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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  Jetta - 3rd Time Around - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jakeman - June 19 - 9:06 am

  This is my 3rd VW Jetta and so far is my favorite. I had two earlier models and this one is a much better car. I really enjoy driving it. Even the S was enough. Wheel upgrades are a must over the hideous hubcaps. Buy some online or upgrade at the dealer to one of the VW wheels. I went with the 17" Goal wheels and they are awesome looking. Make the car complete. Also added the silver taillights, What a good look that is.

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By PIMPAUL - June 19 - 3:46 am

  This is a great car. It is very fast. Only small things have gone wrong (Brake lights, etc). They were easy fixes. Actually, the plastic junk seems to break easy too. My dome light switch broke off. Anyways, this car looks amazing with some good rims and tinted windows. Ive had Toyotas, Hondas, and Fords, but my next car will definitely be a VW. I love em.

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  Lovein my new SportWagon - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - June 18 - 11:23 pm

  I was really wanting something affordable, but the Rabbits were too small and the Jettas were a bit boring. The SportWagon was perfect because it was affordable ($20 k)and very cool and different looking. Its one of the few cars you can drive that is truly unique. The quality of the materials is amazing for such an affordable car. Its definitely not as boss as my wifes Passat (4 cylinder turbo), but for the price is fantastic. I recommend the manual transmission to avoid the slight delay on take off found in other V-dubs. This should be anyones list who wants a beautiful, roomy, fuel efficient, fun to drive car. Nothing compares to it for the price.

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  A great value for the Volkswagen Buyer - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jd749 - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  The Jetta GLS 1.8T Jetta is a great buy for this market segment. The BMW 325i was only other option based on size, performance, and features. After two years and 40,000 miles, Ive had 180 hp, 30 mpg, and only 3 warranty repairs. Ive been on multiple 700+ mile trips with no problems. Its fast, fun, and the insurance isnt bad for a turbo car. A host of performance upgrades and customized parts are available as well. With the same powerplant as the Audi TT you can be assured this engine has the performance and German engineering one could need. Look for a model with a 5-speed transmission, leather interior, and the Sport Pkg. if your in the market for one!

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  Bargain A4 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jacob Palenske - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 GTI 1.8T and unwisely traded it in for a Honda Accord EXV6 Coupe. I will never leave the VW group again. My Jetta has power to spare and handles like a dream. I love the interior and the Monsoon stereo is amazing. I drove the Mazda 6s, Nissan Altima 3.5SE and an Audi A4 1.8T and the Jetta was better to drive than all, and built like the A4. My only issue has been a door rattle. Remember...when you buy a Jetta you get a smaller $22k Audi A4. When you spend $26k for a 3.5SE Altima you get a $16k. It shows. One last thing...The Turbo is more fun and has a much more flexible engine...save your cash and skip the V6.

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  Amazing Little, but Powerful Car - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Carlos - June 17 - 10:53 pm

  I have fun every time I drive my new GTI Red Tornado. I love everything about this little, but very powerful car. I am very happy with my new Fast. I named my car Puppy and the little toy that comes with the car Fasty... I leave you guys alone now, my little Puppy is waiting...RRRRRRR..

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  1st timer very happy - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 1st time VW owner - June 16 - 4:06 am

  Ive had my 08 SE model for 2 months now and could not be happier. The SE is the way to go with the leather interior, sunroof, and AMAZING 10 speaker sound system. I also got the ipod adapter and am very happy with (although shuffle is not an option on my playlists, but I may need to research in the manual) The interior is spacious and the TRUNK is HUGE! The satellite radio is great. The exterior is extremely stylish, it has everything for a great price. Nothing else compares in its class, I did a lot of research. I am also happy with the fuel efficiency.

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  Another great VW - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Clark - June 15 - 7:10 am

  We have owned several VWs and this is by far the most comfortable on the road. Recently drove 1200 straight through with wonderful comfort. A great ride and fun to drive.

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  What makes Awesome. - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chris C - June 14 - 11:56 pm

  Its just a fine piece of engineering. This car feels absolutely solid and locked on to the road. Driving becomes more intuitive when the car goes exactly where you point it, when you point it. Anyone who has ever driven an American car should be familiar with the amount of sag or play between the actual motion of the steering wheel and whats transmitted to the wheels. Thats what makes German cars so awesome - wheels turn with the drivers hands. The DSG is just about the most underrated technological innovation ever. This trans is a blast, blowing through gears at speeds previously unimaginable for any gearbox. Learn about how the dual clutch works -- its worth the education.

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  Best car ever - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Crystal Morris-Stromberg - June 14 - 12:39 am

  I love my car. Its powerful, fun, and efficient. It has 230k miles and I still love it. Only had the timing chain replaced and the glow plugs replaced and its still running strong. About 40 mpg going 80 mph on the highway.