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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  The Closest Thing to a BMW that Ill Have... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Reluctant VW Fan - November 29 - 9:26 am

  I bought a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI on a whim when I took my 2003 Passat in for regular maintenance. So far, Im excited to be getting 45 mpg after 2,000 miles, and I get to support the local Midwestern economy by buying a biodiesel fuel blend. This car is "socially responsible." I love the handling; its so sharp in the curves, but the ride is still very compliant over rough pavement. It turns on a dime. The interior is super comfortable and beautiful, but like others, I wish they would have kept the wood trim and other luxuries with Pkg. #2 (which mine has) from 2005. Its pickup is okay; I can still merge on the freeway just fine. Despite its flaws, Im thrilled with my new Jetta!

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  Impressed - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By adam - November 28 - 8:23 am

  Exceptional safety feeling, did not have a single problem during 8 days family trip to west coast last winter. Perfect cruiser. I like the folding mirrors in narrow parking spots. Great great car.

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  Great car I would buy again - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By mmmike1 - November 28 - 12:01 am

  Great handling, comfortable and firm seats: I can drive from Florida to North Caroina in one day. And I am over 50. Power is good (I chipped up the motor). Brakes very good. Visibility is super. Small on the outside but plenty of room inside. Heat is adequate. AC still works and well!

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  Get this vehicle while you still can! - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Danny Fuller - November 27 - 9:20 pm

  I happened to stumble upon this vehicle by chance and am very happy for the outcome. I am very impressed by the engine build, interior comfort and subdued exterior design - not into the prestige vehicle badges. This car isnt prestige at all, and thats a good thing. Fuel economy could improve but compared to some 4cyl turbos out there it isnt much of a difference. In fact some V6s out there have the same fuel economy as the V8 Phaeton. Personally I would NOT recommend the W12 Phaeton with 12cyl.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chubbs - November 25 - 4:16 pm

  Wow, I really do love this car. I have a 2004 silverstone grey Passat turbo, I love it so much. I was going to get an Accord, but decided to be a little different. Every time I wash this car which is like 3 times a week I fall in love with it again. I cant believe an 18 year old kid (myself) is driving such a hot car. I get a lot of looks, and it is very classy to go out on dates in. The engine never disappoints, does not make me want a V6. I commute with this car to school on the highway everyday, it holds the road, is solid, handles amazing in the rain and shine, and has a confident safe feeling to it. I am definitely going to get another Passat when my lease is up in 2008. GET A PASSAT!!!!!!

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  Love It! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Macrae - November 24 - 8:50 am

  I got this car with 130,000 kms. last year. I took it in for service today with 206,000 with its first problem (a faulty hazard light switch). During that time it got me from Alberta to Boston, and all over Canada at 130km/hr+ with no issues/maintenance other than oil changes. It runs smoothly, ALWAYS starts (even in -30C), and goes like a bat out of H. My previous car was a 94 VR6. That one lasted 400,000 miles and Im thinking this one will too.

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  good value - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fmailys - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2009 Jetta SE (not Wolfsburg but the option isnt showing up). No clue what "Nicole" is talking about - to play music through your iPod you press the "CD" button again to switch between the CD changer and ipod. You DO NOT have to remove CDs. 2.5 engine is reliable, but not very fun or fuel efficient. Rides very smoothly. Has a nice amount of features. Feels very safe and solid. Interior quality is very good, on par with some higher-end marques. HVAC system is a weak. AC takes awhile to cool the car and is noisy at the higher settings. Trunk is huge and inside space is more than adequate for 4 adults. Leatherette seating is high quality and the seats are comfortable.

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  A nice large, fuel effecient cruiser - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By chuck150 - November 22 - 12:53 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Phaeton for the Passat TDI. I did so with a little trepidation. Ive had the car for 3 weeks and my anxiety has passed. I did a round trip from PGH to NYC on one tank of fuel with the cruise set at 70mph! The TDI averaged around 48 mpg for the trip. The interior is spacious, quiet and comfortable. Much like the Phaeton. It also hunkers down on the highway and provides a competent German ride quality. It also handles long sweepers and off ramps with confidence. The DSG works smoothly with the TDI. The exterior has a chiseled, masculine shape. IMHO, it looks very good. If youre looking for a spacious, fuel efficient cruiser, you must check out the Passat TDI.

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  My first manual SPORTS car. - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By duffychou - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun car. Really like it.

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  04 V8 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bob McMahon - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The doors on the car do not always close when shut and remain ajar about 50% of the time, unless slammed really hard. Some of the door handles are also remaining in the open position (or out) when released. This also causes the doors to not shut properly. The automatic shifting doesnt always shift into the 6th gear under all circumstances. It will shift into 6th gear if the shifter is moved ( to the right) into the shiftable transmission mode. Overall if the longterm relaibility is excellent Id buy another Touareg. Bob Mc Vermont