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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  Hip Hopper - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By JackRabbit - January 12 - 10:30 pm

  My push towards the Rabbit came from shopping around in its class. For what you get for your money there is not a better choice. Although my engine is far from broken in, the car handles fun roads like a dream. The manual transmission is seamless. Even though there is only 150 horses, the engine is torquey yet quiet.

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  My VR6 is AMAZING... - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gh225345 - January 12 - 9:53 pm

  I really love this car. Ive had it for a little over a year now and it runs excellently. Ive had to replace a few minor things such as hoses and belts, clutch, and the trim started coming off but it was an easy fix with an adhesive tape that you can get from any auto parts store...its called molding tape. Ive put many high performance parts on my VW and it has 250 whp with no problems with the motor at all. I would highly recommend this vehicle. Just make sure you inspect it before you buy. My 1997.5 Jetta Vr6 has 111,982 miles on it and like I said before it runs great.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dawn - January 12 - 8:36 pm

  I bought this care on a lease last August and absolutely love it. It is incredibly fun to drive, the leather and heated seats are great. The standard sunroof is a bonus. I have had no problems with the car. The only bad thing is for a car this size I expected better gas mileage.

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  Which way to the Autobahn?! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By MORSABALTO - January 11 - 11:53 pm

  After 3 weeks of driving our blue graphite Passat 2.0T we know we absolutely made the right decision. After looking at the Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Dodge Magnum we stopped by the VW dealer on a whim and after the test drive it was a no brainer. We are constantly being stopped by people asking about the car and have nothing but praise to tell everyone. The drivetrain performance of the 2.0T with Tiptronic is more than pleasing on the road. This car is so tight with virtually no body roll and exceptional handling. I have regular flashbacks to drving BMW & Mercedes rentals in Europe. I cant wait for the sports package with the 280hp 6-cyl. engine when our lease is up!

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  High End German Feel - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ted - January 10 - 3:23 pm

  I bought the 2008 Jetta SE with the charcoal exterior and dark grey interior. I really like this car. Has the look and feel of a much more expensive vehicle at an affordable price. I think the biggest criticism Ive heard about the car is the exterior styling being too similar to the Toyota Corolla. I think the roofline and silhouette of the car is more sophisticated compared to the Corolla. The new tail lights for 2008 also have a new look (VW darkened the perimeter of the tail lights, giving it a more distinctive look). I think the interior is also top notch. Quality materials and lots of features you wont see on the Civic or base model, midsize cars (i.e. Camry, Accord, Altima).

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  Impossible to describe the fun! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By AZEosLover - January 10 - 2:30 pm

  I drove this car as one of several I intended to consider when replacing a Honda Accord. One test drive and I was hooked. Couldnt wait to get my wife back in to see her reaction. she wasnt excited when I mentioned VW but she did give it a test. One test drive hooked her too. I cant explain to people how much fun this car is! The turbo power is great! Read up on the DSG transmission (Direct Shift Gearbox) and it truly feels like it shifts in 8 ms. Unbelievable! Oh, and the top! What a blast! Its designed so well its like a work of art (OK, Im sounding geeky now). 80 mph on the highway and hardly any major wind. I love it! Just drive one and see for yourself.

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  80K and still fun to drive - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By deeper - January 10 - 2:25 pm

  Have driven VW for decades and this one is no different when it comes to small things needing repair, mostly under warranty. Engine strong, gas mileage consistently exceeds EPA. With Good Year Assurance Comfort tires ride is quiet and smooth though not as sharp as stock. Fully loaded and air-condition running can easily achieve 32-34 mpg at 75mph+. Also fully loaded car doesnt seem to bog down due to turbo torque even going up hills. My son now drives the car but every time I get back in and drive it I smile. Wish they still made a wagon.

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  This Car Absolutely Rocks - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By tom baiza - January 8 - 3:16 pm

  I have in all my life never driven a car that is as much fun as my new GTI. I am 27, so I have had the opportunity to drive a few. The acceleration, handling, and above all else DSG are amazing. Point blank this automatic is by far the best thing on the market today. Dont believe me? Go drive one, but be prepared, after driving one of these babies youll never want to get back in your old car. So make sure you have your checkbook!

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  Its a Keeper! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By digdoug78 - January 8 - 10:19 am

  Ive enjoyed this car from the first time I drove it. I picked it up used. The previous owner put 18s and dropped it about an inch. Low but not too low. Drives nice. Good power getting on the highway, passing, easily cruise at 80+. Controls are easy and intuitive. You can do everything but brake from the steering wheel! You can change from radio to cd to aux from the wheel! You can speed up and slow down, from the wheel! You can turn on wipers, check fuel, driving range, real time mpg, direction, from the freakin wheel! The seats are super comfortable. Im 6 and I have tons of room. The paddle shifters can be fun to use. Used properly, really fun to use. This is a keeper!

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  2006 Jetta TDI (Forget Hybrid & Get TDI) - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy Haroon - January 8 - 8:23 am

  I bought the 2005.5 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and a month later was so impressed that I sold my other car and got another 2006 TDI for my wife. This vehicle rocks. I try to find excuses to drive it. I personally like the 2005.5 just because VW threw in free options like the heated seats, automatic rain sensing wipers, dual climatic control, entry / exit illumination (VW calls it coming home feature), and the MFI system. On the 2006 model you have to get package two (almost $5,000 more to get options like these). So our 2006 is a plain Jane but the good thing is its my wifes car LOL.