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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  Love It! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By atlguy34 - May 5 - 12:20 am

  I had a 2005 Passat that I swore I would never sell. Then I drove an EOS one day while I was having my Passat serviced. I was hooked. Within 3 days I had one in my driveway. The car is a blast to drive, not to mention its really cool. And since they are still relatively new, it attracts a lot of attention. The way the trunk is configured, you can not see where the car ends. Mine came with Park Distance Control which at first I thought was lame, but after driving the car for a while, its a necessity.

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  Theyll think your rich! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By copout - May 4 - 4:33 am

  After having a 2005 PT Cruiser convertible and using it as a field vehicle, it was time for a "new car". My cruiser was mechanically sound but in pretty rough shape. With few convertible choices that a state worker can afford, I ran across a used EOS with a little over 20000 miles on the warranty left, yes the 07s had a 5000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. New ones do not. Its a silver essence with a black interior, the black interior is hard to find as most have the beige, for a less than tidy person do not get the beige. The hard roof system while opening makes the car look like a transformer and will get you lots of looks. After 1500 miles in 2 weeks, no problems. LOVE IT.

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  Dependable - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwluv - May 3 - 4:16 am

  Dependable, solid sedan that is both fun to drive yet feels safe compact

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  I love the bug! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - May 3 - 3:16 am

  I have had my VW Bug convertable for almost a year and a half and I totally love it! It drives smoothly, it looks hot, and you can get it in fun colors! I wouldnt be happier with any other car. Its fun and you will be more than happy to dirve it. Ive never had any problems with it either, never! Enjoy the car, I know you will!

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  Best for the planet and pocketbook! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PZeiger - May 2 - 12:36 pm

  Im acquainted with diesel because the last time I visted my relatives in Austria, they picked me up in a Audi A6 diesel. I previously owned a second generation VW Scirocco in the 80s and although I loved the car physically, it was a mechanical nightmare. Eventually got 140K on it but with two transmissions! This TDI is an unbelievable car! Everything is well thought out and superb quality. VWs attention to detail is unmatched. Little things like the back of the seat belt fastener has velvet backing on it so it doesnt scratch or make noise! The interior of the glove box is velvet lined like a jewelry box. The drive is true German, sporty, responsive, crisp, and joyous!

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  The Original Hot Hatch and It Rocks!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Erik B. - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Im at 6,000 miles on my 2003 1.8t GTI and so far its been a great ride. Fuel ecomony is good but does take a hit if you "drive" the car. But its worth the hit trust me. I get a smile on my face every time Im behind the wheel. The 1.8t engine is suberb and delivers plenty of power when needed. The car handles like a dream especially on the twisty roads here in New England. The Monsoon sound system is sounds awesome and delivers some serious bass for a factory stereo. Over all its everything I expected!!!!!!!

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  I love it so far - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By donwarnatray - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it a couple of weeks, but so far it is great. It handles well. There is a little turbo lag, but it is quick. The build quality is fantastic. It is really quiet, and feels very solid and tight. It comes with a lot of nice standard features and safety features. I am hoping that it is as reliable as the Rabbit I had for 15 years. It is a pleasure to look at as well as drive.

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  Not Bad, Its Great! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Incubus474 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Passat now for almost 2 years and have put 31,000 miles on it. There has been only one issue with the car. the coil packs went and where replace by the dealer. Besides that its been a kick ass car. i drive very agresive and the car handles turns, accelerating and decelerating really well. I drive mostly city and 70-80 mph on the highway and get 21.3 MPG not bad for my style of driving. I have no complaints. I wouldnt give this car up for any thing. I plan to modify the car to get 210hp from the standard 170hp. Easy to Modify very inexpensively to increase the engines performance. Go get one, trust me.

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  Amazing Car for the Money!!! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By WGR - May 2 - 7:16 am

  I bought the car today, and I am thrilled! The seats hug you, the stereo is great and the style is second to none. Why buy a boring Accord, Camry or other when you can have style!!! live now!

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  ROCKS! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Kuya - May 1 - 7:50 am

  I do not know why this people are saying bad thinks about this car!!! i was reading the reviews and ohh man.. i have never seen anything like that on my car. Good Performance, the Torque is great for this car. It handles pretty good. not problems with this car at all. Also, the oil change, you can do it in several places, like Goodyear, good people, good price for a synthetic oil. the brakes are really good, it could be better, but i cant complain. even i have driven my Stock Rabbit into a track race and it performs really good in corners. If you really take care of your car, and drive it responsible, you will receive response back from it!!! Love it!