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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  HOT Hare !!! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By mf - May 16 - 5:26 pm

  Quick, even at a 6500ft Colorado altitude. Precise handling. Precise- shifting 5-speed gearbox. Typical excellent German craftsmanship -- inside and outside -- with obvious attention to detail. Roomy. Lots of features that are "package upgrages" on other brands. Airbags everywhere, traction/stability management, and other safety features. Good MPGs for the HP/torque. On top of all that, driving-thrill-for-the-investment cant be beaten.

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  The Ultimate "Grown Up" Pocket Rocket - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Tony - May 16 - 5:03 pm

  I have been wanting this car ever since it hit our shores at the end of 07, however, I didnt want to pay sticker (or more) simply b/c it was a limited edition vehicle. Ended up paying $29K for my new non nav R32. I love the styling, DSG & all wheel drive grip of the Haldex 4motion system. This car really offers the best of the "boy racer" fun, but yet the practicality of a 3 dr hatchback without all the hood scoops and large winged spoilers. The fuel economy is the only real negative; and its not the 18 mpg in the city that bothers me, its the short cruising range of 225 to 270 mls; the answer would have been a bigger tank. Otherwise no complaints; its a great car that I would recommend.

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  Nice change... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Laurie - May 16 - 4:46 pm

  I previously owned a 03 VW Passat W8 with 4Motion. It was luxurious, but a gas guzzler. The Jetta TDI was perfect. After tons of research between the Jetta and Honda Civic, I finally came to a decision that was mostly based on interior design. I got my Jetta fully loaded and couldnt be any happier. The steering wheel wobbles a little, but its nothing scary. I highly recommend this car to everyone caught in limbo. It has pep and personality (not to mention it gets 44 mpg)! I am almost 100% satisfied with my purchase. I only wish that both front seats were dual powered and that they were a little more comfortable. Other than that, Im happy to be a second time VW owner.

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  I LOVE this car!! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By David - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  I have never been a car guy. That is over! I have never enjoyed or looked forward to driving like I do now. The feel of the car in my hands is like nothing I have ever experienced. Power is always there and the car absolutely hugs the road. The convertible operation is like a ballet and I never tire of watching it. Nor does anyone else, I stop traffic each time.

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  Quirky at first, but great! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Redhead - May 15 - 6:53 pm

  I am a first time Jetta owner. I bought the 4dr wagon, and my husband owns a GTI. We love our VWs. We had some minor electrical problems at first, but the dealer fixed them in a timely fashion. Great ride, safe, and lots of room!

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  More diesel, please! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ray_j - May 15 - 5:00 pm

  I decided to give up the commuter/family mover (Prius) in favor of the inspired driving characteristics, superior cargo room, and better looks of the JSW. Not wanting to give up on the efficiency, however, made the decision for the TDI flavor much more of a "need" than a "want". Well worth the premium price. I often find myself forgetting when the last time I refueled. The interior treatment is far superior to the JSWs competition, with excellent audio/entertainment accompaniments and vastly superior quality of materials/workmanship. Cargo hauling is also a big plus; after moving our household, I can attest to the versatility of having a wagon vice a sedan, or an mpg nightmare (SUVs).

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephie - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with the car.

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  Loving it so far! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KayTee - May 14 - 9:53 am

  I bought my 2008 Wolfsburg during a 0% financing promotion. Out the door I paid $23,770. I have been so happy with the Jetta so far. My only complaint is the cost of oil changes! $75 for my first and $80 something for my second. Are you kidding me? Then I was told I might lose my warranty if I take it to a discount place or had a family member do it for me. The Turbo is fun to drive and the car is small and zippy.

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  Ugly is only skin deep - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sue - May 13 - 11:30 am

  This is our fourth VW and third diesel VW. We wanted a new Golf TDI but couldnt find one with the feathures we needed. The Jetta was bigger than we needed and we werent attracted to the New Beetle. On a whim we test drove the Beetle and we were hooked. It handles very well, is comfortable for the driver and passenger (we rarely have more than two of us), and started off getting 43 mpg. Although we bought this to commute the 1 1/2 hours to work, we find ourselves using this car for trips and general driving around. We love it.

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  $ For $ Best Wagon Out There - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By peabody - May 13 - 8:33 am

  This wagon justs keeps getting better and better every day. Mileage is up to 32 mpg on highway and getting better after 5K oil change. Get the Luxury 2 package to truly enjoy all the features. Wife loves the roominess, safety and overall luxuary feel. The 2.0 Turbo engine is amazing. Im making up reasons just to go for a drive. Dollar for dollar, the Passat out classes, out performs, and gets better mpg than anything out there. This is a sleeper that needs to be considered before spending more on Audi/BMW/Volvo, or settling for less.