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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  Jetta: so far, so good - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kittydad - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Fuel economy (mostly smaller town and highway) averages mid to high 40s in winter, to 49-53 mpg in summer. Fuel economy appears to be 5-10% higher this year than last year, when car was new. Recent trip from Tulsa, OK to mid-KY used 13.3 gallons of fuel for the whole trip of 750 miles (= 57 mpg) at 70-75 mph, with air conditioning. Back seat needs a little more foot room (has about 5 inches less than our Corolla); its my understanding that new Jetta has a little more foot room due to slightly longer wheelbase. No sign yet of reported problems with power accessories. So far, would recommend this car (2003 model) highly.

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  Best car nowadays! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nadia - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the Jetta, I have been very happy with it. The drive is fun and fast, the handling is excellent, and the diesel noise is not bad at all.

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  Orange you a fun car? - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bob Twofifty - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car a month. It is a fun car to drive, and gets noticed. I ordered the Sundown Orange and it reminds me of a little hot rod. I had read reviews that the car was underpowered, but I have had no problems with pick-up or top end speed. All of the controls are well marked and easily operated. The GLS comes standard with alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, cloth interior and cassette deck. I added heated seats and a 6 disc player in the console and still paid under list. Ive owned a lot of cars, both foreign and domestic and barring a major catastrophy, this is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  First VW is a Beast! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By RoadkillPDX - October 30 - 5:00 am

  I was a salesman at a Chevy dealership. I was looking for a fun-to-drive rig with aftermarket potential. I test drove many cars (Tiburon, Civic Si, Cobalt SS, Scion tC), but fell in lust with the ease of control, drivability, and the "oomph factor" thats found in turbocharged cars. This car may look like the Rabbit, with the exception of the sinister red grin on the grill, but underneath the cute exterior lies the quick-revving, adrenaline pumping, heart of an import-killing beast. The GTI is heavier than before (almost twice the weight of the A1 body), but with a power-to-weight ratio that puts many more expensive rigs to shame. Plus the car has almost no turbo lag. VW rocks!

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  2013 Volkswagen Golf TDI w/ DSG automatic - 2013 Volkswagen Golf
  By dak971 - October 26 - 2:20 pm

  I just purchased the vehicle and love it! The car is extremely fun to drive. One of the main reasons was the TDI option providing over 42+ MPG which is just phenom. I was used to getting about 17Mpg-23Mpg at best in a previous vehicle. Time to go more economical and practical. The car is 4 doors and White. Looks just sweet and awesome. Really a fun car and there are so many pluses about this model.

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  48 months of supereconomical fun - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By still like to drive - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Only problem was with the windows and VW fixed those free. Inside space is amazing, mpg 50 always. Handling is super even in snow but low ground clearance. Dont try to sleep in it. Turns into mini wagon with ease. Even better performance after a new set of upgraded tires at 45K. Most people dont realize its a diesel unless I stay in one spot too long and the stink catches up with me. Gas station attendants argue that I am at the wrong pump.

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  A complete Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By arash1972 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 2002 BMW 330 coupe for V8 Touareg. The car handles and accelerates like the beamer. Ride is naturally more comfortable, very quite. The interior is very luxurious with high quality material. I test drove X5 and FX45 before I opted for this car. The 6000lb gross weight and tax deduction is a great bonus on Touareg. I bought the car brand new at $2500 bellow invoice price (because of time of the year) and got a great price on my trade in ($1500 more than other dealers were offering). I sent my offer to 6 local dealers through E-mail. I choose the one who gave me the best trade in value. Mountain VW of Denver were very accomodateing.

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  Cant go wrong with a TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chism - October 25 - 8:23 pm

  I have been very impressed with this car. It gets incredible gas mileage and is a very solid build. It handles well, and all of the controls are easy to get to.

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  What a deal. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By runteach - October 25 - 10:33 am

  Wonderfully performing car for the size. Took car for a day trip on winding state highways and the car was excellent, power and handling are superb. After driving many higher priced, less optioned cars, the VW was a no-brainer, just hope past reliability issues are non-existent. It is too bad VW is discontinuing the manual tranny after the 08 model, this might be the best manual tranny VW has produced. Gas mileage has been great so far, between 28-30 mpg for combined driving.

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  Thats a VW? - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bill Brower - October 23 - 1:57 am

  Best car I have ever owned. VW made one of their stupidest moves(after diesel flap) in not making more advertising and sales push for this car. I bought it over the MB E350, Cadillac CTS and Acura TLS(Too ugly in 2010). My other cars have included Acura TLS, Jaguar XJS, Rover 2000TC, etc.