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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  A Very Well Rounded Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ryanw183 - February 6 - 6:10 pm

  This car is awsome. Simple as that. I spent a few months researching new cars. I wanted something that was comfortable to drive with good power and decent fuel economy. I looked at the Mercury Milan (nice car, but lacking in features) and even the Dodge Charger (awsome car, but too big and pricey). I finally settled on the new VW Jetta. It was pretty much love at first test drive. Even with the "base" 2.5L 5-cyl. motor, it was supprisingly peppy with decent fuel economy. I got the loaded Pacakge #2 model so it pretty much has just about every option you can get except for the navigation ($2,000 option). This car has everything I need and then some.

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  Fun GTI - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By martint - February 6 - 7:49 am

  I changed from a Mini Clubman S to the GTI. The mini was fun but got tired of the torque steer. The GTI is a great balance of handling and speed. As a person who prefers a stick to an auto the DSG transmission in this car is excellent, as I use all 3 modes, the manual mode being the best for spirited driving. The interior is exremely welcoming and comfortable. I am always disappointed when I arrive at my destination. I look forward to many miles of happy motoring, and hope not to many tickets.

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  2008 New Beetle Fun To Drive - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stanley - February 4 - 9:23 pm

  I gave my 2004 Toyota Camry to my son and I purchased a Red Beetle with a Black top. I have owned my car for two months and I just love it. I shopped around for a convertible car that is fun to drive. The New Beetle is perfect. The gas mileage is not as good but is so much more fun to drive. My husband is a large guy over six feet tall. He has enough room in this car but back seats are for small children. He was not sure about a small car but he fell in love with it too. When I was sixteen my Dad had one of the old beetles they have made alot of improvements. Great job VW. People stop me all the time and tell me how much they like my car.

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  The Best - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tracie - February 3 - 11:26 am

  I have truly enjoyed my Passat so far!!! It is very fun to drive and I love it very much.....Its roomy, not to big and not too small. I have owned a Mustang and a Jeep Liberty and my Passat beats them both...

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  Poor mans BMW 325 - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tomcass - February 3 - 2:00 am

  50,000 miles of shifting gears and having fun.

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  Awsome... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By passat03 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  1.8T engine which provides plenty of power for everyday driving, combines with classy exterior/interior design and quiet, supple ride... 4 months driving this car and still in love with it. The honeymoon aint over yet.

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  Love my 1.8t!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kristajibby - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive, its super smooth and great when you need an extra boost. I love the interior style and the outside design is solid. I would recommend this car to anyone...its perfect!

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  German Engineering - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By TedH - February 2 - 7:13 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Powerful performance and precise responsive handling. Very safe automobile as proven by a 2000 Golf TDI that was totaled after I drove it home. Wife wanted a trunk, so it was a Passat. We love this car. 3rd VW in a row and payments remain same as the first thanks to the great resale value. I get about 32 mpg on the hwy and around 22-24 in town. Get one, youll love em! Only thing I dont like is the $75 Oil changes. Go VW!

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  Fun, Powerful, Addictive - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By dyma82 - February 2 - 12:50 pm

  I have own my Passat TDI for 10 months already and every day I like it more. This is a really fun car to drive. I have never enjoyed driving a car as I do with my Passat. It is powerful and fast. I also have a Toyota Tundra V8, and it feels anemic compared to the Passat TDI. It provides you with a lot of power at low RPMs. It feels like the car is very powerful in a nice effortless fashion since it doesnt need to shitf gears to accelerate. Now if it shifts...wow...get ready because it feels like a jet. Of course, fun and fual efficiency dont go together, but it is nice to know you have the choice to get 40 mpg if you want to.

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  So far, very impressed - 2012 Volkswagen GTI
  By zct808 - January 31 - 2:25 am

  Ive owned cars that cost $20K more than this GTI. Yet none of them were more refined, fun to drive, or as well executed as this car. The moment I took a test drive I was sold. The fun factor, the way it handles, the performance, the amazing build quality, the steering wheel and pedals, and the incredible DSG gearbox that has to be driven to be believed (it changes gears in 1/10th of a sec and is faster AND more economical than the slightly lighter and cheaper stick shift). I think this is one of the best value cars out there, even the base model is generously equipped. Its the most fun car Ive owned in a very long time, really loving it so far.