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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  Three weeks of ownership, Three Times Being Serviced - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paulj - May 19 - 8:50 am

  The air conditionint in my new Passat went out after 400 miles and the emergency brake got stuck at 1,000 miles. The dealer needs to replace the switch ( 2 weeks waiting time). Also, my car has rattles in the dashboard and as of today, drivers door as well. It has loud wind noise. I guess they dont make them like they used to. This is the last VW I will ever buy.

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  Fun Porsche Cayenne Substitute - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Larry - May 19 - 7:16 am

  I had a Porsche Cayenne S for a day and the Volkswagen Touareg V8 was every bit as good for a lot less money. The power is amazing and the aggressive sound of the exhaust compliments the styling very well. Other than the poor gas mileage and the tires wearing out after 19,000 miles, this is a great vehicle!

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  VW Beetle ~ Still Alive & Kickn - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Azure - May 19 - 5:56 am

  Its simple. In the 60s and 70s I loved my various VW Bugs, so why not try an updated version? I really feel at home in this car, and I suppose at least in part, that has to do with the fact that my comparatively free-living past is elicited in the experience of driving the new convertible Beetle! (This is also my first VW convertible!) Great gas mileage and most of all the front wheel drive is a welcome change, which at first I feared would ruin it. Also, I strongly suggest spending a little extra for the *turbo.* I have had it with & without. Trust me ~ the extra cash spent is well worth it!

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  It wins your heart! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By sal42 - May 19 - 5:11 am

  I bought my GTI new and it was my first car. I have loved it!!! Its been very reliable and fun to drive, as well as economical on gas, a great value. I have had no problems with the car and it has over 40,000 mi on it now. I am happy to have had this as my first car! I hope to keep it until it finally dies one day.

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  I love my GLX - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By christi4673 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car...it is fun to drive and is really peppy. It is such fun, after driving mine, my sister, brother, and 2 co-workers went out and bought one. It has had the typical VW window regulator problem, but it was no big deal to fix. (HINT - dont go to the dealer unless it is under warrenty!)

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  I Love This Car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason Kahapea - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very safe, very solid. Drives smooth allows you to switch to manual transmission on the fly. Zero to 60 in manual in mid 6 seconds at 5800 RPM. My neighbor with a 2001 stocked Corvette loves this car also.

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  Disappointing - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By frank gjokaj - May 18 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this car for quality. But have not received anything but aggravation. What a big lie that Germans build quality. Since I bought this car I been taking it to the dealer for electrical problems. Too many to list. And forget about vw to help, all they tell me "Im sorry to hear that you having trouble."

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  Never knew it was so much fun - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By solman7 - May 17 - 9:48 pm

  I havent had my GTI for very long, but it is a great little car. The build quality is perfect, its fun to drive, the features look like the should be in a more expensive car. The DSG takes some getting used to, but the paddle shifters are a lot of fun to play with. If youre looking for a quality car, that is fun to drive, look no further. If youre looking for a stoplight racer, then look somewhere else. This car is about combining great features into a great car. The suspension, engine, transmission, all work seamlessly to create a great driving experience. I have two cars, one for 4 months of summer in Chicago, lol. The other is my GTI.

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  good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By shehzad khan - May 17 - 9:20 pm

  the volkswagen passat i have is only 1998 tdi sports, but is very comfortable. I have had 8 cars and iam only 21, the passat has been my favourite of all, comfortable, good handling, good fuel economy, and obviously strong as usual

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  FIRST VW PROVES COMFORTABLE, QUIET, QUICK - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By openwheeler - May 17 - 5:04 am

  Picked it up 5/31 and this Candy White with Corn silk/Black accent interior has proven to be a handsome, comfortable second family car. Critics of the interior materials were too harsh. The leatherette is more attractive and comfortable than we expected. Just returned from a round trip to PGH. My 6 foot plus son did not find the rear seats tiring or cramped. Very smooth ride and honestly quieter than our Accord on the road. The engine is a bit "throaty" but the slight rumble doesnt sound weak or cheap. Solid feel. In S mode you get all the kick you need for passing fun. Low end torque takes a bit of getting used too but that comes quickly. Confident handling. Touch screen radio is cool.