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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  VW Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tmaynard - February 14 - 4:06 am

  I bought My Jetta TDI to handle my 100 mile communte. I now only fill up onece a week versus twice. It is a great car. It has plenty of power, and it is greatly improved over the old VW Dasher diesel that I had back in the 80s.

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  Enthusiastic! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gliffe - February 13 - 12:13 pm

  The New Passat is just begging for someone to drive it. A pleasure to own. The only negative so far is the gas mileage in city driving. This car loves too be driven and is so spirited that you dont mine using premium gas. A quality auto at a bargain price.

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  I love my VW Jetta diesel - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By greenjanell - February 13 - 10:56 am

  I just bought my Jetta two weeks ago. I am getting awesome gas mileage. I went on the interstate with my cruise set at 80 mph and the gas mileage was 38 mpg. In regular driving around town I get 40 - 45mpg. I love the space in the trunk and the seats. I think they should change the cruise control placement. I am a power freak, and was looking at a car that could fit my lead foot bu still get good gas mileage. I was afraid of the small 100 HP engine, untill I drove it. I was instantly hooked. I could not believe the power it has. the torque is amazing, and the take off is good. I notice some slugishness in second gear, but its easily overcome with a little fuel.

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  First VW ever - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Kish - February 13 - 6:06 am

  I looked at a lot of other cars and when I got in this GTI all I could say was WOW. The performance and shifting were perfect. Its feels like I can beat anyone. Not only was it fast but confortable also. Everything seems to be just right in and out of the GTI. The turbo has very little lag and between 2 and 4 this thing can fly. I just got it but so far I have heard and earful of compliments and I have never been happier to drive to work in my life. The price is def. worth what you get. I would recommend this car to anyone tring to find a car under 30k and get your bang for your buck. For sure.

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  What a ride! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Komforter - February 12 - 11:53 pm

  Test drove a new Hyundai Genesis. It was nice and luxurious but not very exciting to drive. Test drove the 2009 Acura TSX. It has lots of gadgets but had very hard/uncomfortable seats and the back lights on everything were a very dull looking gray like driving an old black and white TV (blah)! I test drove a 2008 Malibu. Very nice with tons of extras but not my first choice for the money. The Camry cant compare when talking about a fun car to drive so no need to go any further on that. The 2008 Passat is the car that really delivers in all areas. Its great fun to drive, looks and feels luxurious while still being sporty. The price is actually quite good for all you get. What a ride!

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  VW hit the nail on the head! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By falconeight - February 12 - 8:53 pm

  I really wanted a Mini, but thought that I would check out the GTI first just to be sure, and I never made it to the mini dealer. This is by far a great hatchback, and I have owned a few of them. Everything from comfort, driveability, looks, hatchback handy, and gas mileage is perfect. I would have paid more for it. Great car! VW deserves a pat on the back for this one.

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  Vunderbar - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By JDub - February 12 - 11:20 am

  I have had the car for about 3 months, and can not say enough praise about it. Very versatile, peppy and an overall amazing car. I have a slightly above average commute, and the mileage isnt bad at all, even in the city. Inside, ample space and comfort makes it a great alternative to an SUV or "Crossover" (whatever that is). Fun little "easter eggs" inside and out make me say, "Well, thats smart".

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  Love my bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Margaret - February 12 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Bug in 2002 because the price was right and, after driving an SUV, I wanted a fuel efficient car. It has been a fine car--reliable and trouble free. Its fun to drive and I never get tired of it. I did not get a turbo, but got a 5-speed and it is plenty fast enough for city driving and on the highway. We will keep this car for our children to drive when they get older.

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  underestimated answer to fun - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By cueball121 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  For everyday driving, zipping through traffic, it is a great value. When the turbo is spooled, itll throw your head back. Tires can slice through water, like a hot knife through butter. Traction control corrects slippage in snow and brings out confidence in passing any SUV. Exhilirating ride for the money.

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  geeeeeezloooooouise!!! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By sequoia - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Damn this car is fun to drive! Im 6 2 and I still have plenty of room to manuver inside. The amount of headroom is awesome. The torque suprised me on how responsive it actually is. Ive had it for a month and I dont see myself growing tired of driving in the near future. Great on gas milage as well. Trunk space is spacious. Cabin is suprisingly quiet at higher rpms. Great commuter car. Fun to drive up the cali coast with my lady. peace.