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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  2008 Convertible - Fun fun fun - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Belaircarguy - June 3 - 11:06 am

  Bought a beautiful black with cream interior SE model a few weeks ago. Purchased this mainly for my daughters to drive, although I have to admit the old man likes it too! Havent had a VW for a number of years, but they were always a fun car to drive, and this convertible is no exception. The SE comes with a power top, so makes it much easier for raising and lowering the roof. The car has plenty of pep and the Tiptronic 6 speed manual / automatic transmission is a pleasure. I also like being able to set it to "sport mode", where the transmission holds the shift pattern to higher RPM setting. Good handling as a touring vehicle and sure stopping brakes. Great little car!

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  VDub in Da House... - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Spidey - June 2 - 10:20 pm

  The wife wanted to try something different this time, taking a detour from the domestic norm, and the Jetta sure didnt disappoint! Blue metallic graphite, 6-speed manual tranny, Sport and Protection package, 17" Goal wheels, and the Ipod media interface. Better gas mileage than previous car, $1300 tax credit... even the insurance was less! Whats not to like? When my Honda finally "gives up the ghost", I would love to have one of these, myself!

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  Best car I have had - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Idman - June 2 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased this 06 Model with all the Luxury options available that year. The car had 43k miles but came with a 2yr./24k bumper to bumper warrenty. Included was 90 days Sirius Radio free. This car is out of this world, its by far the finest automobile I have ever owned. Beautiful to look at from any angle, great interior ergonomics, outstanding performance and my gas mileage for combined driving is in the high 20s. The smile never goes away when I am driving this Passat or just looking at it in my driveway. All this praise and I have only had the car for 5 weeks. I would recommend this Passat be on your check out list when looking for a world class automobile.

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  1.8t speed super awesome car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Scott j - June 2 - 5:36 am

  I picked up this car used from a good friend of mine. This car is SUPER fun to drive. The car corners excellent. Very few mods can make it a very fast little car. Many mods are available for them as well. Such as interior, mine has imported blue Recaro GTI seats they fit right in the car. The car looks extremely sporty inside and out. Fuel economy is excellent as well if the car is driven right itll get above 30 MPG. The blue and red gauges are very very attractive looking as well and give the car and upper class feel.

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  My own toy - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Julian Rojas - June 1 - 1:20 pm

  I went to test drive a Jetta, but just could not resist the temptation of the Passat. The Accord (my other option) looked too standard for my taste, Too many on the road to feel that you are driving your own toy.

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  01 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8L Wolfsburg Ed. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andrew - May 31 - 8:20 pm

  I just recently bought my 2001 Jetta. I have heard of all of the problems and concerns they have. I did my research and in my opinion it is worth it. If you buy a Volkswagen you must realize that one; it is an ALL GERMAN MADE VEHICLE. Most cars on the road, whether it be Toyota, Honda, Subuaru or Audi, most of the parts are made in America. Excluding 2008 models, VWs are exclusively made in Germany, especially engine parts, hoses, etc. I have had to put some work and money into it but for the gas mileage, performance, handling and safety, I love it. Plus I enjoy learning about my car and how to fix it. It has flaws, all cars do, and VWs take a bit extra work, but to me it is worth it!!!

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  Joy Ride - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By suzy - May 31 - 12:43 pm

  It is so fun to drive and the turbo is much more zippy than the 6 cylinder model that I test drove. My only apprehension was the small trunk space (coming from a Murano) when the top was down. I have managed to stuff 10 shopping bags into the trunk and what I cant get into the trunk I just put in the car. Its a little gem and my little secret. Its rather unassuming from the outside, especially when the top is up, but I know all of its secrets! Its a beautiful car and much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Helen - May 30 - 9:06 am

  As the owner of a pre-turbo 1986 VW diesel I was certain of the car I wanted. I found it online, bought it and test drove it on the way home. The two big tests came when I approached the 45 mph S turns and the long, steep hill I travel frequently. My older diesel struggled to crest the hill at 50 mph after down shifting. The TDI sailed through the S turns at 65 mph and easily maintained 65 up the hill in 5th gear using cruise control. The power, handling through curves, and smooth transmission have made driving a fun experience. VW also seems to have improved the interior plastic parts problems. I hope I can get 18 trouble free years from the TDI just as I did from the 86.

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  VWROOOOOM - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark - May 29 - 8:26 am

  I love my new Volkswagen Passat 2.0T. It is so unique and a real head turner. The Turbo 2.0 feels like a little Jet and the Tiptronic transmission is a blast. This is a cice car that beats the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord hands down, with a bit of style too. I compare it to the BMW 5-Series easily.

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  My GTI - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Lorraine - May 28 - 10:13 pm

  This car is great fun to drive. Sometimes I wish we did not have speed limits. I am an older woman, driving a bright red GTI manual. Loving it, simply loving it. It holds the road like no other. I had an Audi A4, 1997. That car was also manual. My GTI seems quicker,and equally great to drive.