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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  Total sleeper! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Bio Two - September 14 - 12:43 am

  I tested both GTI then the R32 on the same raod and same driving style. If it was not the price tag, it will be a no brianer R32 is the one. I picked the R32 anyway. This car is super fun to drive. After getting used to the car and start pushing it, I was shocked that how much a $33000 car can do! Especially on wet road, this car car pretty much beat any moving object on the road! If you can totally master this car, you can out run most of the higher power cars on the market even with the only 250bhp. I often play with my co-workers BMW 335i, as long as there are some turns, he will has a hard time to catch up. The sweetest feature... Lanch Control!!

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  honestly read this - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By listen here - September 13 - 5:23 pm

  I really want everyone to know every car has its problems. Most people write their reviews because they are upset. I have had my VW jetta for 6 months and have put over 10,000 miles on it. I bought it used and drive it every day all day. This car is built like a rock. Its quick and fun to drive. Pretty from the inside out. It doesnt get the best gas mileage and if you dont shut your blinker off before you shut the car off your lights wont shut off also my car struggles to work in freezing weather. It starts right up but the electrical stuff doesnt work well at 19 degrees. Over all its great and reliable I want another VW perhaps a bluesport? check them out

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  Buy Used! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gootee2Shoes - September 9 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car used and I think that makes a huge difference. I have (hopefully) avoided the pitfalls that the new owners did and my car is intact and in beautiful shape, inside and out. I bought some tires and got an alignment and some wipers, but everything else is going smoothly. I love the way it drives, besides how tight the clutch is. Everyone thinks it is the cutest thing ever and it is the first car I am proud to drive. I loved my 97 Golf, but I love this car even more.

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  Best Wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By slo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I looked at many small wagons (needed the space for outdoor gear, kids stuff, and trips to the home center) but couldnt find another that compared in ride, performance, and looks. I would rather have a peppy 5-speed than a truck-like SUV and the Passat V-6 fits the bill.

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  Keep looking for your dream car... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Caroline13 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Well... the car is great, aside for some broken parts (ie: drivers side door did not seal properly twice, air bag light came on three times, battery died three times in the first three months I had my new car and the ignition coils needs replacing) but other than that and comparable service the car is a delight to have. The extras (heated seats, heated rearview mirrors) are nice, although nothing compares to reliable service and quality worksmanship.

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  zippy, but little things go wrong - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hollyhock - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, lots of acceleration, great gas mileage and looks good. the finish details are plastic and arent holding up well. I accidentally drove over a short parking curb and did $1.7K in damage -- the steering and cooling systems are behind the front bumper, so if you get in a minor fender bender, these things all get damaged. The service at Santa Monica dealership is TERRIBLE!!!

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  NOT meeting Expectation - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ldw3 - September 5 - 5:54 am

  2010 Jetta TDI rated 42 on the road and getting 38 on the road. MPG indicator always reads higher than actual MPG. Fun to drive...MPG does not meet implied MPG. Car will lope and/or miss fire dealer finds nothing and has no way to correct issue of very low MPG.

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  good mileage however..... - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By krc - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The car has been great on long trips mileage and ride however the quality is not up to the Honda Civic I had. I just got the car out of the shop cost $ 1385.00 and that does not include the injector pump covered under warranty ($1600) It is back in the shop after two weeks with a hard start problem. cost??? Havent got it back yet.

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  V8 touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bdcars - September 3 - 8:23 am

  Owned this vehicle for less than a year. Initially we were very impressed with its road manners. The brakes had been done before delivery however we had to have them done again (no charge to us) I drive 12km return to my work. 4 months later, brakes require work. The battery is done. Most of the reviews on these express the same issues. Our other vehicle is a Tahoe and we have had zero problems. We are currently trading it in for another Yukon/Tahoe. Unfortunately this is not a car I would recommend.

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  Great little car and fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Otto - September 3 - 5:53 am

  I am very happy with my Passat wagon. It is nimble and a blast to drive thanks to great handling. The turbo motor lacks low end torque, but once you put your foot into it, the car has enough power to get you in and out of trouble. Its highway mileage is also a real plus, but the 91 octane requirement means you need premium fuel. It has good cargo room for its class and the high roof helps out here. The fit and finish are also very good. The interior is austere but very well done, but the glovebox is the only real storage space.