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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  Long Haul Cruiser - Philly to Indy on one tank! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By pdhamm - April 30 - 7:03 pm

  Ive owned the car for 3 weeks and Im totally impressed. The diesel engine has plenty of power even though the car is really full size...actually its nearly the same size as my 2002 S80. After 2 weeks I took it on a round trip from north of Philly to Indy on one tank approximately 650 miles and 45+ mpg crusing 70 to 75 mph most of the way. The car is rated for 40 mpg highway but Im getting that just driving to and from work at average 35 mph. The exterior looks great, interior is nice quality,comfortable and the fender audio system sounds great. Ride and handling are exceptional.

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  Great Car - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Heat - April 29 - 3:56 pm

  I owned a 2007 Mazda 3 Grand Touring prior to the Golf. I was test driving the new Mazda 2010 5 Door hatch, and I almost bought one until I test drove the golf. Well the Golf beats the Mazda 3 hands down. The build quality of the Golf is absolutely better. The interior nothing but pure quality and design. The 170hp 5 cylinder is very powerful, more powerful than the new Mazda 3s 2.5. If your considering a Mazda3, test drive a Golf. You will be quite surprised.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sam Houston - April 29 - 11:26 am

  Amazing what you get for the money paid. The car is fun to drive and interior is solidly built. Exterior is a little bit unimpressive, but with some aftermarket parts and accessories, it wil look fantastic.

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  Diesel - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tom - April 29 - 9:13 am

  Only problem I have had is replacing the timing belt twice @ 40K & 67K. VW is not responding quickly on this one. They were proactive in the brake light recall, & that was fixed (it worked fine on mine) w/ no problem.

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  Three Days and Really Surprised - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mikey Bee - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive only been driving my 03 Wolfsburg 5spd. for a few days, but I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with my initial impression of the car. The build quality is very tight, and the materials are of high quality. I was/am definitely nervous about Mexican build quality, but initially its great. The seats are fantastic, the engine performs strongly, its quiet, and the standard stereo sounds great. This is my first "European" car (Ive only purchased Japanese cars before), so Im definitely nervous about reliability. Hopefully, I will be lucky!

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  2004 model is a winner - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DJRHINO - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 GLS model is very fun and nice to drive. Its a joy to travel in. We like the classy design of the alloy wheels for 2004, and the now standard Monsoon Audio system. Handling in the curves is great, and makes one not want to put the car back into the garage at the end of the day.

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  The GTI Rocks! - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By stkshftgti - April 25 - 4:23 pm

  The sporty turbocharged 4-cyl. engine once chipped ripped all sheds of doubt from the smaller K03S german engineered turbo, powered the 4-cyl. to well over 200HP and gave the VW the power it really needs to be a sporty coup. With a quick throttle responce and fast spool, the GTI outperforms most coups in the price range. this car has the tuning of a import turbo mixed with the luxury of a European one. I love it!

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  A Superior Automobile - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Nederland - April 25 - 3:10 pm

  This car is a successful compromise, a sporty, thrifty, fun, unique, practical car. Very quick, fuel efficient (Im doing a little better than the listed EPA), decent rear seat, plush, unique, racy, versatile. Whats not to like? The car gets lots of looks. The orange is a love/hate thing, but everyone has strong feelings. This would be a bad choice for a shy introvert. This car is front and center, and was designed to be noticed.

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  Fun and safe car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Iama - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The GLX is the most fun you can have in this car class while still having room for adults in the back seat.

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  Affordable German Luxury - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jagat1 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  What else can I say...This is the Best Value play among mid-size cars available out there. The 1.8T engine is a true VW modifiers dream... A real fun to drive car!