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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  Perfect!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - June 18 - 4:36 am

  I traded in a BMW 325xi for a Passat TDI Wagon GLS. I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is exquisite. The TDI engine is a joy to drive. This caqr has loads of low end torque. its handling is excellent. It has a beautiful classic design, quiet interior, and no rattles.

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  2009 TDI - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By H - June 16 - 9:36 pm

  Drive nearly 30k miles/year. 6 speed makes this car fun to drive. unless you spend a lot of time in traffic, I would suggest no buying DSG. Tried the DSG, but felt like it hesitated slightly from a stop. Good ergonomics. Simple interior yet comfortable and inviting. Great for running errands or long trips. Fold down seats give it versatility for skiing, etc. Average 47-50 mpg highway and nearly 40 combined.

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  MY BEST BUDDY - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Silphos - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Somwehere between the sun-roof, the cruise control, the 12-radiostation memory, the curvatures of its body and the super spacious trunk, I discovered this car was the best decision ever!!!

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  Great Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By REB - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Best car ever owned and I have owned many!!

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  Just great - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy Silverstein - June 13 - 8:20 am

  With fuel prices rising, this is the only way to go. Why bother with hybrids when a tried and true TDI is there. It is fairly quick, gets over 40 mpg in mixed driving, looks and feels like a luxury car. This is my fifth VW and I currently have a Golf, New Beetle Convertable, and the Jetta TDI. The others are wonderful but this may turn out to be the best. I traded a V6 4Motion Passat for the TDI and feature for feature the New Jetta is way aahead.

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  The Rabbit is a Wonderful Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By k8er07 - June 11 - 2:30 pm

  The Rabbit is not only an attractive car, it is very safe. I was in an accident, and it saved my life. The Rabbit is very affordable, and is the perfect car for the city, a student, or especially someone directly out of school.

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  My VW - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By larryvii - June 11 - 11:50 am

  Love to drive it and great gas mileage.

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  Perfection - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DeltaC - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Perfection on and offroad, very sophisticated technology and attention in every small detail, excellent comfort (air suspension) and safety standards, impressive ride and beautiful design, easily the best high- end 4X4 till today. Makers tried their very best here... Range Rovers and MLs beware.

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  my vw - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jean maria - June 11 - 10:00 am

  the car preformance is more then i thought it could be. this is my first new car and i am glad it is a vw. we bought ours after my sister got hers, after us my in-laws purchaced theirs and love it also.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sballgurlie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new beetle back in December of 2002 and i absolutely love it! I wouldnt give it up for anything. Its a fun car to drive and even though it may be look small on the outside, it is very spacious inside. The beetles are built very well and i havent had one problem with mine, whatsoever!