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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  Goog little ride! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lovemyjetta - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Jetta and so far so good. The only problem Ive had is that recently the sunroof got stuck...while open. The dealership took it and fixed it right away and even gave me a rental car. I commute about 45 miles everyday to work and I feel very safe in my jetta. I think it is reliable and sturdy.

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  best car I ever owned - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By David Haldeman - February 8 - 3:57 pm

  Great on the open road

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  title of my review - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By vone - February 8 - 11:10 am

  i like this car alot although the tiptronic mode of it is verry un responsive and hard to control.

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  Perfection on 4 wheels - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By outfaced - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for two years. The ride is quite and comfort on road trips or daily driving. Ive compared my car with a friend’s Audi A4, the core of the Passat is virtually identical. Coil Pack recall was resolved quickly and dealer supplied loaner car. Overall my 2002 Passat GLS 1.8T has been extremely reliable. This is one finely crafted automobile you will not be disappointed in.

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  Love my Cabrio! - 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Nivi - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is FUN! Although I dont really feel it lacks horsepower (has 115), if youre looking for something that goes from 0-60 in a sec, this isnt for you. Its surprisingly roomy and comfy inside and 2 young kids or petite adults can easily fit in the back seats. Back seats go down and trunk is a good size for a convertible - the car passed my COSTCO test! Has ABS and also has a Roll bar on top for safety. Gives me great mileage too- 27MPG. AND it takes REGULAR unleaded gas. That saves me a lot and is a big deal. Very good resale value. Car is no noisier than a Honda Civic when top is on. A fun, yet PRACTICAL and economical convertible!

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  Best VW I have driven since 1978 - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By cumming hutch - February 8 - 10:00 am

  A,s a licensed driver for fifty years I have owned and driven cars built by GM,and Ford.I have rented late model Chryslers and Buicks for vacations (added space needed).There is no equal with VW,s turbo I cannot see where they could improve on.

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  Its so much fun to drive.... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ELLE99 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I was recently in the market and I looked at Merecedes C Class, Volvo s40 2004.5, Acura TSX, Acura RSX, Mazda RX8, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Ill be honest I never thought to look at Volkswagen. But, Im really happy I did. I love this car. Its so much fun to drive and for the money you cant beat all the options. The interior cabin is well designed and the car just feels solid. I was concerned the 4 Cyl. wasnt going to be enough power, but it has quite some pick up Ive been shocked. Long story short... If your in the market please look at them I think its a great car for the money and so does everyone who sees it.

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  Cool Commuter - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDIBob - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My jetta is an ideal commuter! 55 highway miles each way to work and after 18,000 miles I am averaging 49mpg. The ride is comfortable, the seats are great (love the heated seats in winter), performance is impressive, and I fill up once a week. I love how this car drives!

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  AWESOME - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By amber_korn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  loving it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! it is a really awesome car i love it it is awsome

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  my awesome bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mybluebug - February 8 - 10:00 am

  When I got my VW Beetle Convertable in September, I was a little skeptikal about having to go through a "Jersey Winter" which can be pretty harsh at times. This car performed great in the snow and ice! Now that the weather is nice, you cant keep me out of my bug! I used to be jealous seeing other people in convertables, now other people can be jealous of me in my Aquarius Blue "PUNCH" Bug Convertable!!! (and its a great color!)