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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  Great So Far - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Justin - August 23 - 12:36 am

  I replaced my 1999 Honda Civic EX with this Passat. It has a beautiful blue finish. This car hauls compared to my Civic. I know VW has had reliability issues in the past and sludge problems with certain engines. This model is made in Germany and not in Mexico or Brazil so I am more confident that this car is made to last. We will see, so far this vehicle is a dream. I love driving in it!

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  Fantastic car despite some problems - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By bradleyland - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Since the day I drove my off the lot, I have enjoyed every moment behind the wheel. The ride is stiff enough to provide a sporty feel, but doesnt punish you over less than perfect roads. I chose the VR6 because of its smooth, quite operation. The addition of two cylinders goes a long way toward smoothness. This is especially noticeable when you start the car in the morning. My only complaint would be the fact that Ive had a few problems even though I normally have very good "car luck", as I call it. I still enjoy the car so much that I don’t mind the fact that it’s spent a total of maybe 5 days at the dealer since I purchased it. I’d still recommend this car highly!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robby Lee - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a VW Passat before now.....what an amazing car! The Turbo engine is deceptively quick and fun to drive. Definitely not a boring ride.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By zookprsara - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I havent found one thing that i dont like about my car!

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  Happy Driver - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Witty - August 22 - 2:00 am

  With over 5,000 miles driven Im averaging 47 miles/gal. overall. The car is pretty peppy but not really fast. Interior room is abundant with more overhead space than Ive had in any previous vehicle. Sound system and acoustics are good. Handles great.

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  2013.5 Jetta TDI - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hlisle - August 21 - 2:01 pm

  Great car for distance travelling. I have put nearly 4,000 miles in almost 2 months... No problems - and have enjoyed the the car overall...

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  My second Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Michel Avril - August 21 - 10:13 am

  I always change cars every two years. The difference is if I find a better model, I change, if not, just buy the same. I drove a BMW X5 V8, and it had problems. I changed to a Mercedes ML500, and had no problems, but it was not good offroad. Then I changed for a 2004 VW Touareg, it was more comfortable and user friendly. After 30,000 impecable miles, I traded it in for a 2005 Touareg in July 2005. With Pirellis on 18 inch wheels, it handles as if it was on smooth rails. Precise, totally satisfactory to drive, in both the city and highway. Then go off road, the BMW and the Mercedes had trouble in the Death Valley canyons, the Touareg makes everything steady and easy.

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  what a relief - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By madhu - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I drove chrysler cirrus and nissan altima before I bought this car.. The only thing I can say is ..what a relief and addictive.

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  Excellent so far - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By rcwired - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2002 GTI just over 5 months now and must say Im impressed. The only "problem" I have is the left tie rod popping as descibed by Russell. This car feels like a much more expensive car. I owned an Infiniti G20 before the GTI and must say the VW seems to be built just as well. Well see how the GTI holds up over time. My G20 was still solid (no squeaks) after 125K miles. The power of the 1.8T engine is unbelievable. Its nice not to have to downshift to get in the power range - just step on it and it goes...FAST!

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  MY EUROVAN - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By RICK - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT. ITS FAST, VERY ROOMY, EASY TO DRIVE. MY KIDS ARE VERY CONFORTABLE IN IT. I NEVER THOUGHT OWNING A MINIVAN COULD BE SO PLEASUREABLE.