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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  Wow, Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick Snider - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Wow, nice ride, we have only owned it 2 weeks and its a blast

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  Almost 50 miles per Gallon WOW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GrGrosskopf - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Sporty and comfortable, this handy little car is not compromising on room. It handles like a Porsche, yet has the luxory of a caddy. The blue interior lights are pleasant to the eye, so easy to see in the dark. I took my TDI all the way from Santa Maria, CA to Medford, Oregon on ONE TANK OF FUEL, averaging 48 to 50 miles per gallon. You never have to smog the TDI, and the exaust is cleaner than a gasoline engine. AND SO QUIET for a deisel engine! It handles like a dream. There is no Glow Plug to wait on when you warm it up. TDI has come a long way

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  Jetta Fun - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cf - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This IS the perfect car if you are looking for excellent handling, a wonderful ride, and a car that is a joy to drive at a reasonable price. I love German engineering!!!

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Amy Ewain - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I had a golf before this car and I absolutely love it. This car is very stylish and very fun to drive. I have a p chip in it which really cranks up the turbo. I would recommend this car to anyone. I am very satisfied.

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  hot rod - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By turboboy08 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The jetta is a great car for anyone. Its fast comfortable and stylish. The price is cheap for the car your getting.

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  X-cellent Car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SteeleTig - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is one of, if not THE, safest cars on the road today. It looks cool, feels great and is affordable.

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  The best - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By luckykidd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jetta ever since i have gotten it but lately i have had problems with the gear brake...where you up it into park, reverse, etc...and its been fixed once and it is still doing it..other then that i love the car..

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  best buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwjettacarowner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The best car. I love driving it.

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  Precious, fun vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Raul - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This Jetta has been very good to me. After having a 2001 GLS automatic and a 2001 manual, this is the best Ive driven. The heated seats and mirrors are perfect for the Minnesota winter. Braking is well beyond above average, and even though HP might not be a huge asset, the ride is smooth and the highway torque while passing is just perfect. If you are looking to buy an Audi A4 or BMW 3-series, save your money and buy this reliable, fun car.

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  Jetta 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HarryLime - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for almost a year with over 19k on it with no problems. Great, affordable fun car.