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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  Commendable Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By steve - October 31 - 5:33 pm

  My 2005 VW Jetta TDI is very fun and predictable to drive. All of its systems function fine. Its gas mileage was fairly close to 50 mpg on my first trip from St. Louis MO to Las Vegas NV.

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  Nimble and Fun! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jiten - October 31 - 12:23 pm

  Bought my Shadow Blue 08 Rabbit 2 months ago and driven it 3200 miles. Ive already done a 1000 mile road trip and driven my kids to school regularly. I look for reasons to hop in the Bunny and drive. Its really fun to drive and scoots through trafic like a knife through butter. Ive driven Toyotas, Mazdas, Hondas and Nissans and while theyve been decent cars, nothing comes close to the Rabbit in build quality, interior design, the plethora of features on a base model and best of all the sheer fun factor.

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  Bang Bang for the buck - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Mark - October 31 - 12:23 pm

  Amazing styling (Mercedes CLS lines) that constantly gets compliments with an interior superior to that of the latest Audi A4. This is the base model with so many options and power I dont know why you would need the upgrade package considering its lofty price tag. Good mileage - week and a half per tank (27 avg. mpg). If this is the future of VW, autobahn driving will have Bavarian Motor Works in their rearview.

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  Wow - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ron & Linda - October 30 - 6:06 am

  This car is unbelievable. We just love it. The retail price is a steal. You have to drive it, look at it, and feel it to appreciate it. Also, check out the interior blue & red lighting. It is very sexy. The turbo engine is very quick. When you put your foot on the gas, you feel like your your going to fly. Be careful, its fast. The seats are so comfortable, my back never felt better. The fit and finish is flawless. What a beautifull riding car. Thank you Volkswagen.

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  all included - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Bartman - October 30 - 2:00 am

  what else do you need ? sporty powerfull engine, it feels like a car - much more car than you think - it does not feel like one of those lightweight small cars, it feels more like a car twice it size. Also you will be surprised about the interior space. standup bass, skis ( 210 ) 4 adults comfortably etc

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  RESPECT FOR GERMAN ENGINEERING - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ted - October 30 - 1:33 am

  We bought this vehicle about three weeks ago. Ever since, we rediscovered the pleasure of driving. I am stuck daily in long commuting lines, but now that I have my Passat, who really cares whats going on out there? It is a thrill. This is our first German car, brand new - a wish dreamed for so long, finally came true. We hope to not lose this feeling any soon...

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  Awesome Auto - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By bamafanjtm - October 29 - 10:06 pm

  This car is awesome. From the quality interior styling, to the sharp, sporty body styling, this auto really impresses. Oh, yeah, did I mention it is fast? I have the black magic 6-speed and have been very pleased with this car. The only issue I have had with it has been with the radio, and that was minor at best. I would highly recommend the GTI to anyone!

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  Great Bang for your Buck - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By CLIFF LASH - October 26 - 4:33 pm

  After owning a 2006 BMW 330i with the sport package, I can say that my Passat 3.6 with Sport pkg.1 is just as nice a ride if not more so. With 280 hp and 265 ft. lb. of torque this car really gets up and goes. It is smooth, has great handling for a rather large sedan, and the sport seats are extremely comfy with great lateral support. I also got the 18" alloys with the all season Pirelli tires for an extra $400. The car is great in the rain and like past VWs that Ive owned, Im sure it will be great in the snow. Surely cant say that for that RWD BMW I skated with a few times. Overall, the ride is stiff with the sport suspension but its nice when you hit the twisties. Overall, this is a sweet ride for the price.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff M. - October 26 - 1:20 am

  Since 91 I have owned 6 cars, 5 of them Passats (1 of each generation)-- and each one got better than the previous one. When you compare handling,styling, fit & finish, safety, room, features and price, nothing else even comes close!! My prior car was an 04 BMW 325xi and I sold it 6 months early to get back into another Passat and no regrets.

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  Cant wait to get another one. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ACW - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Very easy review to write. Outstanding car at a very fair price. Feel like im bought a 3-series BMW for $26K! Why spend more. Would buy this car again without hesitation!!