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:

• 

  A Return to Basics - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By magicxtian - February 27 - 11:40 pm

  After ten years in the world of trucks, I returned to VW, choosing the Beetle, 20+ years from my first such vehicle. This car is incredibly well built and solid considering its compact size. Its Interior features are on the high end, making the modern day drive quite easy. The gas mileage on the TDI is over two-and-a-half times improved over my guzzling trucks of yore. It handles great in wintery conditions, accelerates like a charm, and is a real pleasure to drive, even for 6+ hour hauls. If you live in cold climates, Id recommend the cold weather package as heated seats make a world of difference. Summertime begs for the sun/moon roof, a standard on my model.

• 

  Amazing value! - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Sin - February 27 - 7:56 pm

  You really get a lot for your money with the 2010 Golf. The VW is a bit pricier than its competition, but you get what you pay for, because unlike its competitors its no tin can! Everything about this car is top notch. It handles well with very tight, and responsive steering. The Golf is well isolated from road noise, suspension soaks up bumps, and wind noise is so subdued its almost nonexistent. The overall fit and finish is a cut above previous generations and feels more 3-series than corolla. After all, it didnt win "World Car of the Year" award for nothing. Lets be honest, the Golf is the only car in its class that you wouldnt be ashamed to take your date in to a 5-star restaurant.

• 

  New Jetta is a keeper - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Q - February 27 - 5:30 pm

  Just got a new Jetta and the ride and performance of the car are in my opinion better than the Volvo S40. The interior is well designed and spacious for a small car. I love that 6 speed automatic with triptronic and sport shift.

• 

  30+ MPG at 70 MPH - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dean - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Touareg for work related driving. Smooth, powerfull, and fun to drive. Handles very well for an SUV. Routinely getting 29-31 mpg with the diesel. Tows our sailboat effortlessly. No problems the first 20k miles

• 

  Wow! Love this car! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Valerie - February 27 - 2:00 am

  In May of 2009 I leased a shadow blue metallic CC. This is my second VW. The first one I leased was a 2006 Jetta which I also loved. In October 2009 my CC was hit hard in the right rear panel and was totaled. I was impressed of how solid the car felt and how it took the impact of the accident as a SUV was the one who hit me. I loved it so much that I went back to the same dealership and said "I want the exact car in 2010 with the same options". The 2010 colors with two tone interior were exactly the same as 2009.I was so happy to get the 2010 CC back. People follow me into parking lots to ask what kind of car is this? They also love the blue color that has a purple hue in the sun.

• 

  The best sedan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By pouria - February 26 - 3:00 pm

  This is our 3rd VW. Last couple were Jettas but the Passat is so smooth the 2.0 L is awesome. Great fuel economy around 32 mpg on highway and around 26 in town. 2008 jd power loves this car. Better rating than Accord. Our other car is Honda pilot and we love our Passat. We are going to trade our pilot for a Tiguan, another VW with the same engine of our Passat. Buy it.

• 

  Nice Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Will - February 26 - 1:53 pm

  I recently traded in my Volkswagen R32 for the brand new Jetta GLI in Nov mainly because of the fuel economy. I would say the GLI is worth every dime you pay for it. My brother owns an Audi A3. It is exactly like driving the A3 when you drive the GLI. Although I enjoy driving the R32 better than the GLI, I would highly recommand people get the 2006 GLI. It has great handling, acceleration, interior, seats and so forth.

• 

  Nice economic fun to drive car. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - February 25 - 8:16 pm

  The car is great on fuel. I have been running 100% Virgin Soybean Biodiesel since day one without issue. Fuel use has been 40 around town and 54 on the highway. Performance is great and the ride is firm and tight.

• 

  Yellow Bugster - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Richard - February 23 - 8:50 pm

  I love my bug! It has plenty of power, is easy to drive, and handles well. I get plenty of postive comments from others when we stop. The cup holder will not allow a 12oz drink can to fit without flipping it out toward the passenger seat though.

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nlinldsey - February 23 - 7:30 am

  This was my 2nd Beetle and I absolutely love this car! I recently sold mine since my family needs space. The car is very sturdy and well-built. I was impressed with how well it handled in stormy weather on the interstate. I also loved the space once the back seat folds down. It was spacious enough for my 75 pound Lab in her cage. I never experienced mechanical problems with it. My only complaint was the oil change would cost me $70 or more. This car requires Synthetic oil, which is more expensive than regular oil.