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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  Very happy with my Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mladen - April 20 - 5:03 pm

  I wrote a review back in 2006 - now I see I was unfair to this vehicle... 3 1/2 years later and 35000 miles later I like it even more... It has been a stellar performer and a fun car to have. I am planning on a major service in about 6 months (timing belt) and expect to drive it another 6-7 years. What a jewel...

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  great car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmac - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 99. I had a 93 Passat Wagon with a VR6 before this Passat. The 99 is a completely different car, and way better. Mine has the 1.8T with a 5-speed. Fun to drive, great gas mileage. I have not had any problems. Replaced the brakes at about 50K, stay current on servicing.

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  Volkswagen For Life - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By The Welders - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Last year I bought a Volkswagen Golf for my daughter who was getting ready to go away to college. I wanted her to have a reliable, trusty car to get her there and back when she needed. Ill tell you what, that car has done wonders as far as gas mileage, maintenance, etc... it has such sporty handling and remarkable brakes, I had to get a Volkswagen for myself! So, just this week I went out and bought a brand new Jetta and it is the most pleased Ive ever been with a new car. The Volkswagen dealers are so incredibly informative and helpful.

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  Your Search is officially over! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Car Enthusiast - April 20 - 2:13 am

  Having owned an array of cars in the past and having searched the market many times over for the perfect convertible, I can say that I hit the jackpot with the Eos. Great performance, amazing build quality, head-turning styling, affordable maintenance, good gas milage, versitile top styling, and all around fun car to drive. This is a must for both convertible enthusiast and those wanting a more practical coupe. The design of the front and rear wind screen is ingenious and in combination with the windows up and top down, you barely feel or hear wind noise. Drive it, experience it, and please dont wait to buy it!

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  Excellent Choice - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Darblake - April 18 - 2:33 am

  Traded an 02 BMW X5 and at this point, mind you its been 3 days, couldnt be happier. The feel of this vehicle will rival any other German made car on the road. The ride is a little rougher than the X5, which is ironic for a car vs SUV comparison, but you "feel" the road which makes the drive that much more enjoyable. Having driven it to work, for the past 3 days, I have put a total of 205 miles on it and am still above 1/2 tank of gas. Nice bonus considering the price per gallon. The features/amenities are definitely high end. Originally a little hesitant about making the switch but the quality/ performance eliminated that.

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  Get one - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By meurio - April 18 - 1:10 am

  Went from a 2008 528i to the CC because of the economy but I have no regrets the VW is an outstanding value and has a great interior/exterior combination. I leased the car and pay only $319 per month with $ 1500 dow. My bimmer used to run me $ 650 per month with $3000 down!!! The cost, looks and included maintenance make this car the one to beat. Great job VW!

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  My 04 Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By my04bug - April 17 - 11:50 pm

  The car is fun to drive and fairly economical (the turbo takes premium). My only complaints have been with dashboard warning lights that light with no apparent reason, a center console that cannot be locked, and a balky roof that has had to be repaired on several occasions.

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  really great!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gtibeatsi - April 17 - 2:00 am

  near perfect, except tail lights, they look ok

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  look out svt - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gtibeatsi - April 17 - 2:00 am

  near perfect, very little turbo lag

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  sehr gut! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nivek3 - April 17 - 1:43 am

  This is my first VW and I really dig this German car. I have always wondered about the people that are fanatical about their VW’s. Now I know. The build quality absolutely kills anything American built. The handling and comfort are excellent. Did I mention the gas mileage? Highway is rated for I believe 42, yeah on bad day. When I travel long distances I get around 50. I really have enjoyed this car and I know see why people get obsessed with VWs.