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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  Fun All Around Car - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By yellowrabbit - September 17 - 6:46 am

  The 2003 Volkswagen GTI is a great little car. Ive had it for two years now and I still love it. The power is amazing for such a small car and the attention it draws is great.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mtguy - September 16 - 5:53 pm

  Ive had the vehicle only a short time, but have driven over 6,000 miles. Im totally impressed with how fun it is to drive, its features, and its performance. Ive had no problems, and when I took it for the 5,000 mile service, I was treated extremely well. Ive been totally impressed by the car and by Volkswagen all around. Ive not had the car long, but Im definately a return buyer in the future.

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  The All German Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Vanessa - September 16 - 12:03 pm

  I really like the fact that Volkswagen is building the Rabbit models in Germany. This is one of the major reasons I bought it. I previously owned a 1996 Volkswagen Golf that was built in Mexico and found the quality to be quite poor. And I know alot of people that had Jettas built in Mexico that traded their cars in within the first 5 years because they were constantly having problems with them. My father owns a 1989 and 1991 Volkwagen Jetta, in which it was built in Germany and its still on the road with 250,000+. I am glad they are sticking with the German roots and not building them in Mexico, sometimes cheaper labor doesnt always profit in the long run.

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  My new car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chris - September 16 - 5:20 am

  I just bought this car and think it is supurb. Great car for the price and much improved over the 2002 Jetta. This is my second Volkswagon and I feel I made a great choice. It is fun, stylish, gets great gas mileage and has nice safety features.

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  Got a great deal - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JesusFreak - September 13 - 3:58 am

  Not quite as nice as my 2009 TDI, but very good for the money. Fun to drive. Great features. Manual is very nice. Mileage is exceptional for non-Diesel. Things I miss from my 2009, no locking glove box, no AC outlet in the back (built in inverter). The interior is "cheaper", but the features like Apple Car Play, Backup Camera and Heated Seats are very nice. 39MPG on highway trip.

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  2005 Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jklancaster - September 12 - 10:53 am

  I purchased a preowned 2005 Touareg with 8,000 miles on it. So far I have put on 2,000 miles in two months and I have truly enjoyed this machine. It has everything that I want in an SUV. I highly recommend the 05 model year.

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  Best I ever owned - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bmicmcd - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. The 1.8T is zippy yet it sips gas. Its very comfortable and the monsoon sound system is awesome. With snow tires its great in the snow. Its the best car I ever owned.

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  A Blast - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By fokker - September 12 - 10:00 am

  A total blast to drive. Power is excellent and very controllable. Steering is solid. Good over all features and comfort - seats are very good.

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  Value and Enjoyment - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Bartleby - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Matrix, Protege and Protege5 and never really considered VW as a possibility. I was always more of the Japanese type. However, the second I pulled that thing out of the lot my world changed. Its got quite the pick up for 115hp and 120 torque. But I have to agree that the cupholders do block the stereo controls, but I do like how they are tucked away.

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  an honest review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By effigy3 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My current car is GLX 5M and is my 5th VW. This car has wonderful road manners, is quiet, powerful, comfortable, and looks great. I must have a car that can handle itself on windy highway roads at speed limit plus velocities and this car delivers! The pick a line and go, the body sets itself and tracks wonderfully. It is great for road tips and as a grocery-getter too. Just keep rear seat occupants under 6 tall. I have had great luck with my VWs but have seen others with “check engine light” issues, window regulator failures, and small irritants. Could it be their maintenance practices? I dont know.