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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  Just about perfect - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By MrRizzo - September 20 - 7:43 am

  Traded 2006 Passat 3.6 for GTI taking advantage of owner loyalty credit and 0% financing. Im extremely satisfied with my purchase and look forward to getting in the car every day. The Passat was a nice car, but zero fun to drive. The GTI is an absolute ball. This car reacts to every thought like its hardwired to your brain. The suspension is firm but supple, taking bumps better than the Passat did. Im averaging 23 MPG in stop and go driving vs. 15 MPG for my V6 Passat. I had read all the hype in the car mags and I guess, well, its all true!

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  My Wife Made Me Do It - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By fgslr - September 19 - 9:46 pm

  I was debating between getting the GTI and a Jetta TDI. I drove both, loved the fun, performance, handling, and DSG paddles on the steering wheel of the GTI. But really liked the idea of 45 MPG of the TDI. My wife drove both and said get the GTI, its so much fun to drive, even at 53 you are too young for an old man car like the TDI. What can I say, I got the reflex silver, DSG, pkg. 1 GTI about a week later. After 2,500 miles I have no complaints at all, this is a great car. My car came with the heavy duty mats and hatch cover, people have asked where to get them as they are so useful.

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  Luxury and High Tech Performance! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Elizabeth - September 19 - 5:23 pm

  This is an exceptionally high-quality vehicle! I am very pleased with its handling, the quality of the interior, the durability, and the features. VW has really stepped up and provided buyers with a luxury SUV that drives like a luxury car, but has a "Sport" mode which gives it a much sportier drive feel as well. The cargo space is very functional and taller than most other mid-size SUVs that I tested, which is ideal for a large dog! :) The features are almost unsurpassed and even the 2007 Benz doesnt offer several features that the 2006 VW Touareg provides (I know because my friend brought home a brochure). I had a Benz SUV before the Touareg and the Touareg outshines it. The Touareg is a very pleasant surprise!

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  I love it! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By PA2CA - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my GTI in the summer of 03. Its been great! Its reliable and the build quality is strong. Its fun to drive, yet practical. Id still like a little more power, but its really all that I need. Road noise was reduced drastically and the ride was greatly improved with the purchase of new tires. Id highly recommend this car.

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  Touaregs a 10 !!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rfs - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I switched from a 1994 Supra TT into the Touareg and have no regrets. The milage is only 3 mpg less than the Supra TT, so Im used to low milage! This truck is very nimble around town, and solid on the highway. Ive been off- road in the Carolinas, light stuff (havent needed my ltd rear diff yet), but the Touareg is indifferent to what you throw at it. It does everything well.

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  Loving my Toureag - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By tribe - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I found out what "Touareg" means or is, it is a North African tribe.

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  Simply Amazing - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By wedgedgravy - September 19 - 9:23 am

  You can read all the other reviews for how drivers like this car. They are correct, its sporty, fun, quick, and comfortable. Mass production is not art very often but the styling of this vehicle is beautiful. It is a total expression of minimalism. Everything is understated. The lines are beautiful from any angle. The interior is incredibly simple, yet amazingly feature rich. The controls are very simple to operate, basically allowing for full operation using two dials and two levers. The grace and nimbleness this car exudes while exhibiting its prowess are unbelievably sexy. If you are in the hatchback market, save yourself time and purchase this vehicle.

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  The miracle find - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joanjetta - September 19 - 12:19 am

  I just bought my 1999 VW Jetta, private sale, and it only had 97K on the vehicle. I reconditioned it this weekend and I honestly cant believe this car is 16 years old. It drove well on the ride around the block, so I just knew it had potential to be one of these cars that you hear about making it to 300K. So I have taken the maintenance schedule in stages, because I am not under any illusions that things wont need to be replaced, BUT it will still be cheaper than making a car payment and paying full coverage insurance and maintenance costs.

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  A Great Vehicle To Own - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By smiths - September 18 - 8:53 am

  We love taking our Jetta on trips. Im so excited at the distance we can go without having to stop for gas. The only quirk I have is the passenger seat is not as comfortable as I would like it to be. Overall though, I love the vehicle and the ride and the safety is great for a someone with children.

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  Brings the fun back +45 MPG! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jackdog - September 18 - 12:50 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets my highest rating. It is super fun to drive, comfortable, roomy, the sound system is great...all this plus it gets 45 MPG. Now how could you beat that? The six-speed auto transmission drives like a sports car instead of a sedan. All this in a $25,000 package. I have nothing but praise for my Jetta!