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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  I Love My Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lanny Hiler - August 19 - 9:43 am

  Having owned a 2003 Passat, I am amazed at the difference between it and the 2006 model. The 06 Passat feels much larger and heavier but still has the features I liked about my 03. The handling, comfort and excitment are there plus all of the new features.

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  Good choice - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw4ever - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have this Jetta for only 2 weeks but this is the better choice that I buy. this car have a super luxury interior and a sport look in the exterior, the moonson sound is awesome, it have 6 spekers wooo...

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  even better than before - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By benglass - August 19 - 2:00 am

  My last car was a 99 Passat GLX. The changes in body and interior (not to mention the 4motion) were enough for me to ante up. Just drive one. A close friend owns a bmw 5 series. This competes very well, if not more fun to drive. Just drive one.

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  I love this car!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tsmith7499 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  So I have only had it for 48 hours, but this car is a must have! The build quality is excellent. It is a car that is easy on the pocket, but not embarassing to own. Everyone I know who has a Jetta (or owned one in the past) feels this same way. The instrument panel is easy to se and see. The storage space is incredible. Nice power for a 4-cylinder.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mzsuz2u - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying my New Beetle convertible. I had wanted to get a New Beetle since they came out but due to circumstances I couldnt do it. Shortly after they came out with the convertible, I got a better paying job and went and got my car! I have to say, theres nothing that I dislike about this car. Handles great, has just enough power, has stylish looks and what else can be said about riding with the top down besides WOW! Everything about the car is perfectly thought out. I wouldnt change a thing about it if given a chance.

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  Little Red Racer - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ccrider - August 18 - 7:36 pm

  I traded in a Dodge Dakota for my Jetta and havent had a single regret. I was a little worried about not being able to sit up high anymore, but that fear went away quickly. It felt like I was driving a race car - it is so much fun! The ride is smooth and the car responds to everything with ease. The controls are all within reach and when you drive at night, theres an awesome contrast between the red and blue intererior dash lights. Its fun to see the looks you get while driving around in this car. The XM radio is a nice plus as well.

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  Awesome car, despite Monsoon woes - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By b5boy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Fresco Green 1.8T in June and fight over who drives it every weekend--love it! Only glitch is Monsoon radio decided to die today, and according to the B5 website its a common problem. Regardless, the styling and driving feel of our Passat is second to none. Looked at 02 Altima, Sebring, 300M, Galant (our old car). No contest.

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  Great car (except for the mileage) - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By donzelli - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Really like my new GLX 4Motion but the MPG is a shock after getting 28+ in my Saturn SC2.

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  It is an Awesome Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jawa - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is an awesome car to drive both for short commute to work or long drive to nowhere. Cool dashboard lighting is pleasant to the eyes during night driving.

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  love the new beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By holly - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is one cute little car. The GLS has more bells and whistles than are necessary (including a bud vase) the 2 litre engine is nice even with the automatic tranny. well built. only flaw was first day of driving, the emissions control light came on and stayed on. the bug was back in the shop for three full days for diagnosis (dead emissions control computer) and fix. kind of put a damper on the new car experience, but just a little bit of driving cured that. power-assisted rack&pinion (easy, but with good road feel) and stops just right with ABS on disc brakes (all wheels). great turning radius, and its fun!