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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  New TDI first day - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wranglerRS - August 27 - 6:13 am

  First day - and finding this Special edition TDI is a really great surprise. After 8 yrs. & 200,000 miles of great Audi A4 1.8T quattro driving, I get all the features and gas mileage with only giving up 4 wheel drive and xenon lights. Really happy with quiet ride, handling and performance computer on the dash. Of course gas mileage at 45-48 mpg on the first day on a 225 mi. trip is a real treat. Looking forward to another great experience with a German car for a really great price. Waiting for the A4 diesels in 2008 is still not firm and of course more $. Really pleased day one.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Jmac - August 26 - 9:50 pm

  Best interior for quality, comfort and looks of any BMW, Mercedes,even Audi. Performs well. Edmunds cites heavy weight impedes handling. My view is the extra heft makes for a quieter more comfortable ride. I like having the VW badge. It gives me a great car without the high profile prestige factor.

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  Psst. Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By davidhm - August 26 - 1:05 am

  I dont understand why so many Accords and Camrys continue to be sold when, for a little extra, a Passat can be had. Clearly the best value in a vehicle that we have owned and one of the best vehicles we have owned, period. And, that goes back a ways, folks.

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  TDI Beetle - best kept secret out there - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AIXIZCYCLES - August 25 - 3:53 pm

  Having learned to drive on a 1962 bug, I have a certain affection for the Beetle. This new one does not disappoint and is uber fun to drive. Owing a new Suburban and also a HD bike, I use the Beetle for daily chores and business commuting. At 61" and 250lbs, I have plenty of room. I specifically wanted a turbo diesel, manual because a small car should be fun and involve the driver in the experience. Cant complain abut the 44mpg I am getting as well! I also have a grin on my face knowing that it does not meet current EPA requirements!!! Global warm this.

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  What fun! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kathyj311 - August 24 - 3:03 pm

  This is my second Jetta & I doubt it will be my last! I have a 6 speed manual turbo & its a blast to drive. My avg cruising hwy speed is 80, its hard to drive the limit. Car turns heads & everyone enjoys driving it. BUT, the low nose is always a problem, be careful with curbs. My main problem right now is rusty brakes, had them turned & rust came right back. The armrest iPod connector died, cost too much too replace so now its connected through glove box. The Nav/radio needs updating but it will do for now. I had a kicker speaker put in the trunk & thats a huge improvement with the sound. Seats take some getting used to but are very comfy. Worth more than what I paid for it 6 months ago-cool

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  Wow! I didnt expect this - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By siDeswiper - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first buyers of this Touareg and I love this car. The drive has a totally smooth feel to it. This includes smooth suspension and smooth acceleration. This car has power! (310 horse to be exact) You can take this car up an almost vertical hill with loose dirt easily and then drive on a smooth road...SMOOTHLY. probably the only car that is this all around. The inside is totally comfortable and spacious.

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  1.8T is the poor mans Audi A4 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt Sylte - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my new Jetta 1.8T GL. The tiptronic makes city driving a lot more exciting; but has no real use for highway driving. The brakes are a little splashy, but maybe Ive been driving too fast and have been using them too much. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the quality and appearance of this car. It has all the looks and features of an Audi A4, without the $35k price tag. I would buy a Jetta again.

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  Has It Changed for the Better - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bob - August 24 - 5:26 am

  I only have had my Touareg for four weeks now. It has no brake noise at all. I cant feel the transmission shift at all. There is a major difference in the power of this engine vs. the the past one tested last year. It it totally stable on the turnpike at higher speeds and it puts my Acura MDX to shame in all respects, except for the rear cargo room which I didnt need it anyway. It has a real "Euro" ride. I hope it stays this way.

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  Stressless - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sherbs - August 24 - 3:56 am

  Ive had my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg for a little over two years, and have enjoyed every minute Ive spent in this car. It gets awesome gas milage in city and highway driving, speed, preformance, its all there. My cars reliability came into question when I discovered 35% of the parts for my car were assembled in Mexico and ~25% in the U.S. But, Im happy to say that nothing other than the breaks, a burned out tape deck (lovin the Monsoon stereo too much) and the occational oil change have put me back at the dealer.

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  2nd GTI - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By FamilyMan - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The best balance of reasonable cost, good mileage, space, looks and fun. The GTI can fit my family of 4 comfortably, gets excellent gas mileage, and is a blast to drive. My kids had originally wanted the 4- door, but ended up voting for the 2-door for the sportier looks (my choice too.) We are able to fit my daughters standing bass by folding down half of the back seat, and still get three of us in the car. Fit and finish are outstanding, much improved over my previous 95 GTI. 6-speed is precise and easy to shift; driving position is ideal - lots of adjustment options. 25 mpg in spirited city driving; also, the suspension is still comfortable with large, Midwest potholes, rough roads