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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  What a Hottie! - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By jlGolden - November 24 - 6:50 pm

  After one test drive, I was won over by the mechanical refinement and supple, elegant interior. It makes competitors (I will not name names here) feel like cheap, crude toys. The GTI offers a satisfying balance of zip & zoom, price, comfort, and luxury.

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  Atlas of the North - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Minysoda - November 24 - 12:36 pm

  4 months/5k miles, no problems noticed since new. Gas mileage a little better than advertised, great room (two big dogs, bikes, kids carseats, etc). Very comfortable ride, quiet, good looks with black 20" wheels. Car starts fine, warms up quick even at -20F. Decent in snow and probably will be better with non-factory tires. Couple things not so perfect: lane assistant is occasionally disconcerting with twitchiness when lanes are not perfectly painted or at road/driveway junctions. Doors have a 3-4" ledge on inside bottom which is bound to be a rust magnet eventually as snow, ice and moisture build up constantly on them. The front and rear sensors for cruise control spacing and warnings are easily obscured by snow/ice. Would be nice to have permanent off feature for the engine shut-off when stopped. That being said, would buy the same car again, we like it and look forward to a long relationship.

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  Perfect from Day 1 - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By memphis17 - November 24 - 5:57 am

  I bought this as a never-titled demo with 5,000 miles on it. I am knocking wood as I say this, but I have not had the first problem with this car, after 75,000 miles. Its my second Passat V6, and is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I had an 04 Passat V6, which was really fun to drive, but after warranty it began to have issues. The 07 is a better model, I think, though the steering is not as tight as the 04 due to the widened body. I took the 07 Passat to the dealer for regular service, but when the warranty expired, I just started having the oil changes done at Jiffy Lube. I think its not good for a car to be tinkered with too much (i.e., if it aint broke...). Excellent car.

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  Love It! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kellie - November 23 - 11:33 pm

  I just recently bought my Jetta. I knew I wanted it when I first laid eyes on it. I test drove it on a Monday and I went and purchased it on Wednesday. It seems better than my Toyota Corolla (03). It is also no comparison between the two cars apperance, exceptfor the the back lights which the Jettas are much better. Also, the Jetta seems a lot bigger. I love it. I commute to work almost 45 minutes each way. I cant wait to leave to drive back and forth. I also got Package 2. It is just as luxurious as Ill get until my dream purchase, which is a 545 BMW. I call it my VMW (HA!). I love it and recommend it to all new car buyers. this car is very affordable and the maintainence seems a lot more conveinent and affordable.

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  I love this car... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Richard - November 23 - 4:23 pm

  This is my favorite all-around car of all time. It does everything well. It rides and handles well, gets great gas mileage, has plenty of power when needed, with the turbo. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Carol - November 23 - 3:50 am

  I like to drive. I have 155k on a late 2002. It is still running and looking great. I have had no major issues with the car; it is he best car I have owned!

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  Well worth it. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By askibum02 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jetta Jazz for just under three years now. I think that for the money I paid it is a great car. My complaints are the clock spring needing to be replaced at 60,000 miles and the alternator and starter going at the same time at 70,000. Other than that all the parts last as long as they would on any other car. I have 92,000 miles on it now, and I would expect to put at least that many more miles on it befoer any other problems arise.

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  Great Ride! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW - November 23 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned!

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  Bluefrog reviewes the Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By bluefrog - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The most striking feature is how effortless the car is to drive. I am always confident that the car will go precisely where I want it to go. After 45,000 miles, I have had no problems, and even at 80 mph, I get 30+ mph.

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  Most Excellent Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By galacticbubble - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I am no car expert but I have had the best time driving this car. I have had no problem with enough power starting off or on the highway. This car has plenty of zip to move in and around city traffic which I do a lot of. It holds to the road quite nicely and I would not have it any other way. It has been so much fun to drive! The gas milage is great!