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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  N east jetta tdi sedan Auto trans - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By northeastjettaowner - October 31 - 10:00 am

  So far(2500miles)-so good. averaging about 45 miles per gallon of fuel! Handling is good. Several sqeaks in the interior dash and doors. Overall very good handling and GLS features.

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  Great little car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gtruk - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Mustang Bullitt for this car and am not disappointed. Although I miss the 275HP and 315torque, this car makes up for that in character. I have 10k miles and havent had any major problems yet! The only problem Ive had so far is a small squeak coming from the glove box. The gas mileage is alright, but could be a little better for a 6 cylinder. The materials used for the interior are light years ahead of US car makers and everything fits snug. My ears actually pop when I roll up all the windows! The only annoying thing is having to pull the headrests out when you want to fold down the rear seats. Overall this is a great car and Id recommend it.

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  I love my car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By AIMSTER - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a VW again, but this time it was a gift. I love it! Its zippy and really reliable and fun to drive. I could use a little bit of pick up. My friends love it and my brother comes up with any excuse to borrow my car.

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  youth mobile - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By JJD - October 26 - 5:36 pm

  My third gti and this one is the best by far, fun to drive my three kids fit in the back very nicely. Only car I have owned that makes you want to drive and I have had them all.

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  Solid Performer - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jetta_power - October 25 - 11:20 am

  I leased a 2009 Jetta SE. Overall, this is a solid compact sedan. For the price paid, the car comes loaded with a lot of options, such as express windows up and down, heated seats, power seats, and a very plush leatherette interior. The interior is without a doubt the high point of the Jetta. It makes me feel like Im in a more expensive car. The ride is compliant and sound. It is firm yet supple. Power is good, not great, but brake performance is no better than average. Fuel economy is decent, but I feel it should be better. If Im easy on the engine, I can get 26- 27 MPG. Overally, I really like the Jetta and have no regrets so far. Its been reliable at 2K miles. VW has style and uniquenes

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  fast car at great price - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By dirtsport1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my GTI for -3500 rebate. They were trying to clear all the 03 and i got lucy. I love the car. the realaibltiy is shakey, like a tameraine, but a brown one, not a green one. I would recoment it for the price.

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  good car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By baja - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my golf in 2000. This is a nice car,brakes good,handeling in courves is great,looks good,nice interior,has a lot features for a decent price

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  My Jetta 1.8t with everything - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Furmanos - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Its awesome! It has all the bells and whistles, the stereo is amazing with an 8 speaker 200 watt amp and the turbo engine just recently upgraded is powerful and lots of fun.

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  Its the Little Things" - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AngiMen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this in the end of 2000. Although I find it adorable, this model still needs a little tweaking. I have had problems with the windows (passanger side broke), fuel tank lid, ignition, radio/cassette, oil is used up fairly rapidly and the oil sensor never went on. Will be taking it in for an oil consumption testto see what is up. If it werent for the little glitches this car would be perfect! Its just the little things. Id still buy another one, but a Turbo.

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  Great car, so so gas Milage - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Louanne - October 23 - 5:30 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Passat for this new Passat. Like my other, Im pleased with the handling, low road noise, roominess in the interior and trunk and overall comfort. The only downfall so far is the gas Milage. It touts 24/36. So far Im getting about 21 mph with my gas engine! Quite a disappoint. Overall great car.