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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  Passion and fun. Something different. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By surfsup - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We did a lot of research on this vehicle. We looked at the Honda Accord and Audi A4. For the price and the quality, we couldnt beat the Passat. The last thing we wanted was a passionless and indistinctive car. We chose the Passat for its balance of price, quality, good looks and German engineering. Its just a fun car to be in!

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  We love our Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MIchael Marks - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought a Reflex Silver Passat with gray leather interior and we love it. I shopped around and looked at the Accord, the Maxima, the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Camry and we just kept coming back to the Passat because it looked so good. We are very pleased so far with everything.

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  2003 GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kevin223 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are extremely happy with this vehicle, although not with the dealer. Overall this car does get average gas mileage, it just has a small tank. This is the only complaint I have with this vehicle.

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  Love my Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By RB - September 8 - 4:43 pm

  After a few months of researching convertibles and not finding a hard top reasonably priced, there was an article on the EOS in our local paper. After going online to Edmunds and VW website for more information, I went to the dealership and bought it that day. Going from a mid-size SUV to small convertible, I thought it would take some adjustment. However, it is so much fun to drive and feels like a solid car around me. It has excellent pick up, especially getting on the freeway. The hardtop easily retracts and amazes me with the technology. I love driving with the top down, even it is chilly out, I just turn the heated seat up. Im thrilled with my purchase.

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  Wow, just wow. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Q - September 8 - 12:33 pm

  Only recently purchased used but love it, Love It, LOVE IT. It just positively screams. Car was a dealer loaner for the past 5 years, only 42k miles so at least I know the maintenance is current. I do feel like the interior is a bit small, but its a tiny price to pay for the performance and styling. Most people say get the leather but I like cloth just fine. Its scary how quiet it is also. The great part is, yeah, it takes 93 octane but who care about an extra 20 cents per when gas is $4 per gallon anyway and still gets really good mileage? Stereo is great, handling is tight. That the gearing is so close together its a bit to get used to but fun as hell off the mark.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By USCGunner - September 8 - 9:03 am

  This Jetta was my first introduction into the world of true German engineering, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. I have owned this vehicle for almost 4 years and it is an awesome car to drive. VR6 has so much potential beyond its advertised 200 bhp, power band is phenomenal, and its styling/design make it a showy car anywhere. It is good to see a car that can compete with many Japanese rivals in stock condition. Not too many problems to deal with (a couple of O2 sensors, recalls, and one broken plastic piece). I have been to VW service centers all along East coast and they have all been more than helpful. A lot of car for the money!!!

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  Ripped Off - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Disappointed - September 8 - 5:03 am

  Bought new on 8/31/07, returned 9/1/07 for my AC and heating not working. So far, VW has had my car for 2 weeks and expects to have my car another 3 weeks due to "production problems" for the part that my Jetta requires (sensor/compressor). They say this problem just started occurring in the 2007 models and they arent equipped to handle the need for so many parts. Im now sporting a Mercury Sable that I pretend is my Jetta :( Extremely disappointed in VW, but the time I did have it I enjoyed it. Just afraid that I now have a lemon on my hands - what brand new car breaks after 1 day??? BUYERS BEWARE!!!

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  Its all good - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dude - September 7 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased my Jetta new, it now has 21,000 miles. Havent had any problems and only had one recall which was not a safety issue and only took a few minutes to fix. Dealer service is always good and quick but can be expensive, although I dont mind paying more for fast service thats done right the first time. Car has been very reliable so far, looking forward to putting a lot of miles on it after its paid off.

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  Just love my Jetta! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By beejay - September 6 - 9:53 pm

  I usually just drive to work and back in traffic, and I get excellent mileage. My only complaint is that I cant buy diesel at Costco. I took my first long trip and it really handled those windy, curvy roads securely. My previous car, a Honda Accord, cant compare to this little car. It is so much fun to drive! The only thing I find fault with is the placement of the seatbelt. Im only 53", and it rides above my shoulder, and it almost cuts into my neck.

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  best sedan for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Irfan - September 6 - 7:46 pm

  Wifes car. Drives beautifully, specially on curves. accelerates like a beast. better than most V6s. braking system is excellent. rear AC vents a plus. adequate leg room in the back, as we have a car seat with a 21 month old. Excellent cruise control. Trip computer is very cool and intuitive. In door umbrella holes are nice. Triptronic feature is very cool but auto is easier. Sound system not the best but we got the cheap base system. metal reinforced back seat. Cannot get a "semi-luxury" german engineered sedan for a better price.