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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  A subjective review by a tall driver - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Chris - March 20 - 4:03 pm

  The GOLF is a very comfortable car. I say this as a 66" driver. As usual VW seems to offer the most room even if the mere numbers on the fact sheet would not suggest it. The range up/down range for the driver seat is huge. The steering wheel has great range both for up/down and telescope. The larger fwd windows of the 2 dr offer great visibility, although for the shoulder view the smaller rear windows can be an obstacle. Handling is tight, precise yet very smooth. The Sport Mode is aggressive and a joy to drive in. Gas mileage is better than advertised so far. The materials are seamlessly connected and the car feels upper scale. However, a few annoying interior noises have yet to subside.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Donn Weinberg - March 20 - 8:30 am

  I love my Phaeton! It is a pleasure to drive and elicits very positive comments from other drivers. My passengers love the cavernous back seat leg room and comfort features. The upgraded stereo is awesome, as is the cooling/heating system. Considering the great deal I made ($54,300), this car is a great value.

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  best car ive ever had - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By char - March 19 - 10:00 am

  bought it brand new, now approaching 240k miles. i really had nothing break, just things that wear out. a couple of years ago i got new shocks so it drives like its brand new. still on original clutch and rear brakes. actuallly the air conditioner went out this summer. i dont know what went wrong with it. this car exceeded my most optimistic hopes - i couldnt be happier. my last tank i got 48 mpg and i never have to add oil.

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  Great car with some drawbacks - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By Fielder - March 19 - 10:00 am

  An exceptionally beautiful car - very disinctive. I think its better looking than the Mercedes CLS. Its also nice that you dont see many on the road.

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  Capacity Performance Quality Efficiency - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tallB - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned 3.6L since new. 40k miles and a great car. Never stranded, no major issues. Get amazing MPG on the highway; e.g SF to Tahoe - avg 28 to 30 MPG City 16 to 18 depending on driving style. Solid NO rattles! Remember this was German built. Capacity! Folding rear seats can fit 7ft plus items. Rear facing child seat & still leg room in the front. No issues in a year or more. Park sensor beep in rain issue was fixed now no issues. Comp update – hesitating acceleration gone. Performance, handling, features, quality unmatched. More HP & Torque than BMW 330, can take it any. Styling has held well, granted not as great as a BMW but sacrifice a little vanity for HP, room, cup holders, features.

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  Great car - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mobes - March 19 - 3:36 am

  Absolutely great, TDI is geared a little lower at slow speeds so takes a little getting used to but handling, comfort, and acceleration are more than expected. I am currently beating the EPA mileage which is a little surprising to me driving in the heavy traffic of Northern Va.

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  Buggin - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LEISHA - March 17 - 6:36 pm

  I havent owned my Beetle for very long but what little time I have had it I LOVE IT! Who would have ever thought these little cars would have so much room and POWER! These are not stripped down cars, they too have lots of neat options. It hugs the road so when meeting big trucks you dont have to worry about being blown around. Great gas mileage!

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  Just Fun - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By George - March 17 - 12:26 am

  I intended to purchase a Mini Cooper S, but after driving he GTI I was sold that this was the car for me. I was looking for small and fun to drive vehicle and I made the right decision. The longer I own it, the more I appreciate the GTIs quality. I only wish it came with 4 wheel drive.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By brian1121 - March 16 - 4:39 pm

  Bought this car brand new when I was 16, for just under $16,000 and havent looked back since. Its pushing 7 years and over 100,000 miles now and no problems at all. Changing the oil every 10k miles and changing brakes as needed Im sure helped the quality remain top-notch. Quick enough for getting around town along with decent fuel economy, however I wish the mpg were a little better.

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  Cant find a better car - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jetta lover - March 16 - 3:46 pm

  My first day with my first v-dub, it is easily the best car (for the price) that I think Ive ever driven. The balance of power and fuel economy is perfect and the styling of the car is gorgeous inside and out. I got the 5 spd SE with leather, cold weather pkg and the premium sound system. Cant say much about the reliability because its only been 1 day. If youre looking for an affordable car that performs across all categories you can stop looking, the 2008 Jetta is it.