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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  I love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By yuhuei - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I was searching all the informations about the Jetta and Passat last year when I was almost going to buy the Jetta. I saw many complains on the Jetta, part of the reasons because are made in Mexico. However, I bought the Passat, so far I am really happy and didnt regreat at all. Thats good sight!!

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  2007 Fun to own Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Thomas Roach - April 10 - 10:46 am

  Great car. Sells essentially complete from factory, no hassle with options. Economy just about as sticker, drives so smooth it really is fun. Super value for money and size.

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  Exceptionally Engineered Vehicle - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By My 2nd Passat Wagon - April 9 - 12:30 pm

  I spent over 8 months researching all available vehicles meeting my criteria and this car won hands-down for engineering, mileage, styling,and value. I have the fully-loaded every option sports pkg2 (granite green-blk interior) and it was still $10k less than comparable Volvo, Audi, BMW, SAAB or Mercedes.The electronics, safety and gadgets are mind blowing! I cant stress enough to splurge on the Dynaudio it delivers THE BEST in the industry sound at an exceptional value. Be patient with the city mileage: it will spike once the engine gets broken in (4,000). I LOVE this car and look forward to many fun, rewarding miles over the next 12 plus years (avg. time I keep a car).

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  great so far - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By drnox - April 8 - 5:36 pm

  Had the 4motion for about six months. Great car, excellent rider, with great handling.

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  "Drivers Wanted" - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By derek - April 8 - 5:26 am

  The GLI is a well-rounded vehicle with great responsiveness in power from the turbo engine. I have owned 6-cyl. engines with less reaction to the gas pedal. Yet, the German performance suspension is athletic and smooth when called to do so. My vehicle has the 17" alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot touring tires which works in concert with the vehicles performance and agility. The cabin is par with Audi and the exterior is sleek and attractive...just ask the 25 or so people who complemented the vehicle before I arrived home from the dealership. this car is a great value and fun to drive!

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  FAV VAN FOR THE FAM!!! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Emilee Jacobs - April 8 - 12:26 am

  Yes the 2011 VW Routan is a borrowed body and design concept from the Dodge Caravan but its overloaded with German engineering and thats exactly what I needed and wanted for my family. My four children and my Mother are seated comfortably on every trip, theres lots of room for our items and activities and I wouldnt want to drive anything else except for the Amarok but unfortunately those arent sold here in the U.S. We also enjoy our 2003 VW Beetle TDI (Diesel). My child plan on driving their own VWs when they become of age. YAY!

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  Passats Got it all--except a cup holder - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By msummers10 - April 7 - 3:10 pm

  While I am only 15, I know what how to test a car and have fun doing it. My 1999 Passat GLX definitely is fun to drive. I have noticed that going through sharp turns and quick acceleration with the Tiptronic Semi- auto transmission happens without any problems. The 6-disc CD Changer is great and the audio is magnificent. One drawback is that the changer is in the trunk, but 6 CDs should be more than enough for one sitting. Gas mileage is great, sometimes. When we push the car, gas mileage drops slightly to about 15 mpg, but standard driving is about 26 mpg. One thing that seems to be a problem with a lot of Passat owners is the suspension.

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  Dont Let the Name Fool You - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By af britton - April 6 - 9:50 pm

  I used to drive a Suzuki Forenza. Dont get me wrong, that was a nice car but there was no aftermarket parts and no horsepower or performance in that car at all. The new Rabbit beats out any car you can find for the price. With the new engine being in the Jetta also you can find all kinds of parts for it. VW makes a number of cosmetic parts which lets you make your car unique. There are a lot of cars out there now days that say they get incredible gas mileage. I have driven those cars and I am not going to pay up to $10,000 more for a lot less of a car. This car get great gas mileage. I am very pleased with what VW has done.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pcola - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Love It! Much better build quality than the Lexus ES300 or Acura TL for alot less money.

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  Great Jetta 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ian Stern - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has performed flawlessly for the past 12 months. Service has been limited to oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and one selective coil replacement paid by VW.