get 40 mpg you must drive like grandma and not take it over 65 on the parkway with the cruise control on. Cons: gas tank marker is not indacated on the fule gage. fuel gage never reads full. So I set my trip guage and at 400 miles i place 10 gallons of fuel in it. It should have had electric defroster in windshield for cold weather package and the heated washer fluid system still froze when it was cold outside. Needs more power should have had the bigger oil burner in it like it big brother. Otherwise Im a happy camper so far.

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  Vonderful - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By canacsgti - March 29 - 10:00 am

  (17in wheels, moonroof, sports cloth) Always wanted one, not disappointed. Excellent performance and handling. Makes for enjoyable commute and desire to take the back (mountain) roads to/from the office.

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  Good clean driving fun - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By beaverdam - March 29 - 6:45 am

  This VW has exceeded all of my expectations. Highway Mpg is always above 50 unless the AC is on then it drops to 46. City MPG is about 35. Only time will tell but so far it is rock solid and very reliable. Ride control is tight but not too firm. The lack of independent suspension in the rear is not noticable for me. 4 wheel disc brakes have a firm feel. Electric power steering feels like "steer by wire" but is easy to adjust to.

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  tires - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ronald - March 28 - 1:23 pm

  This is my forth jetta, they have improved a lot since then, I seem to gravitate back every time I am ready to buy a new car, which I suppose says it all.

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  2002 GTI 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By NKeen - March 27 - 2:10 pm

  Excellent car, with great interior space, at least in front, and high assembly and materials quality. Handles well; complaints about soft ride come from those who dont make long trips on American roads , which are not maintained to European standards and tolerances. Standard stereo with CD is more than adequate.

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  Great little car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jackdtennessee - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This 2001 just keeps geting better, averaging 46+mpg of diesel and loving every mile. THe best part is the dealer service department. relatively few problems, but my next car will definitely come from Harper. I also have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer that cost twice what this car did and they (Chevy) have convinced me to buy VW next time with their attitude.

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  3 rd passat - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By robert knowles - March 27 - 3:26 am

  2001 passat 1.8 2004 passat 1.8 2008 passat 2.0 This is the car. the 2008 2.0 litre turbo..The powertrain is amazing. Cruise at 70mph/30- 32mpg.. depending on terrain. The 2.0 litre turbo.. great acceleration..plenty of power on hills... especially on 1-84..pa/ny.... must use 5w40 synthetic and change oil every 3500 miles.. discard stock tires.. use Dunlop winter sports 3d... simply brilliant auto.. thanks vw

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  Touareg best I have owned - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jdpompano - March 26 - 12:07 am

  I have owned many cars, trucks and SUVs over my lifetime, including luxury brands from Audi and Acura, this is the best vehicle yet. The build quality, handling, engine performance/mileage are all great, best in class. I have owned this for two months and I am averaging 22mpg in city driving, with excellent acceleration and engine smoothness. The technology features are intuitutive for most, but there is still a learning curve. DVD player in glove compartment a plus.