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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  A great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Kate32 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the VW and I love it. I was looking at the Volvo XC 90 and I like the Touareg much better. This car feels solid. The pick up is great considering the weight of the Touareg. I am happy with my choice so far.

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  Best SUV in the Market - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Pasoa2000 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The VW Touareg has to be the best SUV in the market. The navigation is excellent, the on road handling on par with the X5, and the offroad handling comparable to the Range Rover. Interior fit and finish is awesome.

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  Zippy, Fun and Sassy - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mizzouXC - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Firstly, the handling on this car is amazing. It is very agile and responsive. Secondly, the powerplant on this car is amazing. There is plenty of passing power and enough acceleration to smoke most cars out there. The turbo spool on this car is minimal, but exists. Thirdly, the interior is sexy. The quality of materials is most appealing. American car companies: take a note from VW!! Basically, the Jetta is a budget luxury sport sedan. Its trimmed like a luxury car, its materials are the quality of a luxury car, its body is solid like a luxury car, its Monsoon sound system rocks like a luxury car.

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  VW Jetta Wagon GLS TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KJF - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Great little work vechicle. I dont know how they got 45 mpg from this model, the best that I have got is 40.9 mpg. Overall a nice little wagon

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  Power, Style, Price... VW ROCKS! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By arvissers - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Car Description: Alaska Green, Beige Leather, Monsoon System, Rear Spoiler, 17" Alloy Wheels and Sport Suspension, Cold Weather Package, Power Sunroof, & 5 Speed Manual. Car Review: A blast to drive, test drove a GLI and a 1.8T and was hard to justify the X- tra $3 Gs for the V-6. Go with the manual to fullt see the fruits of the turbo, also the 17" alloy wheels and sport suspension really does make a difference in terms of looks and handling. Alaska Green isnt a color I see too often up here, so the car stands out in all of the Reflex Silver and Black Jettas we pull up next to.

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  I LOVE MY M&M - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SANDWOMAN - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the very best car in the world to own. For all of you grannys out there, we have a fun car to keep us young. This car is safe, fun and the grandchildren love it. As my granddaughter says........it is a happy car. I have had Lincolns and Caddillac which can not even come close to the performance of the Beetle. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  1.8T NEW BEETLE - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By keebee133 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS VERY FUN CAR TO DRIVE. WE JUST GOT THE LIMITED EDTION BLUE ON BLUE AND BLACK SEATS. THE TURBO ENGINE PICKS UP QUICK, AND ON THE INSIDE IT IS THE BEST IN ITS CLASS.

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  VW Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By John - May 17 - 6:20 am

  Great SUV to drive. There was no question after test driving the 4Runner & Jeep which was the best vehicle for the money.

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  My Zen Mobile - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By cookie - May 17 - 4:46 am

  Just love it. The day I picked it up was in a rain rain storm and next time a snow storm. Handled amazing. After many different vehicles...I have found Kansas! I love my Zen Mobile.

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  Maxima guy buys VW - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - May 17 - 12:46 am

  Have had five Maximas since 1990. After testing a 2002 Maxima and Passat, my 15- year-old son said "except for sheer acceleration, the Passat is superior in every way." He was right. This car is stylish (even white, which I dont care for), very comfortable (with memory seats, everyone should find a good driving position), has good room for people (abovementioned 6 son or his 65" friend sits behind me when I drive) and stuff (easily handles 8lumber). I have two herniated lower discs in my back, so the heated seatbacks as well as seats are great. Overall, German ergonomics are better than Japanese. Looking forward to the 4-Motion capability in bad weather. Power could be better. Six months...so far so good!