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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  Awsome SUV for the Money - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jforr - November 3 - 9:56 pm

  The Touareg provides the best in on road performance combined with the best on off road performance as well. It is quiet and refined on the highway and has excellent turning radius for its size. The Touareg is by far the best value for a premium SUV.

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  2003 Eurovan Review - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Keono - November 3 - 7:40 pm

  Driving this van is like riding on a cloud. Smooth transmission with power to pass as needed. INterior is deceivingly huge (you can easily carry ten 4x8 pieces of drywall in the back!). Seats could be bigger, and if you are over 6 tall, the sun visor limits your sight distance a bit. Rear facing 2nd row limits the recline of the front seats, but makes cargo space a snap.

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  Outstanding Value/Performance in Class - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Professor - November 3 - 9:13 am

  I would disagree with the first reviewers comments on how quiet the little car is. One of the things I enjoy most about driving the stout and zippy little car is hearing the 5cyl, 2.5L, 270hp engine wind up as Im manually shifting through the gears. Gone are the days of anemic VW base- model engines; this engine is more than ample. From my research, its only approx. 1 second slower 0-60mph than the 200hp GTI. What I like about the base model Golf is that it gets its power honestly, via a naturally- aspirated engine (no turbos needed). The ergos and handling are very similar between my Golf and the 2010 GTI I test drove. Being able to run 87 octane instead of premium is a plus too!

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  GREAT! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tiffanaynay - November 2 - 8:03 pm

  My Volkswagen Beetle is roomy, fun to drive, and pleasing to the eye. My father bought this car for me and I am in love with it....

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  Fun with the Top Down - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nancy - November 2 - 9:06 am

  I love my new purchase. It is well worth every penny. I looked at a few convertibles and for the money it is an amazing vehicle. It is not my only car so I dont have to depend on it during the winter snow months, but I do hear that is should handle great during that time. I am actually confident that it will because so far I am very impressed. I like to drive larger vehicles (SUVs) and I was very surprised that I did not feel confined when I sat in this car for the first time. I love driving it and cant wait everyday to get into it. I have not driven my SUV since. I bought it somewhat because of gas prices and fun but the gas mileage is an added bonus. I love it, love it, love it.

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  Super - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jesse Izenberg - November 2 - 2:06 am

  Just returned from a 5000 mile trip and honestly find this car to be more than expected.

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  Family Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mattihas Frontzek - November 1 - 12:30 am

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  One great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By B Bortz - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is terrific. From its subtly attractive styling to its luxurious interior and its lively performance, this is an all-around winner. It is also a great value, as it gives you truly upscale amenities at a just- above-average price. VW had a problem this model year with the standard Bosch ignition coils, which the company replaced under recall. Other than that, my experience has been trouble-free, and I still get comments on how nice this car is inside and out. Oh, one more thing - the back seat is roomier than larger, more expensive cars from Japan, Europe and the U.S., and the trunk is very large and usable. All in all, I would but this car again

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  The Touraeg deserves a serious look - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Touraeg Fan - October 31 - 10:00 am

  VW has really built a wonderful vehicle with the Touraeg. The ride, noise level (or lack thereof), interior layout, easy to read gauges and thoughtfull "extras" are outstanding. Its 4 wheel capabilities are awsome. We recently had it on a long road trip and found that the ride and handling were so good we were not nearly as tired, etc. from a long day of driving. Overall we love this car.

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  Niggles - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Captain Bob - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with the Touareg, although I still havent figured out why VW have adopted the curious pronunciation of the name for the US market. Complaints: After less than 3000 miles the "step up" motor needed replacing (diff. problem) didnt they launch this car in Europe some time ago? Why are there still problems? 2nd key should set the drivers seat to the 2nd driver’s position, it doesnt. 7 months later one of the largest automakers is "working on it." Sure! The Homelink is impossible to program, same answer. The windshield mists up if the inside and outside temps are too disparate. Why on earth isnt the diesel going to be available in CA?