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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  Near Perfection - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MCARZ - October 4 - 8:26 pm

  This SUV has got it all! The acceleration on it is marvelous. I have enjoyed driving it most going up-hill with four passengers, thats when it really shines! The interior layout makes everything easy to reach and operate, a rare find these days! Volkswagen showed off on this one, the X5, M-Class, MDX, and RX 330 have nothing on this one!

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  It looks fun - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By MISHMISH - October 4 - 12:56 am

  This is my 9th VW. Traded my 04 R32 for my 08 Eos. My R32 was top of the line, 4motion with a V6. No other VW compares to it. I think thats why Im having a hard time falling in love with it. But with that aside, it is a great car. Its peppy for a four cylinder since it has a turbo (mine is a manual). Its a little light in windy conditions though. Oh, and did I mention it has a terrible blind spot! Its handling great in the snow. The sound system is great. The seats are comfy. I just adore the look. And when putting the roof down, all eyes on me. What a show!! Great car for the price!! A step up from the Cabrio of my past! Im learning to love it more every day.

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  Awesome Car Thats Worth the Cost - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Will - October 3 - 8:30 pm

  When researching for a car I had a whos-whos list of import cars. The list had 20 cars in total and I test drove each and every one of them. In the end I picked up the GTI. After almost a year of owning it, I love it more now than the day I picked it up. I still love to go out and just drive for hours. The only problem I have had with the car is an "airbag fault" which really isnt an airbag fault at all, just a small connector problem which one stop to the dealer easily fixed. Ive heard this problem was fixed on the newer 07 models. If you love to drive, I mean really LOVE to drive. This is the perfect car for you.

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  Most fun car Ive ever owned - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Lisa - October 3 - 3:36 pm

  Not only is this car sexy, but it is so fun to drive! My husband is always looking for reasons why he has to drive it because he loves it too. We even put two car seats in the back. The wind isnt too much, it doesnt even mess up my hair on the way to work. Plus Im always getting comments on how great it looks - its great!! My only complaint is the trunk is heavy and hard to close - not a big deal, just annoying. The trunk space is reasonable for a convertible. I love the sunroof - its not something I use because its way too loud when open, but its great to have the sunlight in the winter - convertibles can be dark when the top is closed - not this car!

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  TDI Sportwagen - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDI In NJ - October 2 - 7:26 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. I have been looking at the Jetta for a long time and was able to finally able to locate a TDI wagon and my local dealership (someone ordered it and financing fell through!!). I love the TDI. It is quiet, powerful and smooth. It feels more solid and refined than the SE model. The seats are very comfortable. The sound system quality is very good. The fit and finish is excellent. The wagon model is very attractive.

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  I love my Wolfgang - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By The Bends - October 2 - 5:26 pm

  Ive owned Wolfgang now for about 6 months and love him dearly. Going from a 96 Maxima to an 03 GTI has been wonderful. I bought the car as a certified used vehicle and the warranty gives me peace of mind. Ive had to drop him off for a couple check engine light things, but they were all under warranty. The true beauty of the GTI is driving it. Its literally something I look forward to doing.

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  It saved my life! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy - October 1 - 6:46 am

  Ive been very happy with my Jetta. If it werent for my VW, I would not be writing this. I was driving on the freeway when a pick up in front of me had a blowout, lost control and made did a 180 right in front of me at 75 mph. I hit the brakes and turned right - ABS and the traction control kicked in. It kept the car in perfect control. The 03 Camry I traded in had neither system. I would probably not have made it. How can anyone sell a car without these systems? Thank you VW!

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  Why two seater when you can have this!!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Rocking Ronny - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive, plenty of excelaration,great handling and dynamite looks. And the interior was the real clincher for me. Quality leather all controls well thought out and features you would expect only in a high end car, like BMW, Mercedes or Audi. Very solid body, just shut doors and hear the quality. Only had it for a short period of time but Im more than happy with it.

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  Built the way Mercedes used to build - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By jesichler - October 1 - 2:00 am

  15 yrs. ago Mercedes had the best built cars. Now VW creates "build quality" equal to Lexus, better than BMW, and way ahead of Mercedes. The ride, handling, fit and finish are phenomenal. Gas mileage is an acceptable 16 MPG in mixed driving. The W12 engine is smooth/responsive and the car so well insulated that it glides super quietly along the highway at 70 MPH with engine RPM @2200. I wanted understated elegance and excellent fit/finish and got what I paid for. I strongly recommend this car if you dont worry about "hood emblems" and just want fine quality, design, and function.

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  buy this car! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Theresa33 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The get up and go in this car is amazing. Riding in this car is just like riding in my mothers cadillac, minus the automatic seats. There are a few problems, my glove compartment fell-apart and the top of the shifting knob keeps falling off (nothing unusual), other than those minor details I have had no problems. I would suggest buying a CPO Jetta before buying any new car falling in the similar price range. Bottom line: almost all the comforts of a cadillac with sport and a decent price. Buy this car!