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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  Fun to drive - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Lane - March 16 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned this car since last July, i have owned one other VW in my time, and this is a contiuned experience in the ultimate fun, comfort, reliabilty and all around excellent car experience. I couldnt possibly think about going back to another brand after this. What other company can boast such a family like following. The aftermarket makes it such a pleasure to work on and make this little car your own. You couldnt possibly get bored with this VW. Just get a subscription to EuroTuner Mag and your brain will be filled with the possiblities. you wont even have to break your bank. and many you can do by yourself. So try it out, performance, comfort, luxury. its got it all!

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  3rd VW, 2nd Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By qbert - March 16 - 9:06 am

  I bought this 2004 model to replace my 1994 Jetta. Ive decided to keep the 94 too since it only has 290,000 miles on it. The 2004 is a better car, it rides nice, accelerates well and I figure it will make 300,000 miles as well.

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  The New 2006 Beetle is Much Better! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brandon C - March 15 - 10:56 pm

  When compared to even the 2005 VW Beetle, The New 2006 models makes a world of difference in both features and handling. The new 2006 has a far more powerful 2.5L in-line 5-cylinder engine that gets GREAT fuel mileage and also produces more power than even the 2005 1.8T Turbo! I have owned a 2003 Beetle and would say my new Salsa Red 2006 Beetle beats it by far! The new interior design tweeks like chrome rings, a redesigned speedometer, and an MP3 player input really gives it that extra kick! I hope this review helped you! You must see one of these in person! this is the best VW ever!

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  The perfect combination - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By chuck54633 - March 15 - 4:03 am

  This car is the perfect compromise of all the requirements I have for a vehicle. I wanted something more fuel efficient and smaller than the truck I was driving, it had to be comfortable, fun to drive, and have room for my dog. I looked at every 4 door hatch on the market, especially the fit, versa, and the Astra. The Rabbit is the only vehicle in that group that feels like a real car. It feels like a budget BMW with comfortable seats, an excellent driving position, and a wonderful 6spd automatic. OK like most other people I wish it got better mpg, but you do have to consider the solid safe car you are driving. Im seeing 25+ mpg in mixed spirited driving. You can do better with practice.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kfyten - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I think the TDI Jetta is the most inovative practical design in a long time! Really a wonderful car to own and drive.

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  Just a fun car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 1.8TJetta - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I had a 12V VR6 before this and after the test drive could not justify spending the extra $$$. The turbo has great pull and a lot more top end power then you would suspect. At 75mph you are only at 2800rpm so you are right in the middle of the power band. The manual transmission is very smooth and I was very happy with the clutch as well. I dont have a lot of miles yet so I cannot speak to reliability. Traded in the VR6 with 60,000 miles with no problems.

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  Great Car. Period. - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Paul - March 14 - 2:13 pm

  Ive always been a Japanese car fan, especially of Toyotas and Hondas, since they last soooo long. At first I was a little skeptical about the VW, but considering how theyve made a major come back within the recent years with their Passat, Jetta, and Golf, I thought I give them a chance. My first impression is amazing. The car is solid and well built. It has so many features for such great price. Think about it: a 5-cyl, 6-speed automatic, is super nimble, has good stereo, comes with all the power goodies, and can easily fix up with some wheels and springs to look great! Id take this over the Corolla or Civic any day. I love the 5-cyl. engine! Test drive it and youll see.. Its smooooth.

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  Greeeeaaaaattttt! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sal Flores - March 14 - 7:56 am

  I Bought this car for my wife (her 3rd Jetta) and Ive been driving it since the very first day, I have a 2002 BMW 530i Myself and told my wife she can keep it until I get bored of driving the Jetta;...It has been 3 months and Im still driving the Jetta and I think I will never get bored of driving it. This car is awesome

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  67000+ and counting - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By applehead - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Golf GL TDI 5 speed new in March, 2000. The odometer now shows 67k+ miles, 2/3 at 65+ mph. The only service has been routine oil changes every 10k, using fully synthetic oil. No problems of any sort, and I still average 50 mpg. This car does everything well; very good acceleration and handling, excellent cargo capacity, a plethora of safety features. The overall performance is so good, when I first test drove a TDI, I asked the salesman if he was sure it was a diesel! Farfignugen works!

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  Best Car I have Ever Had - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kev30 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Passat about 3 months ago and I am loving every minute of it. I have owned several cars in the last decade, but nothing even comes close to the ride and build quality of this amazing car. After I bought those cars in the past, I would grow melancholy with my purchase in just a few months, but not with this one, I still get out and look back as I am walking away. My only regret is that I did not get the leather (please do yourself a favor and get it). My suggestion to Toyota and Honda is to take a trip to Germany and see how these guys do it.