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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  R32 Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Javier - April 6 - 11:53 pm

  This car is amazing! Even the DSG has convinced me completely. Of course it is not the same and you need to go through a learning curve, but once cleared, it is amazing! The grip is outstanding, the steering is precise, comfortable, transmits enough info. It feels faster than the official numbers from VW. Love engine sound! I specially enjoy the "stealthiness" that you get with this car, perfect for a business meeting. In addition I do not get people trying to race me every light, but when it happens they really get surprised by the car performance. Cool car.

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  So far so good :) - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By klockworks - April 6 - 2:06 pm

  I got this car not that long ago for school and its pretty fun to drive so far Ive had no problems with it, the clutch is smooth and so are the gears on it. Its a really good buy i would recommend this car if its your first time buying a car or want a smooth car thats good on gas!

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jonathan Edge - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Only probloem ive had is with the dealership and some reliability issues. Other then that this is the best car ive ever driven! I havent test drove that BMW yet but it beats out anything in its price range. The quality of materials and build quality stand up against anything out thier. Plus the innovative feature and the creature comforts that no one knows about or notices untill you own the car are fantastick.

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  VW Passat GLX Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Miguel Brown - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for over 8 months now and love it. I dont regret the purchase at all. The rear cargo area is amble and the gas milege is good. The safety ratings by the insurance industry and government are excellent. This wagon has been the perfect alternative to an SUV. I overlooked this car for a long time because of the image of a "wagon" and because of its price. But this vehicle is about as sporty as it gets for a wagon, and its worth the price because of the quality.

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  Sure dont miss my Jetta!!! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By txst - April 5 - 4:19 pm

  Fantastic car!!! I have owned a Jetta TDI (great car) and a Passat (very good car). But in no way do I miss either one of them! The VW CC is so much better than the Jetta or Passat that I barely remember owning them (even though they were solid vehicles). The ride in the CC is super quiet and incredibly smooth. The car is a little low to the ground but that is what makes it look so sleek and gorgeous (neither the Jetta nor the Passat look gorgeous). The VW CC is easily the best car on the road for under 30K!

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  Jetta review - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By john launius - April 5 - 6:33 am

  I bought the car for the fuel economy, but I am very pleased with all aspects. I have not yet had even one small problem and the comfort is excellent considering I am 63" and over 220. Its fuel mileage consistently over 40 mpg. The satellite radio is a nice feature that I recommend as are the leatherette seats. The diesel has a ton more power than the one I use to drive back in college (83 model). Its exterior styling gets a ton of looks, and if your undecided on gas or diesel, its a no brainer - go diesel; everywhere I go the car gets noticed and the first question out of everyone is whether the car is a TDI. In summary, I promise youll be happy with this vehicle.

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  My VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carol Brown - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  This is my third Volkswagen Beetle but my first convertible. The convertible does compromise the trunk space, but you have to pick your battles. My other 2 were 5 speed and this one is automatic. I am torn between the two, but this one does have the 6 speed tiptronic standard without a clutch. I am 48 and thought I should get an automatic this time. I am 59" tall and there is plenty of room for me and my passengers. I love my car! Everyone who knows me knows I love it also! I will never drive anything else. I am a VW Beetle woman all the way! I recommend them highly.......everyone in a beetle driving down the highway waves at each other!

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  2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MATT MCGLASHEN - April 3 - 11:06 pm

  This vehicle has been trouble free for me, a concern with so many electronic/mechanical options, so that is good. Build quality is very good, seams are tight, everything fits well. The interior is very upscale and impresses everyone. The sound of the V8 is very sporty, many have made comments on that. The downside, the navigation system lacks detail, street names ect. I am hoping for an software update-please hear me VW! It works fine though in a basic way. The rear seat could use a little more footroom and headroom. My brother, who is a large guy, says its hard to get in and out of,either front or back. I love the sporty driving, towing ability, acceleration and looks.

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  Better Than Any Hybrid - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt - April 3 - 7:23 pm

  This car is unbelievable......I now have 29,000 miles on it and I have not had one trip to the dealer for anything except normal service.

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  Great Experience with my Eos! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Jane - April 3 - 12:00 pm

  I was so disappointed to see how many people have had issues with their Eoss - my experience has been fantastic! I love my car so much! Ive had it for 2 years, 30,000 miles, and no repairs needed yet. Retractable roof still works like a dream, and still makes me smile every time I use it. Car is quite speedy, and zips when you need it. The engine is perhaps a bit louder now than it was when it was brand new, but thats to be expected. When the top is up, I feel like Im riding in a luxury sports car - you would never know it was a convertible. No leaking or noise issues here! I get compliments all the time, it was an excellent buy for me.