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:

• 

  2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bigdaddy - November 4 - 4:13 pm

  Id seen the first Concept One in 1994. After exhaustive research and MANY test drives, I purshased a 2005 New Beetle TDI on 1/12/2005 (or VW NB GLS TDI with ESP and XM(radio). The fuel mileage is GREAT - over 400 miles on a fill up with 99% city driving- I look forward to a very long relationship.

• 

  A Brilliantly Executed Driving Machine! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By kewllewk - November 3 - 1:16 pm

  I cannot begin to express how fantastic this car is in every regard. The Volkswagen Passat 3.6 is awesome to drive around town, through twisty turns and muscling down the highway. Its power delivery is smooth and voracious, the sport tuned suspension is nicely balanced and the car is laden with technology. From the sleek and refined muscular styling to the balanced performance, interior comfort and features of the car, this is probably one of the most well rounded and capable vehicles on the road today. The body of the new Passat is also incredibly rigid which really enhances the feeling of control when driving the car. Take a look at this car. You won’t be disappointed!

• 

  Im sold on the Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ellen - November 1 - 4:36 am

  The Beetle has been an unbeatable vehicle for me. As a college student, I needed something reliable and relatively inexpensive. The Beetle requires little maintenance and is fuel efficient. It even has enough space to move ALL my belongings between dorms/apartments, even running well hauling a UHaul across the country to move me to my first job after graduation. My Beetle now takes me around the city during the week and into the mountains with my bike on the weekends. I cant imagine driving any other vehicle.

• 

  You Cant Beat Being "Free Folk" - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By TREGinginCO - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Volkswagen may be the company that brought us the VW Bug, but the Touareg is well worth the money. Im amazed at all of the standard equipment that comes with this vehicle. People complain about the power of the V6 and say theyre wrong! Drive this thing around in "sport" mode and youre gonna have a really good time. Message To Volkswagen: Well Done!

• 

  Fast and fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaman93245 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from Herman Cook in San Diego. The sales people are great and helpful. This is my third Jetta. Its a blast to drive with pull that is better than other car in the price range. The suspension and the ride are outstanding. Handles very well, doing 55-60 in a 25mph clover leaf without a sweat. Gas mileage is very good if you dont drive the car aggressive. Had one problem with the lock on the right rear door, but was fixed in a few hours with the dealership. Other than that no problems. I installed new suspension through autotech and a q- chip. Its handles better and the chip made the car insanly fast.

• 

  impressed - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill from VB - November 1 - 2:00 am

  My last three cars have been BMWs. This is my first VW and I love it. The performance of the 1.8t engine is impressive, handling is tight and ride quality is excellent. This is an overall fantastic driving car with a classy/sporty look. The BBS wheels, spoiler and stainless exhaust pipes make the Wolfsburg stand out from all other Jettas.

• 

  No memory seat for base model - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By cc lover - October 31 - 2:13 pm

  Memory seat was one of my reason to choose this car. But,after purchasing my cc base model, I found out Edmunds.com provided wrong information in available features. Memory seat is not standard in base model. it is available at luxury and above models. I am disappointed about Edmunds.coms accuracy but extremely enjoying my new cc. I am just wondering about comment below by "Liz" sounds like memory seat for base model(2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

• 

  Am I Lucky?? - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Flash - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 GLX VR6 and still love driving it. After reading many other reviews I am feeling very lucky but worried now. Only a few things have happened to it. My rain sensor stopped working, which was due to a short in the wiring up in the head liner and my armrest latch broke and that is it. I blew a couple speakers or the rivits that hold them in were loose or broken, I forget, but now the rattles are back in 3 speakers. Everthing was covered. I do notice a lot of squeeks and rattles and wind noise with the sunroof. Besides those little things the car has been great to me, specially for the way I drive it(like an arcade racing game).

• 

  Worth Every Penny - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Paul Godfree - October 30 - 11:10 pm

  I drive a lot and wanted dependability. My previous 90 Jetta had 600,000 miles on it before it died. First I replaced the wiper blades, the originals sqeeked like crazy. Then I replaced the tires. They wore down so fast and didnt handle very well. With Michelins it drives and corners like a racing car. The first failure on my new car was the electronic fuel mixer ($500) at 80,000, then a taillight at 120,000, then the brakes at 180,000. The shocks went at 240,000. Now the rear brakes will be replaced at 300,000. IE; this car is tremendously dependable. It still starts on the 1st or 2nd crank. Thee radio has always stunk (it broke in the first year) but Ive go a rear CD player that replaced it

• 

  Bought Another! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bel Air Car Guy - October 30 - 1:53 am

  I have a 2009 Jetta as a company car, which I drive daily. Needed a car for my college daughter, and she liked my Jetta, so we found a 2007 white Jetta with automatic and sunroof. Car is as much fun to drive, as tight a body, taught steering and suspension as my 2009. The 2007 has 49,000 miles compared to the 2009 with 24,000 miles. Great cars that make you want to drive them all the time! Have taken my 2009 on road trips up to 7-8 hours for business purposes, as never tired, my back does not ache, and still in a good mood when I arrive!