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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  nice car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By michael - March 23 - 3:40 am

  I love the power- makes the commute to work almost fun.

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  German Greatness, No German Drawbacks - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By Otto - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute blast to drive! Its responsive, comfortable, and perfect for both daily driving and weekend flogging. I got it to replace my college car (2000 Mazda Protege) and it has done nothing but exceed my expectations. The flat torque band makes it both fun and easy to drive, the interior is a wonderful man-machine interface, and the exterior is beautifully sporty without drawing undesirable attention. I have even been fortunate enough to avoid the quality issues associated with VWs. The performance is great but there are definitely faster cars out there like the 07 STI Limited and 10 Mazdaspeed3 I tested back to back with the GTI. Bottom line: test drive one! Youll see ;)

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  This car saved my life....really - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Amanda - March 22 - 6:33 am

  I can not say enough about my Jetta. I bought my Jetta only 4 months ago and last Friday night someone ran a stop sign going 60 mph and I was traveling 65 mph...and I slammed into him. I am a single mother of 3 children, all three of my children were in that car. We all walked away with bruises from the seat belts that is it! Today the insurance comp. told me my car is totaled. It was amazing how the VW absorbed the hit. The highway patrol told me I made a smart choice in cars. Needless to say I will be getting a new Jetta as soon as all this insurance stuff is over. Can not say enough!

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  2005 Passat TDI GLS - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Warrior23 - March 20 - 11:30 pm

  I had a Passat gas burner for 4 years in Germany and was really impressed with all aspects of the car. That experience led me to want a Passat here. I chose the TDI because of the fuel economy and expected long life of a diesel. Ive only had the car for a month but have really enjoyed the solid, quality feel when driving; reminds me of my former Passat. The only complaint is a very slight buzz heard sometimes, somewhere around the drivers side window post where the seatbelt enters. My first two tanks of fuel averaged 33mpg overall with about 60% highway/40% around town.

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  Rented one and have to have one - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Francedrive - March 20 - 8:26 am

  My wife and I went on a vacation where we drove across France. We were given an 09 Jetta TDI. We averaged 48 MPG, 2 suitcases and various bags and was mostly comfortable w/ the sport seats. Fun to drive with the manual up the small winding roads in mountains. Was skeptical of the diesel engine, but after going 1500 miles @ 48-50 MPG, hitting 110 MPH with no shake, I am sold...

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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob - March 20 - 12:10 am

  The gas mileage is excellent, better than stated on window sticker. This car has a great trasmission and enough power for everyday real world use. So far, I have had no problems.

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  VW Hetta TDI Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Got Gas? - March 19 - 7:36 pm

  My experience with the TDI has been very positive. It has excellent fit and finish, no rattles at all. All of its equipment works flawlessly. I am getting a consistant 46 mpg with this diesel car.

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  Loved this car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chuck - March 19 - 5:20 am

  I had one of these cars and i absolutely loved it. No problems other than a headlight going out (which the dealership fixed for free) In 2006 when the lease was up my wife wanted a new car so we got a Mazda 6 GT it didnt last a year before $15.000 engine repair. I changed to an Asian car because they are supposed to be so reliable, now I am looking for another VW.

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  Best GTI ever - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Hillview6 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This VW GTI is a good mix of performance and economy. The engine -- transmission combination is as good as they come in a sports car. The interior, espically the instruments and audio equipment compliment, are easy on the eye --and mind . Finding a manufacturer that still produces a hatchback design was a reminder of their focus on practicality and customer needs .

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  A great vehicle for detail reps. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 54implant - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am truely enjoying my Touareg. 17 MPG is what I am currently receiving, and I think that that may increase over time. I purchased the basic V6 model without any extras, and for a work vehicle, I can say that it is more than I expected. I am amazed about how many other drivers in Houston, are stopping to look at the vehicle. If VW would advertise more, I think that you would see additional Touaregs on the road.