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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  I love my Jetta! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stefanie - April 8 - 12:16 pm

  I absolutely love my Jetta. It has so many upscale features and is a great value and fun to drive. For a fairly small car, its incredibly well designed, making optimal space in the backseat and a large trunk. When my lease runs out I plan to get another one! Why would I buy any other car?

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  goin on 6 years - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Nobama - April 6 - 5:03 pm

  This has been a fun car to drive for 103,000 miles so far. With snow on the ground and winter tires, it is an absolute blast. Reliability has been good, needing just a wheel bearing and fuel pump so far. Of all the cars I have owned, this is by far the most all around fun to drive.

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  Passat Turbo 02 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dcbmhs - April 6 - 2:00 am

  In spite of a problem, since fixed, with its ignitor coils, this 02 is a classy, comfortable, very safe sedan. It handles well and rides smooth. Without hesitation, I would buy another Passat.

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  Lowest cost per mile ever - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By ericfrancis - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 128 thousand miles on my Golf Gl TDI. After an initial warranty issue with the rear brake pads failing twice (fixed free) I have done nothing other than routine maintenance. The car is quick, responsive and agile very reliable, starts in sub zero weather no problems and i can drive from chicago to Houston texas on 2 tanks of diesel averaging 85mph.

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  Fun to Drive Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By dave20murphy - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a Volkswagen until the purchase of my 2000 Passat. This car has truly impressed me from the stunning interior to the sleek outer curves of the car. In comparison to my former car, (2001 Pontiac Grand Prix), it is a hands down favorite although i do miss the raw horsepower, when cruising at 80 mph i dont know the difference with the exception that i am getting a smoother and better handeling ride. I would advise everyone reading this to go out and test drive one today.

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  great suv - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By maxfactor - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This toureg is just what i have been looking for.Offroading,cruising,and still has that bgreat luxury feel.No wonder it won motor trend suv of the year!

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  Fun to drive, excellent fuel efficiency - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VTdi - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that is fun to drive. It handles well (some understeer) and is quite responsive. The ride could be a bit more firm, but it is comfortable. I have had no maintenance problems with the car as of 30,000 miles on the odometer - routine oil/filter changes and recommended maintenance at 5/10/20/30k miles. I have gotten as much as 55 mpg with several long trips, and I routinely get 45+ mpg going to/from work (20 mile commute). I can get 48-50 mpg if I lay off the throttle, but that is just no fun... This is a great car, and I am considering a Passat TDI for an additional family vehicle. Go with the TDI engine - good stuff!

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  Function and Fun w/ Class - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jordan - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The Volkwagen Passat is a fantasti car. It is overall relible and vey fun to drive. I got a manal transmission for additinal fun. It handles and speeds up like a dream. The only bad thing I can think to write is about the recliner in it, the Passat has a wheel, I perfer a lever.

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  Best Purchase - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Riley81 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I feel very safe on the road. Wonderful interior and exterior features with perks. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  VW 2002 - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mistyautumn - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, however had a problem with both automatic windows...the clips had to be replaced.