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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  Oh Ya! Awesome! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dnyed - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Platinum Gray Turbo S for a few months now. I have never loved a car more. The 6-speed, the heated leather seats, Monsoon stereo, 17-inch wheels. Way too much fun. This is a "road trip" car. The headroom is excellent for my 64" hubby, he loves it. My first VW, traded 02 Explorer for it. VW from now on!

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  EXCELLENT car, but not without a few caveats. - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kmck - July 22 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this car after much deliberation and test driving numerous other models. This car is, by far, the best car for the money, and overall I love it. I have only a couple issues. 1) the car is pretty underpowered when the A/C is running. I like zippy, and would expect a little more zip, but its still pretty good overall. 2) THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. Dear Jesus. Its not terrible, per say, but it needs some bug fixing STAT. Sometimes trying to find a specific address is a pain. Oh, and the iPod connector supplied in the glove box is a little iffy at times. It lags when switching songs, every so often it will glitch and not play, but overall these are very small issues.

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  Check out this car - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By jman - July 22 - 10:30 am

  This car is fun to drive. Its quick and nimble, and goes fast in a hurry. The seats are great. If you drive in the city, the automatic is perfect. They finally made a GTI like its supposed to drive. Get it with four doors, drop the kids off at school and spend the day zipping around town. Its also under the radar screen, people look but dont oogle. Its really a prefect car. Lets see how it does on the long term. The people at VW still need to work on service.

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  Down the mountain - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Appalacian Man - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I take it off the appalacian mountains on maximum state grade in the ice and snow. No problems going or coming. Great manuveability and great clearnance.

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  Golf GTI worth the money in many ways - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By Reece C. - July 21 - 1:00 am

  This is my second VW in a very long driving career. The GTI is nearly as much fun to drive as my other german sports car. The performance from the 1.8T is surprising. The overall quality of the car is what one expects from a german auto. I travel extensively and rent almost every american and some japanese brands. The VW is superior to all of the american brands in comfort, and performance. I am not disappointed with my purchase.

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  This Car Delivers - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GLI Guy - July 20 - 7:50 am

  I had been looking for a new car for awhile. I really wanted another VW (my 98 Beetle had been flawless), but they had no new offerings that appealed to me. Once I saw the Jetta GLI I was interested, but a test drive sealed the deal. The car is excellent, delivering performance and comfort in a relatively affordable package. It is an Audi with a VW price. In the 1+ year I have had it I have had only two issues, both dealing with the XM stereo. My friends comment about my "fancy" VW all the time and people comment on how sexy the car is. Ive never heard a VW called sexy. Its fuel economy has been good, I average 26 mpg between city and highway driving. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best Sports Hatchback Out There - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By bjreich - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had my GTI for about 3 months now and have enjoyed every second. I got mine with every option. Taking into consideration the power, smooth refinement, luxurious feel, and the price it is by far the best sports hatchback on the market. I must also say that had another very good buying experience with Dave Walter VW in Akron. This the second car I bought from them and both times it was the best car buying experience I have had. So if you are in the Northeast Ohio area be sure to check them out.

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  Better than anything in its class. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By DSM - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car simply blows away anything in its class in terms of quality and drivability. It is an absoulte dream to own. Sure, it is a bit of a premium compared to other cars, but it is worth every penny. And as for "higher end cars" near its class, still no comparison. The Passat is a classy car that is fun to drive. I have had no real problems with my Passat, and I have no intentions of parting with it anytime soon. And when I do, chances are it will be another Passat.

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  Better than anything in its class. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By dsm - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car simply blows away anything in its class in terms of quality and drivability. It is an absoulte dream to own. Sure, it is a bit of a premium compared to other cars, but it is worth every penny. And as for "higher end cars" near its class, still no comparison. The Passat is a classy car that is fun to drive. I have had no real problems with my Passat, and I have no intentions of parting with it anytime soon. And when I do, chances are it will be another Passat.

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  Luv the bettle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bettleluvr - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect. Its sooo cute even after being on the market for like 5 or 6 years people still stop and ask me about it. This car is awesome!!!