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:

• 

  My - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Biffer - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Saw several last year in Europe just as the model was being launched--love at first sight. I couldnt wait for it to hit these shores. Handsome exterior, flawless interior, outstanding build quality, superb handling, reasonable performance from the V6...this car is brilliantly executed in every way. I enjoy the looks I get from other drivers!

• 

  Not much to ask for - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nigel Deidrich - November 19 - 2:00 am

  So far this has been a great, fun car to drive. Ive taken it on a couple of 800 mile round trips and it handles/drives wonderfully on the interstates. And its even more fun on the backroad curves. Comparable to or even better than my Jag XK8. The 6spd trans is terrific.

• 

  I finally got one! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By roniraes - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a beetle for 19 yrs and I finally have it! It was worth the wait. I love the way it handles and the ease of just dropping the top. I think everyone should have one excellent de-stressing tool. : )

• 

  Good Decision - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By tom tadych - November 18 - 10:00 pm

  27 mo. lease ended on our MBC300. Loved the Benz but could not work the numbers with MB Financial. Looked at replacements. Jetta, Mazda 3, Malibu,etc. Test drove the Passat w 2.0 and was sold. Engine,transmission combination very smooth and extremely powerful, just a wonderful match. We saved ten grand buying the Passat instead of the new C300. Very wise decision thus far. Frankly, the other car in our garage is a 2010 MB E 350 Sport. Another super car, however when given the choice I find myself opting to drive the VW. Crazy, I know! The Passat is just a joy to drive, no other way to say it

• 

  I love it - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By violet7 - November 18 - 3:03 am

  Ive had my Jetta a week and Im so happy with it. Driving it is fun and it handles really well. I feel like i am driving a sports car! I love the Sirius radio and the back seat air conditioning vents. The leatherette upholstery is a very nice added elegance.

• 

  I love this wagen! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gray Ghost - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Performance on the 1.8T is excellent, the five speed automatic helps with any turbo lag. Once the turbo kicks in good bye pocket-rocket, the old mans moving on down the road. Lots of room, handles well, safety features, and comfort.

• 

  Former Honda Man - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By biker23nola - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for something to replace my worn out CRX. Looked at the new Si from Honda, cool shifting as smooth as butter. However, the GTI 337 performance, style, and interior quality is superior. Is this a fun car or what. The cool factor is way up there. I also got real lucky in obtaining this awesome ride. First to test drive, by chance and my mind was made up already. Will be a classic.

• 

  Fun as He . ..heck - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Subash - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car, nice size and great to drive.

• 

  I love my 2011 Jetta - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By redsoxy - November 16 - 9:29 pm

  I think it is hard to rate build quality and reliability so early when a new car is released, however I do love this car. I had the 2002 Jetta (GLS w/ heated seats, moonroof and leatherette). I disagree that it looks cheap inside. It is definitely minimalist, but not cheap. I basically got the same features -heated seats, leatherette, moonroof and the upgraded radio. I also opted for another 5 speed because they are just more fun to drive in my opinion. The ride in this car is smooooooth! The backseat is so much bigger, which is great because I have a child (still in a car seat). My 2002 was so tiny in the back and cramped. This is really spacious. Nice improvement VW!

• 

  Very Impressed - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Basietrane - November 16 - 3:20 pm

  My wife and I went to the VW dealer looking for the 2006 Passat 2.0T. We ended up test driving the 3.6L and all I could say was "WOW!" We spent that week after, researching the 2006 Passat online, comparing to other cars in its class, the price, etc. We ended up selling our existing car, (1999 Nissan Altma) and got a ride from the in-laws to the dealer, with my research folder and checkbook in hand. The Passat we wanted just arrived on the lot, 3.6L, black on black with Lux #2, Dynaudio and DVD navigation. We checked out the car and my wife and I agreed to only buy the car if we could get it at invoice price. And we did!