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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  LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwlove - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last year and it is the best one i owned! I havent had a problem yet and its so comfortable! i have a turbo and you wouldnt imagine how fast it can go. its great for everyone! even my dad likes driving the car.

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  A great little car - so far - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By skicat - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I enjoyed it so much during the test drive and I was looking for a relaible and economical alternative to my truck. Other family memebers have had great luck vith VWs, so I thought I would give the GTI a shot and Im glad I did. In three weeks I have tallied 1400 miles and the car has performed flawlessly. I would strongly recommend this ride, however if you buy this car opt for the extended warranty (5yr - 100000 miles) for piece of mind reasons if nothing else. Most dealerships will give you a discount on the warranty if you demand it!

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  Would Buy It Again - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, great value, great car!! I have had no problems. My first VW. I say anyone looking in this price range check it out!

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  In luv with my VDUB - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kpad1ne - February 21 - 7:10 pm

  My girlfriend works for Volkswagen & I was skeptical when she bought her 07 Jetta.I am a die hard Nissan/tuner enthusiast & I am amazed with the performance & smooth ride of German vehicles, in this case VWs Jetta.The car has great acceleration & good power considering its weight & remote 150hp, but could pack a punch when you need it to.The 6spd auto/DSG feature is great & the comfort, interior quality, & ride is amazing, not to mention the car is affordable.Black is the best color for the Jetta as it highlights all of its elegance & compliments the chrome front grille the best.I am in love & will be purchasing one for myself, the GLI of course.

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  My first VW - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By shandipassat12 - February 21 - 2:12 pm

  With the new Passat, what grabbed me was the luxurious exterior style...without knowing any better, youd think it was an Audi A6, which the Passat shares the same frame with. The interior space is unbelievable paired with a HUGE trunk...best in both areas in the "Mid-Size Class." I like technology, well I got everything I need a lower trim on the Passat: Auto headlights, bluetooth, a Premium 8 touch-screen radio with SIRIUS (YAY!), dual climate control. The car is extemely user friendly and the dash layout is flush and simple...not complicated or a million buttons like Honda. The 2.5L engine is SMOOTH!! No hesitation in acceleration, jerking, all around THE BEST CAR IVE BOUGHT!

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  Great machine - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By wes - February 21 - 11:03 am

  Super suv - what performance - great air suspension - rides like a dream. on sport setting - holds road like a porsche - outstanding vehicle - great audio system - good navigation system - unbelivable offroad performance.

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  Uber Golf - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By gtiness - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The combination of performance and luxury in a 2-dr hatchback in unique in the US market. An absolute blast to drive with looks that are sure to turn more than a few heads.

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  Fun Car!! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jon Vowel - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt change anything about this car!! I have never had this much fun driving before. The interior build quality is excellent. Although its not as pretty as the Mini, I still like the styling.

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  The Jetta is Impressive - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaBeliever - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Were overjoyed.Who needs an SUV or minivan?Think Europe,people!The backseat is ample for our kids and the adults are more than comfortable up front.So far no mechanical trouble whatsoever, except one bizarre electrical thing where the stereo wont power-up with the engine.Happened twice.Briefly disconnecting the battery takes care of it.Otherwise, our expectations have been met if not exceeded in every way with this car.I might more seriously consider the turbo next time.Our standard isnt the peppiest thing on the road(although having the maual tranny helps)but man does it feel solid,responsive and well-built in every way.

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  VW Gets Serious! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By First V W - February 20 - 1:33 am

  I just recently purchased my 2006 Passat 2.0T. So far its a fun, sporty sedan with a grown up style. I am a 35 year-old guy who doesnt want cheap looking or wannabe quality feeling components.