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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  Waited Two Years... - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dr. Woo - November 6 - 3:40 pm

  In 2004 at the Paris Auto Salon, I sat in a first-run European-spec 2004 VW GTI in Candy White. The quality of the interior and exquisite attention to detail alone convinced me that I had to have one. Two years later, VWoA released it and I picked one up the second day I was back in the States in Tornado Red (as my German friend said, "the only color of the GTI"). The driving dynamics, build quality, and powerful 2.0TFSI engine all combine to make a magnificent driving experience. I have yet to suffer a single problem (knock on wood) with 5,500 miles. Im lucky to have a wonderful dealer in my area.

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  Auotbahn Bunny - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By roymich - November 5 - 12:53 pm

  This bunny is a fun and comfortable ride even at German autobahn speeds (+100mph). The bunny is just as roomy as my 03 Passat and easier to park in Europes tight parking garages. I had one rough start on a chilly morning (+5F), maybe that Knock sensor acting up, dont know for sure because it cleared itself up in a few seconds. I was soaked getting in once by water pooled on the roof, run-off made it too my arm and leg before I could close the door. Need to be mindful of passenger side rear blind spot.

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  2008 VW Passat Komfort Sedan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By mm - November 5 - 12:10 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed driving my Passat this year. Handling and performance are excellent. The 2.0 Turbo has great pickup. Interior fit and finish are very good. I consistently get about 28 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. I considered an Accord (owned 3 previously) but was looking for something different. I had always liked the Passat and Im glad I chose it. Definitely more fun to drive.

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  Nice Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By gmh - November 5 - 2:56 am

  I have only had this car for over a week but so far I have nothing bad to say about it - I look forward to driving it! This is my third VW after owning two Jettas. My wife and I considered other cars but could not find another manufacturer that offers everything you get with VW. I couldnt be more pleased with our decision and cant believe we even considered another brand. We also own a 2003 Audi Avant. The Passat is very similar to our Audi wagon but includes some nice upgrades and features. The 2.0T engine is phenomenal and I can feel the responsiveness over our 1.8T. Keep in mind our Audi has Quattro which has a completely different driving experience.

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  VR6 MMMM - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VR8Capable - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Great Car...Really! If you are looking for a Good car with classic lines, that you will continue to love even when things dont always go perfectly, then the VR6 is a great choice. The car rides well on the highway and well paved secondary roads..on choppy roads at low speed it can be a little unconfortable. High Speed handling and peformance 220 klm is exceptional, the sweet spot is 120 mph.. The passing power really surprises many V8 american cars i.e

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  A car fun to drive and built to last - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Panzer Boxb - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This car was purchased to handle the daily commute of 30 miles (each way) and has done so superbly for almost two years now. The diesel engine performs superbly and gets better mileage than almost any other car. The interior is well laid out and all the controls are easy to find and use. The build quality is solid and I have had no mechanical or cosmetic problems with the car so far. I fully intend to have this car for years to come.

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  Dam Near Perfect - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By justdaman - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car, second Jetta and it keeps getting better. Turbo lag sucks, but I could get over it with more turbo boost. Im sure well get it in the future. Affortable sporty sedan, without the price of BMW 3 series.

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  Best Compact Sedan - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ivanrocco - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The best compact sedan in the market. Good looking, good performance. Basicly the best value for your money!

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By dickiet - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Almost four years old and I still love my Passat! I wish I could say the same about the dealer. I have had no mechanical difficulties with the car what so ever. The original tires left something to be desired, other than that totally happy. I am in the processes of purchasing a Passat wagon for the growing family. Will hang onto the sedan and trade in the Intrigue.

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  The Jetta Rules! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Volkswagen Matt - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This Car is the Best Car I have ever driven. It has the feel of a BMW at a way cheaper cost. The Design is sporty yet functional and the attention to detail that the Engineers at Volkswagen makes this car great. The added features such as the ability to roll the windows down with the turn of the key in the door shows that Volkswagen has thought of everything. All these features, not to mention the Flip Key that resemble the Mercedes keys make this car a must have. I give this Car a 10 out of 10