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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  Athletic yet elegant car - Fun to drive - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Thanh - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2002 Jetta GLI VR6 with 6M for a couple of weeks and love every moment I spend driving it. The engine pulls strongly without much efforts. The handling is also excellent. Love everything about it.

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  I love my TDI Jetta - 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
  By James Villanueva - November 29 - 6:28 pm

  Love the handling, very precise with mpgs!

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  Lots of "Wow" - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By USN - November 29 - 8:06 am

  7,000 miles. Tiptronic trans is great for heavy traffic and freeway ramps. All materials and assembly are 1st class. Test drive it at night: the lighting is "wow". It eats up the interstate-great chasis/ride/handling!

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  Like a GTI XL - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By BCWatty - November 28 - 5:30 pm

  Wanted a GTI but rear seat room was just too small. Manual transmission and higher ingress/egress makes this fit my desire for fun and my need for comfort. Would have preferred a manual transmission with the ability to also have nav, sunroof, heated seats and AWD, but VW did not give me that option. I have found base S models cloth seats do not get as cold as leather seats so I have not yet gone to the aftermarket for heated seats. It is more quiet than my BMW and Chevy Tahoe. It tracks well and has lots of storage cubbies, including a hidden one to the left of steering wheel. Drawers under the seats like the European models would have been nice. Bring on the TDI with a stick!

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  Great car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael - November 27 - 4:46 am

  Just plain awesome, the diesel gets 37- 47mpg, and is very powerful uphill.

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  Simply Breathtaking - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By JasonMichaels - November 26 - 9:53 pm

  Just bought the CC and it is my 3rd VW. Im simply speechless that a car can make me feel so good. I have test driven everything the 2009 market has to offer - nothing compares to this car. VW is known for its obsessive fan base and the VW-esque type of handling you experience when driving one. This car blew me away at the dealership and I signed that very day. People are getting whiplash when passing them by in this car. The only way I can describe it is that it looks sooooooooooooo much better in person...actually appears to have a cape or cloak of some sort like batman. Ridiculous handling and power. Kudos VW....customer for life.

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  Run Rabbit Run - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By red07vdub - November 25 - 11:50 am

  At first I didnt know if I liked the new Rabbit, then I went on a test drive in one. I never thought that the 5-cylinder engine would have that much pep to it. They also did the trick with having a lot of features in the standard base priced model. Not only is the car affordable, it gives you more than you moneys worth in fuel economy and the options. I love my new Rabbit.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By Chris Hendrickson - November 25 - 10:00 am

  My golf is the perfect car for a single guy. It is a great car to drive and have fun driving, the 5 speed manual shifts so smooth and is great on gas mileage. With gas prices how they are, this is perfect for someone short on cash. Its small but its character thats counts and this car has a ton of character. Definately a good reliable car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aw9 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The TDI (diesel) was hard to find, but worth the effort. Great gas mileage...up to 44mpg w/o air conditioning running. The acceleration and handling are simply great!! Watch the horn...have to punch it in just the right spot (a small spot) - not a plus when you need it in an emergency. Interior finish is perfect. The diesel runs very roughly in the 20-30 mph speed after startup. It smooths out after it warms up...hope this can be adjusted on first trip back for service. Generous trunk space, full-size spare tire, and plenty of leg room in the back seat. So far, love the car!!

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  Delighted - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Schaboing - November 25 - 1:30 am

  Ive owned my Jetta for about a week and so far and I love it. I wasnt looking to buy at this time but after I drove it, I was convinced. It is very German in its design and handling. The ride is firm and the handling is very positive. The electric steering is wonderful in close quarters around parking lots. The transmission shifts incredibly smooth and all of the controls are right at hand. My only complaint is that it is difficult to make a head check when backing up. Other than that, it is a great value and a fun, comfortable car to drive. Oh yeah, the trunk is huge!