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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  Cant beat it! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Josh Hughes - February 24 - 2:03 pm

  The Passat has been a very fun and stylish car to drive. When I was looking to lease a sedan, I could not find anything that came close to the amount of features and quality you get at such a fair price. I have only driven the car about 5500 miles, but I have had zero problems thus far. I am continually amazed at the excellent gas mileage. I dont miss anything with a 4 cyl - the turbo engine is just enough.

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  the best kept secret - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By jj - February 22 - 5:23 pm

  I love the drive, comfort, design and logo of my Volkswagen Phaeton V8. When you want something that is unique, go for this car and let go of your ego. I appreciate the weight and the substantial feel of the car.

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  tdi fun to drive - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By brad - February 22 - 5:36 am

  Did a lot of checking on many cars such as focus,civic and camery. After driving all of them so glad I went with the Tdi jetta. Has more pick up handles better then all the rest on the list and I am getting 42mpg going to and from work and one third of that is in the city.Inside the sound system is great. Love the seating and trunk space is great. You will love this car

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  Love It! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cgf - February 21 - 2:23 pm

  Just got my new 2010 Touareg. Shopped Mercedes ML350, Lexus 350, Volvo CX90 - best deal and standard features. This ride is very solid. I think this is my favorite car so far. Had VW in the past 79 Bug, 84 Golf.

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  Too much fun for such great mpg - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By coolbreeze - February 21 - 3:00 am

  This is a true driving machine. The diesel engine is smooth, clean, quiet, and fast. The turbo kicks in and you take off. Fit and finish is wonderful. The panoramic roof is worth every dime. Makes the interior feel so roomy, and even living in nc I do not feel any effect from solar heat. Suspension is right on. I have seen mpg of 52 for my round trip to work and back (45 miles rt). I cant wait to drive it tomorrow.

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  A Joy To Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By maddog76 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I was initially hesitant to purchase a first year model, but I am very, very happy with this vehicle. VW has done an outstanding job with their first SUV. It is very well-built -- solid -- very comfortable to drive, and handles expceptionally well for a rather heavy mid-size. Negatives: In (D)rive, the trans shifting is a bit ragged at low speeds and slow acceleration; I drive in TripTronic or sport mode most of the time with no problem. (VW has already addressed the shifting issue with a softare upgrade that Ill have installed soon.)

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  bought gls tdi one month ago - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By blue moose - February 19 - 10:00 am

  In the one month that I have been driving my new TDI. I have been getting 3o miles to the gallon driving around town. The car is fun to drive, quick and responsive. I cant wait till I can get it on the road for a trip.

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  My bettle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Crystal Dickson - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Very roomy, tons of leg room for long legged passanger. The set adjustments are the best for men and woman drivers. The eyeglass holder on the top is very handy as well. Plenty of pick up and options even on the GL models. Very good buy for your money. You wont be disappointed.

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  I love my Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW Mamma - February 18 - 3:10 pm

  I have always loved VWs. So when I was in the market for another car and this slightly used one came up for sale, I jumped at the chance to own another VW! My first car was a 1980 VW Rabbit. My mother owed a 1984 GTI Wolfsburg, I learned how to drive a stick on that one. We ran these cars until they just gave out. Ive owned other cars but NOTHING compares to a VW! I have the 2005 1/2 Jetta and I love the way it handles, all the features and I love the looks I get when Im driving it. My daughters friends call it the "Sexy Mobile." My only wish is that it got better gas mileage (I knew I should have bought the diesel). I am a faithful VWer for LIFE!

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  Pleasant surprise - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By De Jonge - February 18 - 2:13 pm

  I happened upon this vehicle by chance and am very happy for the outcome. I am very impressed by the engine muscle, interior comfort and subdued exterior design - not in to the prestige vehicle badges. The car wants to go at speeds more compatible with its design. I have a hard time keeping it under 80 mph. Indeed, in one instance I was pressed to accelerate only briefly and quickly reached 120 mph. Its fuel economy is not good, with average city driving yielding about 16.5 - 17.0 mpg. I always look for excuses to drive this car - a wonderful feeling. I also look forward to my first road trip - should be fantastic!