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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  Commuter Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NorthBUG - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Had some problems with the car but they were resolved. Bigest problem was with the oil ligt. but not much more than with other cars. The TDI is a winner in my book. No problems starting in the coldest of weather, and it has never left me stranded. Always had the maintence done on schedule, which is important. Still on the orginal tires and brakes with 83000 miles. Cant wait for the convertable to come out with TDI. Will have one when they do.

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  Driver Found - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sonkota4 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my VW Jetta GLS. It is a fun car that handles well and looks great. This is my fourth VW Jetta that I have owned and I believe this one is the best by far.

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  Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neo54 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second passat, I have never needed to use a tow truck with this car

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  Great for tons of driving - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By LongHairGuy240 - December 11 - 11:23 pm

  I deliver pizzas for a living. This car allows me to do that with ease. Its very fast. I can get from 0-90 in no time, on the freeway of course. It turns very easily, brakes just fine. I drive about 2500 miles a month, so the oil changes get expensive, but its more than worth it. I blew up two cars because of oil change issues, so Im being very careful with this one. Im sure Ill be keeping this car for a long, long time. Ill most likely buy another after this one is finally dead.

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  A fantastic car! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fgbrault - December 11 - 9:26 pm

  I wanted a car that performed well and gets excellent economy and I got it! Economy - 39.76 MPG over 1965.9 miles (based on miles/gallons). I couldnt be more pleased with its performance (what wonderful torque), steering, handling and ride. Fit and finish are excellent and I love its understated, elegant interior. I have DSG and Im very pleased with it. I do wish though that there was more manual control at low speeds in Manual Mode. Overall, I think this is the best car I have owned. I traded in a 2007 BMW 328 XI.

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  Faeezs Volkswagen - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By FAMOE - December 10 - 6:30 pm

  Man, I was going to buy the GTI from Volkswagen. But when I saw the 04 Volkswagn Passat in candy white and a 1.8 liter turbo engine I fell in love with the beatuy. GREAT SEDAN/SPORTSCAR Volkswagen..

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  PERFECT! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By DasGood - December 10 - 3:16 pm

  Just drove home our brand new Tiguan! Extremely happy with our purchase. Solid car with quiet ride and comfortable drive. The power of 2.0 liter turbo, compared to other Crossover/SUVs in its class, outperforms the blender-type engines of the smaller 4 cyl. competitors. The full sunroof with automatic screen/shade ads a touch of class to the features. Body style says versatile yet sporty. Plenty of room for stroller or Golf Bags with the fold down seats. After countless hours of research on the internet and test driving all options, this is the one! Get your hands on a Tiguan before showrooms run out (we got the last one on the floor for the trim we wanted).

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  Luv my TDI - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By partymarty - December 9 - 3:15 pm

  I purchased my TDI about three months ago, and I am extremely satisfied with all major aspects of the car; particularly the economy and performance of the Clean Diesel. However, I do have a few nitpicky quibbles: 1. There is no padding in the overhead storage compartment, so my glasses rattle when placed there. 2. I am getting used to the digital fuel gauge but I am still searching for some sort of engine temp gauge (I hate idiot lights!). 3. I am also still searching for the ACC setting on the ignition switch. 4. I wish I had adjustable lumbar supports on the front seats. 5. Why do I have to order a nav system to get optional fog lights? 6. There is a big blind spot in the left rear!

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  New 2005 Jetta TDI 5 sp manual - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By desertair - December 9 - 12:56 am

  Poor mans BMW 325i, rich mans Toyota Corrola. Great fuel economy,averaging 45 mpg in the city. Fun to drive: handles extremely well in tight corners and suspension is nice and firm. Acceleration is sluggish, and barely adequate. The handling, suspension and sound of the diesel engine delude you into believing that you are going very fast. Very comfortable and well laid-out interior design. Exterior is sharp looking.

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  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Randal1000 - December 8 - 9:16 pm

  I just finished a 5000 mile trip with my wife and couldnt be happier. Were not small people either. The vehicle is as advertised and a real attention getter.