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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  Golf - fun, solid small car - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By jimmyz8 - June 10 - 11:36 pm

  After combing through the small car segment - I stumbled upon the Golf, and my decision was made. The combination of economy, styling, quality and driving characteristics were top in its class. My biggest decision was going TDI or EPV. TDI was my first choice, however decided the extra costs werent worth it.. After owning the car for 5 months Im still pleased with my choice. The car ride is solid, not a single issue so far. Fuel economy, despite being the gasoline engine - has been excellent. Am averaging 35-38mpg on my daily 12mile commute, and have averaged as high as 43mpg on longer distances. Would buy it again..

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  AWSOME CAR - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By fireball667 - June 9 - 2:35 am

  This is car is so great even though i have had it a short time i tthe best the car i have ever had and i am really happy with it and i hope to have it for a very long time and i love the accleretion and th ehandeling best VW ever i would and it i a supprised at the gas message i get lately

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  I love my rollerskate!!! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By octokai - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Yes, I know at first glance some may not be attracted to the styling of this vehicle. It has put up with some tough nicknames as such as "golf putter" and "rollerskate"... However, this car is an awesome car to own in all aspects. The power, performance, reliability, and even safety are excellent. I would recommend this car to anyone... especially in stick!!! NO DRIVERS NEEDED!!!!!!!!

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  Accessible & Space!! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By owasippe - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Roomy second- and third-row seats, lots of headroom inside the cabin, responsive steering, capable brakes, only van door that meets ADA standards for door opening to accomodate wheelchair without modification. VW has a real gem of a disabled accessible rear cabin. Add only ramp and hold down and you are good to go with a wheelchair thanks to easy in/out of rear seat! Cons: Handling takes getting used to...especially around corners or parking, wind noise on highway similiar to early Suburbans, no driver-side sliding door or side airbags.

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  great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By drew22204 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  nothing comes close to this SUV for the price.

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  Jetta Review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Josh Patton - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love that i get 40 plus MPG in fuel economy. This vehicle handles great! I can turn on a dime at 40 mph and it is such a smooth ride. The suspension is out of this world. I like the florescent lights on the dashboard at night as well. The safety features are nice with F and R side airbags and dual front airbags. Leg room in the back is a joke. This car might as well be a 2 seater. Im 62" and it is sometimes hard to fit in the drivers seat to drive. This vehicle is a little light and is difficult maneuvering in inclement weather such as snow...although the front wheel drive is better than rear wheel.

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  Its Just Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By marty416 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have a red/black 2004 1.8T 5spd and love it! Great looks, sporty, fun to drive with top up or down. Glad I got the manual. Love the 17 inch tires and alloys. Heated seats are super. Dont expect any trunk space. So far very reliable. Great car for the money.

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  hard to beat - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By jbaril - June 7 - 9:09 pm

  I bought my candy white over black CC Lux a week ago. Its a great car to look at and to be in. Typical VW tight build quality. Due to the many lease offerings at years end, I looked at M-B C300 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3, Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKZ. Just got out of a 2011 Sonata Limited, nice car, but....I miss the German!! The Caddy is too small, especially the center console to the accelerator pedal, not enough room, plus, along with the Lincoln, cheap interior materials. The Saab is still good looking but just plain old. The Benz is nice but to get the lease deal it really is the el cheapo version. None of them hold a candle to the CC with its beautifully finished interior. Get one.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MaxChan - June 7 - 10:06 am

  Great car. Expected to be underwhelmed, but the car more than met my expectations. On the highway, drives smooth - like butter! Highly recommend.

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  Impressive - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Egolf - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Only owned 1week, but I love it. Very smooth and refined. Pleasantly surprised with the power from base 2.0 engine and 5speed trans. So far, fuel economy near upper end of rating and car not even broken in. Its a Benz on a budget. This car is an excellent highway/hi-speed cruiser. After 1 week of ownership, cant really comment on reliability but if it proves to be reliable then this may be the best car Ive ever owned.