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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  07 Rabbit 4dr auto - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By steve - October 22 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my 07 Rabbit for over a month now and its been great. I test drove many cars in this segment such as the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra just to name a few. The rabbit was by far the best value as far as safety and standard features for the money are concerned. This is a car that I actually look forward to driving. It feels and drives like I spent twice as much as I did. It feels like a BMW 3-Series at half the cost. This is my first German car and I am very impressed. This really is a drivers car. Its a very well built, solid, fun to drive car with every safety feature in the book and a great warranty to match. What more can you ask for? I think VW has begun to turn things around with Rabbit.

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  My FAVORITE CAR :) - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Natalie - October 22 - 12:32 pm

  Just purchased this 2012 car with 38K miles. It only had 1 previous owner and that had taken meticulous care of this vehicle. I have never enjoyed commuting in traffic for 60-90 minuets one way every day, however, this car makes me look for reasons to drive it, very smooth ride, amazingly quiet and comfortable and the bluetooth makes all your cares disappear. Absolutely my best purchase in a car EVER! So pleased.

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  Passat, Excellent Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By TADYCH - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The Passat is the most luxurious comfortable car ive ever driven. It handles like a luxury auto, my only complaint is the gas mileage is not impressive

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  Love it - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By mel primmer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  1st German car I have had, will never go back!

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  No Problems After 2 1/2 Years - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DG - October 20 - 11:43 pm

  This has been the best care that Ive owned. Looks great, excellent performance, quality interior, excellent stereo, plenty of room both inside and in the trunk. Havent had a single problem with this vehicle and its a pleasure to drive. Some times the problems reported are the result of the driver/lack of maintenance, or someone who has purchased a flooded car.

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  A Drivers Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Leon Rubinstein - October 20 - 7:36 pm

  Bought for wife,in truth I wanted it. Drove older one last year and read of problems and waited til now. Drove it on dirt, thru sand, mud, high speed drift on dirt, on soaked grass covered with water,etc, salesman turned white, to me outstanding. Waited til now to buy.In younger days drove sport cars,Jags, was top driver in SCCA with a back door sponsorship and a factory built race car. Not a problem,wife and kids love it especially when it gets dark out and the dash light come on,all those colors. I dont care about gas mileage,am sure my wife will advise me about it. My daughter,17,now going to Univ.in upper NY State,we live in FL,I asked her if she wanted one of these after her first year.

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  2009 TDI Exceeds Expectations - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shifter - October 19 - 1:40 pm

  Teutonic styling, handling and quality. Stiff suspension and taut handling takes some getting used to but lots of smiles per km. Fuel economy averages 6 L/100 km out of the box in a mixture of highway driving and city. Doors close with a reassuring thud. Interior controls and finish are all of the highest quality. Everything works as its supposed to. Expensive trim level (Highline) and options (Sirius radio etc.) worth the upgrade. TDI is luxury car quiet and smooth. 6 speed manual takes some getting used to with closely matched ratios. Best to find a high range and leave it there, letting the 235 ft lb torque do the rest. Only missed feature is HID headlights, standard H4 are very good.

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  Very good for the age and mileage - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark - October 19 - 8:53 am

  I had never owned a VW, but I have been very impressed. The heated seats have been recalled, but it is summer right now. So not worried about it. Wish fuel was better. But tranny, body style, tires, interior are all great. The owner did a very good job in maintaining it. Very solid when doors are shut and the safety features are great. I love that it has side curtain air bags.

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  Nice Truck - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Djsamy - October 17 - 4:50 pm

  The 2007 Touareg V6 has a nice ride. Its a smooth truck and a beast in the snow.

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  Great Car.... - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By kaperej - October 17 - 1:29 pm

  Overall this is a really good German Engineering...although this Passat doesnt get the best MPG or is the cheapest it is the best for your money. The overall quality is very good and will last along time. The two years we have had our Passat we have only had one big issue. The engine cam had shattered and at high RPM..This costed $2700 and Volkswagen knew it was a problem but refused to pay for it. Other than that it has been a great car.