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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  You too can Drive One - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw2008 - July 29 - 1:43 am

  "CHAMPAGNE TASTE ON A BEER BUDGET" probably covers everything that you need to know about the new Passat, and for all you non-drinkers, you just plug in your cool key and drive. The value to cost ratio is excellent. I tend not to keep cars for over 3-4 years, so as for reliability, the Passat will probably work just fine or will be covered under warranty. On the other hand, my wife has the C. Beetle and she loves it.

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  Just amazing - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Crujin - July 28 - 11:46 pm

  This car drives excellent. The highway is just a walk in the park. No one would notice how fast the car is going at high speed if he doesnt look at the speedometer.

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  Disappointing VW - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kerry - July 28 - 8:40 pm

  I bought this car new 1999 and at first I loved it. However, I have since changed my mind. Im not sure if its because this car was built in Mexico and not Germany that the quality is not as good, but I have had the left rear window fixed TWICE at my expense. The electrical system is shotty at best. When I turn down the radio volume, it gets louder before it gets quieter. The interior of the car seems to falling apart. The gear shifter cover had to be replaced 3 times and the rear cup holder cover keeps popping off. As for the exterior, my biggest complaint is that the driver and passenger side door bumpers (the rubber part, so people dont ding your doors) have fallen off. My 1975 Westy is better.

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  Solid Performer - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By FrankB - July 28 - 6:30 pm

  The 2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T is an excellent all around alternative to a minivan. It performs like a sports sedan. It has good leg and head room and great rear cargo space. The 5-speed manual transmission is fun to drive.

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  Passat is the Best Value! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ptsurfrider - July 27 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have put it through rigorous testing (off road, extensive mileage, power w/the V6). I dont recommend my testing, but the results have led to my conclusion that VW German engineering really does last. Ive owned a Buick Riviera, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and a Toyota Camry. Though Toyota and Honda are excellent vehicles, my Passat is the most fun to drive. My next vehicle purchase will definitely be a VW.

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  Love / Hate - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - July 27 - 2:20 pm

  I test drove the Altima, Camry, and Corolla along with the Passat. The Passat was far superior, and unexpectedly solid. It felt like I was driving a much more expensive car, tons of power, great visual and mechanical design. But, I was conned. The window sticker said MP3 and Navigation system, MP3 was never there. I brought this up to the dealer, and got the run around. VW service has been shady at multiple service centers. The rubber coating on the interior is bubbling. And none of it is covered by the very very limited warranty. And the tiptronic transmission is more of a suggestion to the engine than a command with its slow response. And the trunk will not close in cold weather

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  2009 Jetta TDI improved and unimproved - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By samd - July 27 - 1:26 pm

  My 09 Jetta TDI has comfort and speed. There are key flaws: engine stalls frequently at low rpm, unlike the more robust 98 TDI; brakes ice over in snow make for a choppy first stop; electric motor fan noise is so loud cant ride with windows down in summer; cab fogs up bad circulation; engine annoying whistle when it is turned off; fuel gage lies half full means 2/3 empty; radio is only tuned for hip-hop missing freqs for classical and rock; radio has no amp for ipod sucks ipod battery dry; ipod connection has no shielding thus feedback noise is bad.

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  Speedys Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By e30m3speedy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing. The drivability is similar to my three BMWs and it is a truck! Very little is compromised in this package--it tows 7700lbs, has plenty of hp (310) and drives smooth as silk with performance to match. So far Ive been enjoying everything I expect from a German car. Wunderbar!

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  Wolf within a sheep - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ehdesi - July 27 - 10:00 am

  We love this car, when your wife wants to drive it all the time you know it must be fun! Engine is great, easy functional design in cabin, predictable road handling and super quick. For everyday driving the turbo doesnt feel different, but when you floor it the extra poer is there, espcially on the highway passing. The only givaway this car is quick is the 17" wheels

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  Curlys Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Curly - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Passet back in 1990. I was not happy that purchase then a friend of mine convinced me to test drive one again. After my test drive, I was amazed at how much Volkswagon improved this car. Long story short, after saying I would never buy another Passat, I am a happy owner once again.