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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  Driver Found! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sonkota4 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jetta. It runs good, it looks good and it feels good.

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  Just drive it. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CBass - August 3 - 10:00 am

  All you have to do is drive this car, seriously. I went from hell bent to owning a WRX to driving off the lot 20 min. after I sat behind the wheel. It balances perfectlly comfort and performance. Its almost uncanny how weel this car just does what you want it to.

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  great car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dd - August 3 - 10:00 am

  yesterday i got a 2000 vw new bettle but it is the same as 2003. i love that car you feel very comfortable when in it and the back seat really isnt that small two people can fit in it easily.

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  WOW! What a Great Little Car - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mike - August 3 - 5:43 am

  Coming from a VR6 I was expecting the Turbo engine to be disapointing but that was not the case. The 2.0T engine in my new GTI is the best engine ever! It provides the perfect blend of a VR6 and the 1.8T! It is sporty and luxurious all at once!

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  I love my bunny! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Muddy Shores - July 31 - 4:50 pm

  The best way to describe the Rabbit is: solid. The steering and braking are nicely weighted; the doors and hatch make a nice "thunk" when closed; acceleration is smooth and strong. Spacious for a compact car.

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  Made it Okay to Drive a Mini-Van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By boilerup - July 31 - 1:36 pm

  I kept resisting a mini-van, but with 3 young kids it became a must have. I was hesitant to get the Routan because of the re-badged Chrysler persona and just it being the first model year. However, Ive been very impressed so far. My wife and I have owned 6 VWs and we can definitely say it has that VW feel and drive to it. It is a dream to drive versus our other car, a Honda Pilot. We also checked out the Odyssey, but it just didnt have a good driving feel to it and suffers the usual interior rattling weve had on all of our Hondas. So Im glad we went with the Routan. It definitely has more VW to it than I expected.

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  Great Time Travel - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By OBX NC - July 30 - 5:03 pm

  Love the car, brings back super memories, makes the day fun and exciting. . My fuel mileage averages 25-29 mpg without pampering. Have owned a Miata, will take the Beetle any day,anytime.

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  Best car I owned - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Jovan - July 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car at auction in 2009 with 130000 miles on.I paid 2500 dollars (for ,then,6 years old ) Never had any problems with it ,super reliable. Now it has 235000 miles and it still drives good. I used synthetic oil. The fuel pump had to be replaced last year. Other than that only regular maintenance expenses (tires, brakes etc) still has the original clutch .Amazing

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  Fantasic! Improved in every area - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By Marcus McReynolds - July 29 - 3:26 pm

  After having a 2006 GTI for a while and decide to move to the newer model. It is a great improvement, not one particular area just tiny improvements in every part of the vehicle. And it is a very good looking vehicle!

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  You too can Drive One - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw2008 - July 29 - 1:43 am

  "CHAMPAGNE TASTE ON A BEER BUDGET" probably covers everything that you need to know about the new Passat, and for all you non-drinkers, you just plug in your cool key and drive. The value to cost ratio is excellent. I tend not to keep cars for over 3-4 years, so as for reliability, the Passat will probably work just fine or will be covered under warranty. On the other hand, my wife has the C. Beetle and she loves it.