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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  my beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Diogo - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my New Beetle and I am planning to lease a new one when my old lease ends. I love the New Beetle looks.

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  Beware the ABS Module failure - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By ca_dryheat - April 27 - 10:15 pm

  July 3, 2014 on I-5 in Los Angeles, the ABS module failed on our 2011 Sportwagen TDI. The module controls the power steering, a/c, brakes, airbags, etc... We get off the freeway, and drop off car at McKenna VW in Cerritos. Problem diagnosed July 5, and Im told the repair will be $3200. Service rep tells me to call Customer Care. I do this and start a case #. Four days later, I get a call - VW will contribute $700. "And we dont have to do a thing, since youre out of warranty," I am told. The car has 50,000 miles on the odo. 12 July - we finally get a call that the car is ready. $1860 is the final bill. Took VW 5 days to get ABS module from Texas to California.

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  Finally A VW owner - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Pom - April 27 - 2:46 pm

  Ive always wanted to own a VW ever since I started driving back in 01, now that I am an owner of the 10 golf Im very satisfied. First day I put 140 miles with a bright smile on my face, I feel very safe in this car than my Honda Civic Si 2 dr. I do miss driving manual transmission, but its for the best for now.

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  Best TDI Ever - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - April 27 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned my 2009 for a week and put on about 500 miles and love it. I owned a tdi before and love it too. I bought that car in 2004. The 2009 is better car in ever way, power, more room for passenger, driver, and the trunk is just huge. The road and motor noise and so low it is just unbelievable. The sound system is the best. This year Volkswagen added a power seat for the driver along with the heated seats for both passenger and drive. If you can buy this car, buy it. I paid $27,300 as this car has dealer mark ups. I am not complaining because it is worth it.

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  The best car - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KellysVW - April 27 - 2:20 pm

  I signed a lease for my Jetta Sat and I couldnt be happier. The car is so nice inside and out. The car is super fun to drive and it feels good on the road. Good power and the 5 speed is easy to use and so much fun. You have to get the 5 speed! I traded in my Blazer so this is way better on gas so far and a lot smoother on the road. The seats are comfortable and all the electronics in this car are beautiful. Great features for the price. You will love this car!!

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  Amazing machine - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Steve - April 27 - 8:50 am

  Just bought a used 05 V-8 with 5200 miles a couple days ago. I looked at 3 dealerships in the Atlanta area before settling on the Silver/Grey model as it is in almost new condition. Although it did not have as many extras as the 04s I saw and drove this one clearly stood out to me. The fact that it was the last day of the month,a Monday and raining I felt would help with negotiations. It did. The feel of this Luxury sporty SUV is upscale all the way, fit and finish excellent and performance that is most enjoyable to experience. only dig is hard drivers seat bolsters. Maybe itll soften with time. Great ride! I compared and drove FX-35, MDX, 4Runner and this stands way above.

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  Unbelieivable machine!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By CHRISTINE - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I investigated and found that the Passat was rated #1 in its class and I can see why. I was worried about the horsepower with the four cylinder turbo, but I am not disappointed. The appearance of the car looks as if I spent a fortune and the inside is as comfortable and stylish as any other car on the road. I will never buy anything but VW again!! This car is perfect for a small family or a single person. Dah, Dah, Dah...

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  Golf GLS - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By vonegaut - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Cool car, great company, 6 windows have broken in 2 years.

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  The 337 - best GTI ever. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By 3374me - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had my GTI 337 for over 2 months now - its everything I had hoped for. It beats my ex-323i hands down in the FUN catagory. Great Gas Mileage + Fun to drive + Style = One great VW! Get one if you can! (only 1500 made.) Cant say enough about this GTI :-)

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  A wolf(sburg) in sheeps clothing. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By bj - April 26 - 10:00 am

  VW is very conservative in their HP rating on this vehicle. Take it to any diagnostic garage and let them do a dyno on it. You will surprised by the "real" HP rating. Then add on the VW dual exhaust system and give yourself another 5% HP boost just for kicks. The 17" wheel option is a must for this car. One thing though, why doesnt this car have GTI badging on the front grille? Hint, you can order it from Europe and put it on yourself. I did, and now everyone knows whats in ther rearview mirror just before I scoot around them.