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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  Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By phishockey - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my GLI for a week and I love this thing. Im still in the break-in period, so I havent fully tested it yet. But, so far its very smooth and lots of fun to drive.

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  Fast, frugal and fun!!! - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By jbartuski - August 30 - 10:30 pm

  Bought early December 2012. Had only 27k on the odometer. Mine is a silver 5-speed 2.5L... base everything... only option is the Cold Weather package. So far I absolutely love this thing. Its sharp looking without being too flashy or attracting unwanted attention. Sub 8 second 0-60 times... and a huge grin every time you take a corner. Tiny outside but will swallow giant items. Its very safe, cheap to insure, and economical at the gas pump. No problems to report after 5,000 miles with the car itself. El cheapo standard equipment Conti tires are garbage, and will soon be replaced. They do not hold air in cold weather.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By zalmoxes - August 30 - 5:20 pm

  I had a great experience with the dealership. No hassle, they had a profit a had a good deal. This cars 18 rims are nice looking. I love the sunroof and the automatic transmission drives like a $40,000 car. Im 47, guys, and I also have a $45,000 plus Lexus. The responsivness of the GTI is unmatched. My wife is reluctand to say that shes happy with it, but I am. Is my toy, let her drive the Lexus. Fantastic job VW.

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  GTI MkV -- Nice - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By SpitfireCole - August 30 - 5:30 am

  After trading in a 350Z with reliability problems, I wanted something practical that would still be fun to drive. With the GTI, I do not feel like I made much of a sacrifice. This car is a blast to drive. It is quick and nimble. Im not sure that Im a joiner type, so the VW community still scares me a little..but I love the car.

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  Fun to Own - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By blowinthwind - August 29 - 10:56 am

  I love driving this car. I would rate the fun to drive factor higher than a 10 if I could. It handles well and after driving a big van for the last 8 years I appreciate how easy it is to get where I want to be. The car responds well. It is a blast to own. Every day someone comments on it. My sons friends think it is the coolest car ever - I do too.

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  VW Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By cdgchi@earthlink.net - August 29 - 6:03 am

  The Eos is a quick car, it accelerates smoothly. I havent noticed any turbo lag, the power is there when you need it. It handles well and it doesnt wander when being driven.

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  great car - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By honky - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a dream, deffinetly dont miss the spooling turbo of my 1.8t...VR6 3.2 more then makes up for it. All around beautiful car

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  The BEST - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By just an average guy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After you fit yourself into the R32, you are one. The performance is incredible, the styling is immaculate, and the comfort is unparelled. The only view anyone will have of you is you rear bumper. There wont be enough time to get your licence plate number. Happy driving.

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  Excellent Peoples Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By E Medina - August 28 - 10:00 am

  There is a lot of reading and getting used to. The transmission is unbelievable with 6 gears and auto or standard shifting. The car is solid and perfect body work and the motor is powerful. Interior is perfect and the dash lights at night are Blue and Red for easy reading. Headlights are excellent with high intensity the brakes are excellent the best yet. There is some residue on the wheels from brake dust but a good washing will fix that. Im very satisfied and so is the wife.

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  2004 V8 Toureg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By spskcmo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We test drove a Porsche Cayenne in March 2003. It was a good compromise for my husbands dream car and the practicality of a growing family. However, we knew the Toureg would be released soon. We are glad we did because we virtually have the same car as a Cayenne S for $20,000 less! My husband still has a Porsche on his dream car list -- just now hes back to a car for mom & dad someday. . . .