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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  Single Guy and a W8 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jschneberger - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I was very familiar with the Wagon version of the W8 as a friend has one and I drove his quite a bit prior to my purchase. I have added the 18" wheels and tires as avertised in the accesories catalog, and while it stiffens up the ride a lot if you like performance handling it is a nice addition. I have considered the performance springs, but based on feedback from others probably wont go there as I drive alot in my work and dont want that much road feel. The car is comfortable, fun to drive and I recommend it to anyne who would like a performance sedan with a fair amout of luxury.

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  Passat Wagon is most fun and practical - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By DaveInSoCal - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought out Passat GLX with a manual 5-speed because the dealer gave us a very good deal. My wife also enjoys driving the 5-speed because it is so smooth and effortless. The V6 is very luxurious and has good power, especially at low rpms in traffic. This car eats up the highway miles in comfort and style. I see all the SUV drivers staring at my VW wagon with envy. My wife thinks the Passat looks so much better than the new Accord and Camry, and I agree. Weve had it for one year and 18k miles with no problems!

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  2003 1.8t GTI 5spd - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By mitchbo - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints about this vehicle. The 1.8t engine is a solid performer, rated by Wards Automotive as one of the ten best engines for 2003. Despite somewhat long throws, shifting is smooth and precise, and clutch feel is far superior to the competing Honda Civic SI. The sport suspension is firm enough for everyday spirited driving, but may be a bit soft for those weekend autocrossers. Fit and finish is on par with anything in this class, (under $25,000 hatchback), and the choice of interior materials and packaging also outclasses the competition. This car is rooted as a sporty hatchback with excellent performance, and ranks at the top of its class.

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  Solid value - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By rjm - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle delivers the quality and performance of an Audi for the price of an Accord. I thought about buying a more current model but I just cant part with a vehicle that feels new and costs so little to keep running. The only feature I miss is power seats.

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  Perfect reliability and so fun to drive - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DaveInSoCal - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2001 New Beetle Sport 1.8T for my wife. I specified the 1.8T motor as I knew I would also be driving it very often. The power and reliablity of the motor has been great. The handling and comfort is well balanced. Compact enough to easily park and drive in traffic and the city. Weve had it for almost 2 years and have not had one problem. My wifes friend got a Civic and has had several problems, so shes still so happy with the Beetle. The design seems timeless, too.

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  Fun Little Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kda - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to get around town and for long trips. It is very comfortable and handles well. Winter driving is great as well as we have found no real problems driving in the snow. The only problem is lack of trunk space but hey its a beetle..Great car...Love it!!!

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  One nice 4 door rocket - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Scott - October 17 - 4:03 am

  This car gets great preformance, has lots of room, has good handling for a front wheel drive vehicle, and gets good fuel economy

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  I Love My Diesel Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbug2000TDI - October 17 - 2:50 am

  Ive never had a car that I have loved to drive so much. I always check out other VWs and they are checking me out also. It is like some secret club that I never knew about until I got my Bug. Who can forget the vase?

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  title - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By miguel - October 17 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle was very good,i just cant find anything i can supe it up with

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  title - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Miguel - October 17 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle was very good,i just cant find anything i can supe it up with