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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  Cool VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RavageHeart79 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The handling and turns of this car is very good, also the interior looks like a luxury car. Over all the car is very impressive, Im glad that I got a piece of luxury under 25 grand...

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  If You Start Me Up... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By diallo13 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T Turbo is awesome! This is my first new car (previous two were used), so I spent months pondering between the Jetta, a Mazda 3, or a Honda Accord. I feel confident in my decision. No complaints!

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  my convertable - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By monicamonkey - May 15 - 10:00 am

  the car has the get up and go

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  A Nice Used Car at a good price... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By freddok2 - May 15 - 5:57 am

  I suddenly found myself in the position of needing a another car after my previously-reliable 2006 Subaru Impreza suddenly overheated on me. The Dealer where I had the Subaru taken for service (and from where I had bought it new in 2006) had put me in a white 2013 VW Passat as a loaner for a while, so when it came time to deal and to decide whether to take back my old car or buy a new or certified Pre-Owned car from the dealer, I was pleased when I took on a test drive a blue Certified pre-Owned 2012 Jetta with low mileage. The only thing I didnt like about it was the mostly-plastic dash, but that was a minor tradeoff in return. I bought it and have been happy with it ever since.

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  My favorite car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jman79 - May 14 - 5:43 pm

  Im actually leasing this car and I plan to buy it when the lease is up. I took over the lease from someone else and I am very pleased with my decision. I always wanted a fast car but never wanted to be too flashy. I feel like this car is perfect for me. Its nice 17" rims, tinted windows, and a spoiler rock my style. But I also wanted a nice interior that I couldnt find in other basic sporty type cars in the same price area. This car really moves and always surprises my friends. The leather interior, heated seats and nice stereo system are straight out of a luxury type car. If you are looking for a car thats fast, has a nice interior and is fun to drive. This is the car for you.

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  2005 Passat GLX Wagon Experience - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By ZoomZoom718 - May 14 - 3:36 am

  After looking at a variety of upscale wagons (Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar X-Type, Volvo, Audi, and VW Passat), we chose the VW. The Passat handles well, accelerates smoothly and the interior appointments are on par with the finest luxury wagons. The heated leather seats are incredibly comfortable. Its cargo space is more than adequate for shopping trips or travel. The rear passenger seating and leg room are great and you can actually fit three adults in the backseat. The GLX trim comes with a Monsoon stereo system that puts the Bose system we had in our former car to shame.

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  To Heck With the Hybrids! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dolphin - May 13 - 2:06 am

  This car will grow on you and you will be very happy you no longer own a gas-guzzling SUV; it is an excellent car with great cargo capacity, perfect for my family of 4, absolutely awesome highway car. I got the GSL with Leather + wood, ESP and winter package, and added the rear 6 CD-changer. Solid handling, and this thing is built as solid as a tank.

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  Would buy again!! - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By Robert S - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a few problematic VWs over the years, I was pleased to be reminded of how reliable these cars can be. I purchased this VW at a time when I wanted an Audi, but could not afford one. I was surprised to find that the build quality as well as design and function of the car was on par with that of Audi.

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  Awesome Ride - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Carmine Cupani - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Forget about the Jap Crap. Get the GTI. Chip it and there is little that will beat you in that price range. Awesome car for the money. The dash colors rock.

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  Love my new car! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Misa77 - May 11 - 3:16 pm

  I just purchased this car about a month ago, and I absolutley love it. I cant say enough about it. I live in Florida, and being able to put the top down and drive around is great. I have been admiring this car for a few years now and finally caved to buy it. It is so much fun to drive, and all my friends still want to take a ride in my new car!