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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  Fun to Drive, and Great Daily Driver - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By MAW - March 19 - 2:13 pm

  Probably not a traditional GTI buyer as I am in my fifties and am accustomed to driving Acuras and Infinitis. But was really looking for a vehicle this time around that is a blast to drive, while at the same time civilized enough to provide comfort for long trips. The GTI fits the bill precisely. The car never fails to put a smile on my face and it is a hoot to downshift and throw the vehicle into a tight curve. Then hit the gas and rip out of the curve. That just never gets old! With that said, the car has a very comfortable ride and does not wear you out on a long trip. Very pleased with this vehicle.

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  The wagon thats juuuust right - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By tbone - March 19 - 7:33 am

  After driving the Subaru Outback and Forester, the Volvo XC70 and V50, the Mazda 6 and looking at an Accord, a Camry, a Prius, and an Altima, we settled on this well-appointed, modestly priced, fun-to-drive, versatile wagon to replace our well-loved 10-year-old Honda Accord LX sedan. We couldnt be happier. It has a premium feel, classic german road manners, and room for a family. Its just right if you want an alternative to the SUV.

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  Cautious Shoppers - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Daddy21 - March 18 - 8:33 pm

  I researched this purchase more than any of the previous 18 new cars I have owned. This site and others were very helpful. My two week old CC Sport is a dream! First car that I liked better after two weeks than I did on showroom floor. Much better than I thought possible, NO BUYERS REMORSE so far. Quicker than I thought, challenged it over Thanksgiving on mtn. rd. and power and handling delivered way beyond expectations. Millage is better than sticker, about 23 city, 34 hwy. and people cant take their eyes off the car. If dependability is not a problem then this is the best auto purchase I have ever made. I hope this helps you.

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  A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Warren - March 18 - 12:40 pm

  We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definitely the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

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  A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Warren - March 18 - 5:10 am

  We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definately the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

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  Fun driving a brilliant non pompous LUXO - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By negro_verdad@yahoo.c - March 16 - 11:33 pm

  Man, I love this car! Its like having my own unique, high class, high luxury, smooth riding, stunning, powerful and comfy, high tech, secret amusement park. Though I was attracted to the Phaeton because of it’s ironic non- pretentious and technology, I called myself getting a high-end sedan, that would be my little secret. Wrong!! I can’t go anywhere (particularly after leaving the car wash) without causing a mob. People are blown away by this car. I’ve had small crowds gather around at stop lights. Neighbors walk up and look inside with mystified envy.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rwgputdrive - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Looks like the Porsche at 1/3 less.

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  3rd Jetta for me, after trying others - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 3rd Jetta - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I am 27 y/o male, 3rd Jetta. Nothing beats German engineering and design I bought 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees and one Toyota Tundra, but missed the way the german cars, the Jetta, drove. With rising fuel prices, and not wanting to give the Saudis more oil money, I turned in my 2001 Grand Cherokee for this 2004 Jetta, and dont regret it. It has all the features my Limited GC had, plus a better crash test rating, side and curtain airbags, and it corners so much better through the Holl

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  You can tell it is a german car! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Franco - March 14 - 4:50 pm

  After test driving some Japanese makes (you can imagine which ones), I finally made it to the VW dealer, and it felt like I had been driving go- karts all day! This felt so solid and drove so well. I loved the tiptronic transmission and the VW signature blue and red display on the dashboard! The mileage this car gives is also very respectable. This was the last car I test drove. The 66" salesman opened the drivers door wide open when we got back to the dealer, hung himself from the door for about 7 seconds, and then closed the door. It closed as if nothing had happened. He looked at me, smiled and said: "Do not try this on a Japanese!" I thought this was a funny remark. I love my Jetta!!!

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  Wow, What a Fun Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By garyeaston - March 13 - 6:10 pm

  I test drove other cars in the same class (Corolla, Civic, etc.). Boy, are those cars "Mom and Pop" compared to the Rabbit! Lets start with the cars performance - it is simply hard to drive this car "normally", especially with the shiftable auto trans and Sport Mode! If I drive it fast and hard, gas mileage stays to the low end of what the sticker says (22), no big deal. If I drive "normally", I get 25 city/30 hwy MPG consistently. The car is incredibly fun to drive and has tight build quality. This is my second VW (Passat previously). Very happy with the car.