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:

• 

  Great car! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eric - March 26 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my Passat for only a week but its a great car! Its fun to drive, has ample space in the rear seat (teenagers), gets good mileage and is substantially less than other European cars its size. Its definitely the deal of the decade! The only nitpicky thing I dont like is a little hesitation upon hard acceleration. Other than that, the car is great.

• 

  From Pashizzle to Pasham! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By pashizzle - March 26 - 11:40 am

  This is a second chance survey to help offset my previous post. VWoA came through with a software fix, reflashed the ECU and KAPOW!, the car has come to life!! There is no more throttle lag and hestitation, lurching or bucking. Now it is smooth, linear power delivery and fun to drive factor just tripled. Had it been like this originally I would have given it a 10.0. Kudos VW!

• 

  Wish I would have bought it sooner! - 2010 Volkswagen EOS
  By beachintanj - March 25 - 12:05 pm

  I love my car. I have had all different sorts of vehicles, but for what I was looking for it was right on the money. The only issue I have had with the vehicle since I have gotten it, is that the top leaked a little bit when going through the car wash. VW is happy to take care of it. Other than that the top goes down amazingly and thanks to the turbo it really has a lot of get up and go for a four cyl. Also I live above 4500 feet and it cruises right through it with out any dogging out that other cars have. Couldnt have asked for anything more!

• 

  I Love This Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIDriver - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car! It is pure driving pleasure for under 25K. It handles like a true sports car and when you hit the gas, watch out because you will redline FAST and the front wheel drive will pull you to one side if your not ready. Also, its fun to watch all those kids in souped-uo Civics drool! Get One!

• 

  my dream car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 04JETTA - March 25 - 6:53 am

  This has always been my dream car and now that Ive had it for a little over 3 years i cannot be happier

• 

  An Excellent Choice - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By roadcyclist - March 23 - 5:46 am

  This is a car for the ages. I believe price is irrelevant but its nice to buy a car under $30,000 and get $60,000 worth of quality and performance. Im coming from an Audi A4 and this is a finer car in comfort, appearance, safety and performance. People should test drive the Lexus, the Mercedes, the Jag and the BMW and THEN take a drive over to the VW dealer and take the Passat for a spin. Youll be shaking your head in disbelief as the Passat is the complete package. Its got it all.

• 

  Great Commuter Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jonesy - March 23 - 12:20 am

  I drive about 100 miles a day going back and forth to work and the TDI really gets incredible mileage saving me hundreds of dollars each month compared to my full size truck. It has great low end power and just enough top end to pass on the freeway. Interior is comfortable for long trips and your butt gets sore from sitting way before you need to refuel.

• 

  perfect - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By britni morgan - March 22 - 10:00 am

  this is the perfect car. everyone who is anyone should own this fast beautiful car. it is perfect for teens. the handling is great thing about this car. you can do like a 180 with out a blink of an eye. no concerns of flipping. that is a german car for you. this car is a 10...without doubt

• 

  WOW From VW - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Walter Makers - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the most awsome car I have ever owned. I just replaced my BMW 740 with this Phaeton and it is such a joy to drive.

• 

  Jetta 01 diesel - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jcas - March 22 - 10:00 am

  It took six months to delivery due to the US limit on imported diesel engines: an unfair conflict with fuel efficiency which provided a tax rebate on our 1981 diesel Rabbit (sold in 95) Performance has been excellent; 48-50 mpg on cross-country trips with AC, 75mph. Two equipment notices for for free replacement of parts. Oil changes and such at dealer very expensive unless you provide your own oil/other. Overall dealer mechanical work so-so. Service desk personnel very helpful.