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 to drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rt1739 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  the gas mileage sucks but if what youre looking for is a brilliantly constructed luxury car with a big trunk,room for 4 and a convincing sport- ute visage,vw has done it........

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  1st weekend - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cyberbro_99 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I had an x5 before this but touareg blows it away, at a much cheaper price!

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  Unbeatable Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aslan - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Even with the base model so much is included as standard, the only extra I got was the winter package - heated seats, mirrors and washers. Reliable safe and a pleasure to drive. Pleanty of space in the passenger compartment - Im 64" and fit with ease - not something I can say about many bigger cars including SUVs. The 1.8T has never felt underpowered and is very economical. Some lag on the Turbo - but you soon get used to it and it doesnt detract from the drive. Build is solid. Trunk is huge for a car in this class. If I had to do it all over, Id buy exactly the same car.

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  Sweet Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By newvwguy - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Went from an Acura to the VW... No regrets!

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  2004 Volkswagen GTI - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Turbonium Commuter - July 13 - 5:43 pm

  My 2004 Volkswagen GTI has been first rate from the moment I took it off the lot. It is a considerable improvement in build quality over early models. I traded in a 2002 Golf for this GTI. The turbo, 17" wheels and sport seats make a huge difference. If you need one car to do it all, and you dont want to blow a ton of money, this is it. Romp on the pedal and this car will take off like a rocket. Lay off the pedal for good gas milieage. Need to haul some junk, just fold down the seats. The manual five speed is fun to drive even in traffic. The paint and materials look better than other cars in its class. There is a ton of aftermarket parts available for this car. Ive driven Porsches, and yes, theyre better, but for the money you cant beat the all around champ, GTI.

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  W8 is worth the money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By alexray - July 12 - 10:00 am

  For anybody pondering the question is the W8 worth the money the simple answer is yes. There is no other car out there that even comes close to the features, size or performance of the W8 for near the price. Some people will say what about the 330xi, sure it is all wheel drive but it is a six cylinder and a smaller car. The A6 is a little larger but also a lot larger in price. Anybody that is looking for a deal on a 8 cylinder German car should definatly at least drive the W8

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  VW PASSAT IS THE OPTIMUM CAR. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ahmet Colakoglu - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After seeing all the new vehicles in the auto show in Philly and test driving the picks, VW Passat is the best choice. The interior and build quality is much better than all the Japanese. Tiptronic and trip computer are such fun. Now I understand why Wards Auto World has chosen this engine in between the best 10, Edmunds has chosen Passat as "the best premium sedan" and a "best buy" by Consumer Guide. I used to have a VW Golf which is a great car also, but this car is better. The only problem now I have is I will not be able to buy any other brand. VW AG makes the best cars...

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  Outstanding! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By WLSchroder - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have always liked VWs and this is my first. I am not sure what I was waiting for! Its quick, great on gas, has lots of room and looks great! To anybody in teh market for a "Hot Hatch", look no further! The Celica, RSX and Focus SVT dont have a chance!

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  love my vw!! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By meliem - July 12 - 10:00 am

  VW sells a vehicle equal in quality to much more expensive vehicles. I traded a 2001 Mercedes C240 for the Cabrio and like it much better. It doesnt have all the extra features but the acceleration is better and its alot more fun.

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  I LOVE MY HELGE - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stamati - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I could not ask for a better car !!!!