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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  Practical Fun - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By BunnyLuvr - March 27 - 4:00 am

  I looked at all the small hatchbacks and the Rabbit won, hands down. Coming from another German car, a BMW 325, I appreciate the solid build - it doesnt have that tinny feel that too many of the Japanese econoboxes have. The standard features, like the ABS, DSC, etc., make the price very competitive. As far as driving experience, I would have to honestly say, this car is about 90% of the fun of my BMW for about 60% of the price.

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  Reliable Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brett - March 25 - 10:03 pm

  I use my Passat just like my neighbors use their SUVs. I tow my dirt bikes, take it off-road to my favorite camping/fishing spots. Snow is not a problem in the winter with the ESP and it has more room than most midsize SUVs. I tinted my windows for the SUV look and average 28 mpg on the highway.

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  In love with my car. :) - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VWlover - March 23 - 5:56 pm

  In my opinion this is the best car. i love it! being a smaller car like i am, its the perfect size. very comfortable. safe. Drives amazing. great sound system. i couldnt have asked for a better car from my parents. as long as you take care of it, nothing goes wrong, Ive had no major repairs been made. oil change, and tires balanced. thats about it. Thank you VolksWagen.

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  Love It! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmf80 - March 23 - 4:41 pm

  Bought my 07 12 months ago with 85,000 and put 20,000 on it. Only have needed oil changes, the check engine light does come on now and then but thats VW. Just took it on a 1200 mile trip with 90s to 100 degree heat and performed beautifully. Just a great car to drive!

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  What a Surprise - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Phil The Thrill - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am really impressed with this vehicle. It is a great combination of perfomance/ style/ and reliability/ and Cost. Im an Automotive Engineer and a tough customer :-) Although North America does not have the Haldex AWD coupling (which my company makes) This car performs great with the stability control option. My decision was down to the GTI and the Mini S. I chose the GTI because of engine performance and the 20th annv. package is just cool!

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  My Gti 20th - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Matt M - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My Gti 20th is an excellent car. I picked up it from the dealership and did nothing but enjoy my new Gti. It is built great, fast, fun, and most important, affordable !

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  This aint no minivan! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By mssurfn1 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just got the van after researching the other minivans. Major "coolness" factor with this vehicle. Had to trade in my Audi A4, but worth it for my wife and growing kids. Plenty of room and utility. Not many bells and whistles, just the basic amenities. Nice feature, we can all sit facing each other and use the built in folding table to eat, play games, family time.

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  vw rocket - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By danb - March 21 - 10:00 am

  it is fun to drive and has very good handling for the money the car has a lot to offer need to drive it to see

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  My Blue Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dcrane - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It was my 50th Bday present - - what a surprise - - it has turned heads on the streets now for 5 months

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  Love this Minivan - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By 2010 Routan - March 20 - 9:16 pm

  This is a great minivan for the choices that are out there. I feel like I am driving a van with style over the boring Honda, Toyota, and Kia models. This van offers the space I need with style. I know this van is made by Chrysler, but I like that it has the VW tag on it. Its a good choice for the van options out there. I could not be happier with this car!