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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  My Sporty Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Louis Rocah - September 27 - 7:23 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GL is surprisingly sporty, nimble, and has plenty of power,

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  New car seems used - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dissd by VW - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Car came covered in rail rust, orange spots dealer then removed by scratching entire finish. Had broken floor mat clip and fuse box cover.2 wks later- radio died. 3 wks to replace. Rotors were warped-dealer said that can happen as new cars sit in lot! Tire blew Labor DAy 2002, to this day dealer has never called w/tire, tire mfr replaced free when they heard how badly we were treated. Car vibrated over 40, dealer didnt believe us, 3 visits & wasnt fixed. Dash & roof now alternately hum. Zero customer service from VW. Sign me up for that class action suit

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  The ultimate girl car!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By alyson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 cabrio GLX is my first girly car, I have always had boy type cars, but I have always love the way the cabrio looked!! Now that I have had her for over 2 years, I love her even more. She is fun to drive, very reliable and everyone comments on her. My boyfreind also loves to drive her because even though she has a 4 cylinder, she has lots of giddy-up!! He is 6ft 5" and fits quite nicely in her. Thanks VW for making such a fun car to drive and yes I am a very satisfied DRIVER!!!

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  love that car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By eurocat - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream car...from the time first came out Ive always wanted one. And let me tell you...there have been NO dissapointments at all. The car offers a smooth quiet ride, it hugs the street and the turbo allows you to feel a little power despite the economical 4 cylinder engine. I love the look of the car and the comfort. It seems like youre driving a more expensive car than you actually are. Reliability has been good, except for a couple of minor quirks in the beginning. 5 stars!!!

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  A Cayenne for $20K less - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ScuzzyHash - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The SUV is great: Performs well, looks great inside and out. Comfort could be better in the backseats. Front seats take a bit longer to get use to but are very comfortable. Fuel Economy is not good...but whatd you expect, this isnt your uncles Honda...This is still not as bad as a Range Rover or Hummer.

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  100,000 Reasons to Buy the EGG - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Kegon - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Super vehicle--without question! I drive a ton and if you want a vehicle to take you to your clients or friends this is for you. No worries about the weather either--w/ all wheel drive its a snap!

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  SIMPLY AWESOME! BEST SUV EVER! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dickwoo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I get more compliments on this car than any other car I ever owned. Everyone who sees it says they hadnt realize it looked that good. I have never had this much fun driving a car! And I thought my Passat was awesome. BRAVO VW, BRAVO!

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  follow up 30 days - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tom in Germany - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is amazing.... As it has broken in our mileage has increased unfortunately the fun factor keeps the pedal to the floor.... Excellent travel vehicle..... just glad I live where we can drive to the limit (Germany).... a very stable vehicle at 100+...... we love our Toe-rag.... VW is on the mark

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  My Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By PG - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I had looked at the Pilot, Four Runner, Highlander, and Murano. I had decided to buy a pilot, but was disappointed in the trade in value they gave me on my car. So, I test drove a Touareg. I was instantly sold. The interior is extremely well appointed and far excedes the others I looked at. It is much heavier, and you can tell it when you drive it. The dash is incredible at night. It is the nicest car I have ever owned and plan on driving it for many years.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mvbjmd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  have had problems with the fan...even though not on AUTO...still adjust self. For some reason, when you hit AUTO, it sometimes changes to 72 degrees. Do not like that dual control but only one fan speed control. Have had problem with back hatch not unlocking. Seat belt must be on...if not on, even though in Park, bell continues to ring. Have problem with air continually blowing on window. Tends to have condinsation problem at night and in rain. There is a "Rain X" type of solution in the washer fluid that causes terrible glair problems at night when it rain.