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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  2006 VW Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Ralph - March 7 - 8:56 am

  this is a very nice car. I looked at five other hatchbacks, this had the best features i.e. interior, four wheel disks, 6 cd changer, power moonroof, etc. It is has very good quality throughout the car. Everyone is impressed.

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  Happy VW Convert - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bustoff - March 6 - 6:00 am

  Purchased my TDI Jetta 4 door with premium after test driving everything else out there. That includes BMW 328i. This cars ride is ALMOST as good as the BMW...for 15-20k less...not to mention the cost to insure, maintenance and fueling up with premium and getting significantly less mpg with the BMW. 5 months old and just broke 6,000 miles. Averaged 44.3 mpg from bay area to San Diego...less than one tank of diesel. NO DIESEL SMELL detected. Handles great; plenty of power-had trouble keeping it under 80 on I-5.

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  The Best Buy! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Curt S. - March 5 - 9:10 pm

  More fun than an old 911. I have owned this new 08 Rabbit S automatic for a little over a month and 2500 miles of fun driving, some at altitude in CO. The look, the ride the cargo capacity and the performance is outstanding!If your in the market for a compact car buy the Rabbit. Having fun!

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  Its Fantastic! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mongo - March 5 - 5:13 pm

  My 2003 Passat was a great vehicle in every way. Its speed, handling, comfort, quality, reliability...every one was top notch. Thats not to say that it was the fastest or most comfortable car ever, just that the car met or exceeded my desires in each of the categories. There was absolutely nothing about the 2003 that I disliked, but when I first sat in the 2007 model I knew it was only a matter of time. Im extremely tall, and the Passats have been good tall-person vehicles for a long time. The 2007 model offers me even more legroom with no loss in headroom, and more thigh support from the drivers seat. Thats a great combination for me. So far, the cars been bulletproof.

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  Buy It - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By kenbar - March 4 - 5:26 pm

  Only have it a short time. Fuel economy is excellent. 2.0 T engine performs well. This car is fun to drive that turns a lot of heads. Recommended.

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  GTI Rocks! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By tx gti lover - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my GTI! I bought it for the engine and hatchback and this car has never disappointed me. It has so many wonderful features and its very user- friendly. My experience with VW service makes Mr. Goodwrench look like a hack. And the roadside assistance is outstanding! Rather than Joes Haul-It, you get AAA when you buy a VW. After a year and a half, Im still thrilled with my GTI - all my car-buying money will go to VW for as long as I buy cars.

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  chris - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By chris3033 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  it is fun and fast and it can be a chick magnet

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  Try it, youll like it - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By USPSORUM - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My friends told me I was crazy to buy a diesel. They were crazy not too. Its a tight, quiet car, very quick and fun to drive. Plus, it always gets over 40 mpg. Not for big families but can carry 5 adults if you have to. Went on a 2000 mile driving trip with 4 adults--we were fine. Great in the snow.

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  04 Passat GLX 2.8 V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWlover222 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I initially started with a 2000 VW Passat GLS V6, which had a continual "no start" problem. VWOA bought the car back from me and offered a great incentive to purchasing another VW. I decided on the 04 VW Passat GLX. I only have about 1,000 miles on the car but I love it. Many said I was crazy going for another VW after my experiance, but I think they are great cars. Fun to drive, comfortable, powerful and stylish

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  A True Q Ship - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bienagiter - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Tasteful styling coupled, a torquey engine, well-spaced ratios in the 6-spd manual, and AWD makes for a potent combination that slips under the radar (literally). The AWD with ESP ensures that corners are taken with aplomb. Handling in rain and snow is incredible. Some may find the ride stiff. Steering is a bit overboosted, although adjustment takes place quickly. Very comfortable touring for two, and easily hauls 5 without disomcomfort.