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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  Feel like a Queen in my Car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ruth S - June 21 - 2:53 am

  I love driving my Volkswagen Jetta, the seats are the right height to see over the hood. The handling feels sturdy and safe. The seats are comfortable on long distance trips, and the heated seats are a must have. The ride is smooth and stable. Turning corners feels very reliable, and I feel safe, even when I was rear ended. The car was hit very hard, but damage to the driver side was minimal. I owned five Volkswagen Bugs in the past, but this Jetta is the ultimate dream car for me for driving and handling. When its time to move up I will purchase another Jetta.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Pat - June 20 - 11:06 pm

  I must have test driven about 10-15 cars in a matter of a year. Then one day my husband said go drive the VW GTI, well it was love at first test drive, I was hooked, the speed, the handling, the torque and it is a hatchback. They had to pull me out of the car. Have it about a month now and it is the most fun car I have ever driven. I helped move someone the other day and we couldnt believe how much we could fit in the car, it was amazing. This car is a blast, the gas mileage is very good, getting about 26,27 highway right now and that is with getting on it now and then. I use to hate my long commute everyday, but with this car I go to work smiling now. I am loving it.

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  My third convertible - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By my car - June 20 - 4:06 am

  This is my third convertible. I live in California and I must have a convertible. I have always been a "muscle" car girl so I was thinking of my third mustang when I saw the Eos. My college boys were test driving a VW Rabbit on a rainy day and I stayed behind in the showroom. I noticed this cute car with a line down the back of the top. I asked if it was a hard top convertible and the salesman said "yes" and showed it to me. By the time the boys got back I made them a deal. They could have my 2001 GT convertible, 5 speed V8 because I had found my car. The turbo is plenty zippy, the fit and finish are great and the gas mileage was the deal maker.

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  could be worse - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By M.S. in California - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Almost 60K now.Ignition coils were not an issue for me.Volkswagon had to keep on me to bring it in for replacement.Car has burnt more headlights then all the cars Ive driven put together!Hasnt been as reliable as my Fords have been.Much more reliable then my buddies S-40 Volvo,and MUCH better built!Drives very sweet,handles great at 136 mph.Excellent handling once you get rid of the factory tires.Overall a nice car.

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  A Very Happy Owner - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Happy VW Driver - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is perhaps one of the best sedans ever made. Its combination of sport, luxury, and safety makes this Passat one of a kind.

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  happy owner - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Happy owner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Mercedes, Jaguar and most recently the Audi A8. The lease opportunity on the Phaeton was to good too pass up. After driving this car for the past three months I can honestly say it is the finest car I have ever owned. Quiet and comfortable! I have had clients six and a half feet tall ride in the back seat and say it is the most comfortable rear seat they have ever been in. I am extremely pleased.

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  Love My Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By brucebuggy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Volkswagen New Beetle, and I am thinking about buying a new one when I graduate from college this May. My parents and I bought the car used almost a year ago, and I have few complaints so far. I love the cars styling - very distinct and has a nice, techno feel. It offers a lot of luxuries that most cars in its class do not. Overall, it is pretty reliable, too. I have, however, had one very significant problem: my A/C system just failed, and it had to be replaced. I have an awesome independent mechanic, though, and he fixed it for about half of what the dealer quoted me.

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  Love my car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2002 GLS Turbo 5m - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Most enjoyable car I have ever purchased. Previouly owned back to back Accords which were nice but not really fun. I look forward to just going for a drive due largely to performance and luxurious feel. I have the manual transmission and dont really notice the turbo lag. My gas milage is great. Dont understand the people who say fuel economy is poor. I get 22-25 in town and 31-34 freeway. I am and 6 feet tall and wife is 55" and both find comfortable driving positions. Had to take car in for ingnition coil recall and power loss to stereo. Both warranty items fixed promtly.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scirocco62 - June 19 - 6:10 pm

  Ive my Jetta for over 2 years and I will be sorry to see it go when my lease ends. Although it looks too much like a Toyota once you get behind the wheel you know its a VW. I love the MP3 CD player and the ice cold a/c in the summer and the heated mirrors and quick heat in the winter. The car is an absolute blast to drive and my dealer is great only had 1 problem with the brakes and they took care of immediately. I will certainly lease another. one

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  Wow--love the TDi! - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Fred - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I needed fun car for a daily commute of 100 miles. The high MPG figure attracted me but I remain amazed at the TDis power as well as the cars "fun factor. My other car is a 2002 Accord and this car beats the Accord for fun, quality, MPG and hopefully for reliability.