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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  JETTAS-R-COOL - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MONICA - September 3 - 10:00 am

  My Jetta has taken me all over Europe and all over the the southern US. I love it! It has been worth every penny. I get 28 miles to the gallon with a 4 cyl. auto.! I got the base model, but I wish I had gotten the fully loaded model because mine does not have lumbar support. The service I get every time I take my Jetta in to get the oil changed and inspected is outstanding--which is why I will buy another Volkswagen when the time comes. I tell everyone to get a Volkswagen because I love mine so much.

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  Audis Little Brother - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Wagons...Hoooo! - September 3 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have been looking at the Jetta Wagon for some time. I really wanted the TDI, however, California is run by eco-crazed politicians who do not permit the sale of any TDI version of VW. In any event, we settled (lucky for us) for the 1.8T. This is the same engine in the Audi A4 but tuned down for marketing purposes. We also opted for the Sport and Winter packages which make for a great ride even on cold mornings. The leather seats are very nice and firm (which happens to be my preference). I will switch to synthetic oil after the first interval to help the warmer running turbo engine last longer. We love this car to death.

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  City Beater - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By Steve - September 3 - 1:10 am

  I needed a city car, for down town Toronto driving -so we bought the DSG - finding myself using the paddles more often, to get the responsiveness I want . Love the car - beats driving the Mini Van ;)

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  04 JETTA - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John K. - September 2 - 10:33 am

  Great car for the $$. Handles great and 2.0L motor strong enough.

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  Almost perfection - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By spidaman - September 2 - 4:56 am

  The Passat Komfort Wagon offers a wonderful balance of design, performance, comfort and safety. We traded down from an 04 Touareg, and have not been disappointed by the fit and finish of this vehicle. The sole Achilles Heel is the powerplant. While peppy and enjoyable on the highway (especially when passing), there is significant turbo lag, especially compared to our other driver, a Saab 9-3 with the same size 2.0 L turbo-charged engine. Additionally, the mileage is not nearly as good as the Saabs, and gear selection in this automatic could be better tuned. The VW shines on design, fit and finish. The leg well is a bit narrow, but seats are comfortable, and leads to a fine day drive.

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  Early thoughts - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By nectar - August 31 - 11:16 pm

  Package 1, 18" hufs, vortex body kit, wow... this car is well sorted. Power is smooth and plentiful, tranny is lovely, not notchy in the least. And the handling/brakes are great bone stock. I was considering a WRX, Mazdaspeed3 (which my brother owns and loves it as well), and a few others. I drove the GTI and feel in love. Having been a long time VW owner (I currently own), I was happy to see the GTI is made in Germany. Ive just made it past the break-in period, so Im finally able to do some spirited driving and I couldnt be happier (well, AWD would have made this car perfect, but hey we cant have it all). This car was built to drive. I smile every time I get in.

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  12,000 mi Review - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Very Content - August 31 - 2:00 am

  One year and 12,000 later and not a problem. Based on some of the reviews I have read - I am waiting for something happen. Overall, car is fun to drive, good fuel economy (avg. 27- 29mpg), looks great inside and out. Recommend getting the Monster mats for the floor and tint the windows - both have saved my interior.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RL331 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car in general. Superior build quality and use of materials.

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  VW stands behind their work :) - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chris - August 30 - 12:23 pm

  I bought an 04 2.0 litre convertable that was a piece of junk but VW stood behind their work and replaced it with an 05 turbo for a very very small contribution from myself and I could not be happier this car is awesome and so far has been trouble free :) for anyone buying one they are very low profile and I would suggest the 17 inch rims, they give you a bit more ground clearance, the 04 had 16s and drug her butt everywhere the 05 has 17s and never bottoms out. I would also recommend the turbo over the 2.0 litre it performs much beter and doest use any more gas than the slow 2.0 litre.

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  Golf 2004 - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By le roi - August 29 - 1:03 am

  This is one of the most solid autos Ive had in a long time. It is much more solid and quiet than my old Honda Civic, although the Honda was a very good car. The VW seems better. I also tried out a Toyota. It was very noisy and tinny sounding inside.