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:

• 

  Extremely Fun and Fuel Efficient - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mrstacy - August 21 - 6:16 am

  I was considering hybrids, but heard about this one coming out. Im glad I waited. It has tremendous acceleration and great handling. The computer showed that I got 44.3 mpg on a 300 mile trip. Im still over half a tank plus I drove around all day today. The engine is quiet and clean. Ive seen older tdis spouting dirty smoke, but this one does not. There is also a minimal amount of noise. If you are inside, you cant hear it at all at idle. When you punch the throttle, this thing takes off. A lot of push. I notice it especially around 20-30 mpg like trying to get on freeway. It is peppy! The materials are as good as the bmw 650i we own. Just dont confuse the fuel!

• 

  Best Damn Volkswagen Period - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jbmill33 - August 20 - 10:40 pm

  I never thought Id fall in love with a car, but the 06 VW Jetta TDI weve purchased come very close to a love affair. It takes corners on rain-slickened Oregon roads masterfully. The MPG has exceeded what was printed on the sticker, I get nearly 50 mpg!

• 

  VW is a whole new standard of automobile - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By VW4Life - August 19 - 5:56 pm

  This is my first economic vehicle, and my first Volkswagen. You can easily fit people inside, or lay the rear seats and fit lots of stuff inside. The quality of vehicle compared to all other makes is amazing. Everything from the drive to the notice to detail interior. This car is fun, stylish, reliable, and economic. Once you get in a VW youre hooked.

• 

  Will never sell !! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By farfromsingle - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Love it! What else is there to say? The 1.8 liter gets the gas milage I like, but the turbo makes sure that Im not the slowest thing on the road. Handles the road just like my Porsche 944. The parts arent cheap, but you dont have to buy them often. Watch the oil changes. Dirty oil clogs the turbo.

• 

  European perfection. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By FelipeAG - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I own a New Jetta GLS, I drive a lot of miles per month and the car hasnt given me any troubles at all.I love my Jetta and I plan to keep until it doesnt want to run any more...(years and years from now) Fuel economy is excellent I drive from Orlando to Miami with a lot less than a tank of fuel. Styling is just pure European perfection..Europeans definatelly know how to design cars. I just love my car, it is one really good decision that I made. Volkswagen and all European cars are # 1.

• 

  Fantastic SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VWR32 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This VW definately puts the "SPORT" in SUV. It handles like no other on the market, is luxurious, fast, and outright fun. Not many SUVs can claim that. This SUV does not seem to suffer the dreaded "soccer mom" curse that most of the competition does, thanks for not putting in a 3rd row seat! The build quality, and fit/finish are on par with the best of anything on the road today. Absolutely no regret in getting this vehicle. I have other VWs, and will continue to buy them. No other manufacturer makes anything that does all things so well. Great job VW!!

• 

  2008 VW Passat Turbo Sedan Manual - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwenthu - August 17 - 3:03 pm

  Its been 18 months that I purchased this beauty and I am still as excited about it when I bought it. I was a bit skeptical about VWs reliability so it took me a while to post this review. I am extremely glad I made a great choice. Was tempted to buy Acura TSX but the looks, standard features (luxury options in other cars), roominess sold me completely. I couldnt believe that I have the base trim that comes with most of the luxury features you would like in your car. Not to mention the compliments you get.. You should definitely put Passat on top of your list if you want to have spirited and fun driving and euro handling.

• 

  Volkswagen R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By jon - August 15 - 7:06 pm

  The Volkswagen R32 is the perfect car for me to take out the clients and get compliments from any age group and sex. It has been fun to drive and the seats are sporty, comfortable and attractive. The steering wheel is the best that I have felt.

• 

  Its a Sold Car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By bnjbvw - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. The fuel mileage is awesome, the performance is out of this world. I love it!

• 

  A satisfied owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael Silver - August 15 - 10:00 am

  More power than most small 8 cylinders; standard equipment is better than most luxury cars. Ive own BMW, Mercedes, several Lexus cars, but this is the most fun car Ive ever had.