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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  What a great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By drivevw - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Passat GLX (our other is a 1999). Neither one has had any problems, and both are a blast to drive. The new bodystyle has brought even more elegance and refinement...I recommend this car to everybody in the midsize sedan category. We looked at both the new Accord EX and 2004 Maxima SL, and although they both have 240+ hp engines, fall short in overall refinement.

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  Brilliant Little Car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Lover - September 12 - 2:23 am

  This car is stunning to look at and has loads of power, with the Tiptronic transmission and sports mode providing a whole lot of thrills. It has a surprisingly spacious interior and more than enough room for three sets of golf clubs. The standard 6 disc sound system is impressive and the leatherette seats are almost as good as the real thing (and far better than cloth). The fuel economy is excellent. Its a lot of fun to drive and can fit into virtually any parking space. Im seriously considering buying another one for my wife.

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  good car so far - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By jsatt14 - September 11 - 10:46 am

  i havent had my car for too long but so far it has been great. its my first car and it has been good so far. gas milege is great went to pa about 300 miles from my house and only used alittle less than 3/4 a tank. its comfortable to drive, half the time i dont wanna get out of it. the down side is that the glove box broke and the main driverside switches barely work. i cant lock the doors with it and the windows dont always roll down when i use them. overall its a great car and hopefully it doesnt bring me alot of problems. id buy another one in the future.

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  Forever in Love or a Great Fit - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By B. Donaldson - September 10 - 4:26 am

  I love my new Beetle, I bought one previously in 1973, I had it for fourteen years. When the new Beetle came out I was floored. I was totally, decidedly, definetely in love again. I drive about three hours a day both ways, Im comfortable. Setting the seat to fit is extremely easy, it still fits me perfectly. The front window is wide, and my other half, who is 62", drives it and hes able to set the seat to fit him width and leg length, he had to admit, it had more room then he imagined. The seats are awesome comfortable especially with the built in lumbar back. Id recommend the new Beetle to any and everyone, thanks for a great ride.

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  All I have to say is Excellent! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Angelia Neidhart - September 10 - 3:20 am

  I bought my car a few months ago and I think its the best investment I have ever made! This car is so easy to handle, has great power, comfortable, especially on long trips, great gas miles, and very good looking! Also very roomy inside. I love all the features. VW did a great job on this one! I love my car!

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  My first but not last VW - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bob - September 9 - 6:00 am

  Bought this in Fall when my previous car started having engine problems. I was looking at comparing the Lux and VR6, but the deal was too good to pass up ($ off due to age of car). So I found this car that had all the features I wanted, for a great price and quality of German Engineering. I love how the seats hug my body while driving. The other nice feature is the back seat pass-though in the center. This feature allows 4 people and skis to comfortably fit in the car. The 60/40 split seats are also nice when transporting other larger items. My friend bought his Jetta TDI from this same place after enjoying the ride in my car. I hope this is still around when its time for a new car.

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  2003 Passat Purchase - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark Winegar - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I ordered a 03 Passat GLS in September 02 and took delivery January 03. Because of the color (Fresco metallic green with biege leather interior)combination and transmission (manual), I had to order it. It was well worth the wait. I consider this to be a entry level luxury car, not just a midsize sedan. The ride, quietness, performance and workmanship all have exceeded my expectations. The 1.8T works best with the manual transmission. I havent had any problems in the 6 mos. I have owned it. Its a beautiful German made car. It will go faster than most people realize.

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  is this a VW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By paul kaizer - September 6 - 7:26 pm

  The Passat should not be compared with some ot the cars it is being compared to. It is truly a European sedan. The design, performance, and fun factor are all evident. I cant believe the power that comes from the 2.0T engine. VW has hit the bulls eye with this one.

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  Winner - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jllcat101 - September 6 - 1:50 pm

  The 2002 Volkswagen Passat has lots of get up and go and good mileage for a V6 vehicle. Its fit and finish are awesome and it has classic lines that dont get old. It has a roomy interior with room for two adults in the rear, it is a squeeze with three. The engine fan is loud though. All in all, this car is a great buy that will retain its value.

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  The Best Vehicle for Under $150,000 - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Joe - September 5 - 12:46 am

  The Phaeton is a fantastic vehicle - really, its the same as the new Bentley Continental Flying Spur. It is fun to drive and much nicer than the S-Class and 7-Series that I have driven in the past. Its fuel economy is not great, but it is a very heavy vehicle - approx. 5,300 lbs. In light of the weight and performance, its fuel economy could be much worse.