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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  Love it! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neil - November 18 - 8:43 pm

  Just bought the 2007 Passat Wolfsburg edition and we love it. I take my time when purchasing vehicles and the price/quality of the Passat Wolfsburg just plain beat out the competition! German engineering made the difference. Plus, only 6000 Wolfsburg are going to be made which is nice. Compare this vehicles options with the Japanese versions and they dont compare for the price. A great family sedan with nice features - if you can find one left, get it!

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  I am not sure this is really a VW! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By mowgli - November 18 - 1:30 pm

  drives great. The AWD car has wonderful road feel. The car is comfortable. Its unique, you do not see yourself coming and going. Only negative is the roof line, i.e.,rear seat passengers need to be reminded of roof line so they do not hit their head getting in and out of car, front seat needs to be as low as possible to make it easier for anyone over 5" 8" to get in and out as well. Once in, very, very comfortable all around. Only other real negative for me is that phone book does not download to bluetooth system. Overall, this is unlike any VW I have ever been in (Other then perhaps the Phaeton). I would prefer a dealer network more like Audi, BMW or Audi but like lower $.

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  It is so adorable! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Mrs.D - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This middle-ages woman loves it! And so does her middle-aged husband! Its like being a teenager again!

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  WOW - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By mfx1001 - November 18 - 12:04 am

  While visiting my sister, we went to a Mercedes dealer and looked at a C300 that she was interested in. She was trading in her old Mercedes and felt that theres nothing like a Mercedes. There was a VW dealer down the block from Mercedes, and since Ive always wanted to look at a VW CC, we went down the street to check it out. Our first impression was "wow"! We took one out for a test drive and that was it. She got a new CC Sport and I bought a used 2009 Lux ltd. We both couldnt be happier. The cars ride and handling are well controlled and very comfortable. Interior and exterior are beautifully done. Yahoo, its fun to drive again!!!

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  Fun, Practical, Unique - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Pete3106 - November 17 - 8:10 am

  Have had this Cabrio since new and only had problems with window regulators - fixed under warranty. Really enjoy the solid top in all kinds of weather. Have had two of these and both have been great.

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  Lots of Fun - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alin I. - November 17 - 3:16 am

  Ive already put 5,000 miles on my 2006 Jetta GLI, package 2. The only problem so far happened at 1000 miles when it wouldnt start after a heavy rain. The dealer could not find anything wrong, they just replugged the battery. I previously owned an 03 Passat 1.8T and I have to say the Jetta is much faster and fun to drive. At the beginning I was reluctant about the DSG tranny as I had only manual tranny cars in the past. DSG is more than manual and automatic transmissions combined! It is faster than a manual, with no torque converter, commodity of auto in traffic jams. The fuel consumption for a 35 miles/day commute city and highway combined is 24-25 mpg - not bad for performance, just a bit more than my old Passat. Price $27,300.

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  Passat W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW-Newbie - November 16 - 10:00 am

  When I began searching for a new vehicle I wasnt even aware that an "upscale" Passat was available. I had made a list of vehicles to test drive - the Audi A6 2.7T, Volvo S60 T5, Acura TL Type S, BMW 3 series and the Lincoln LS. Thankfully some people online informed me that an all-new VW was available with 8 cylinders AND all wheel drive. After one test drive I was sold! I still went out and test drove other vehicles, but none felt as "complete" as the W8. If you are looking for a car that combines performance, safety and a fun-to-drive spirit for under $40k then you owe it to yourself to test drive the VW Passat W8.

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  Hot Rod Wagen - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettajunkey - November 16 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a VW Jetta Wagon with the VR6 and Sport suspension. It has seen a lot of miles and we havnt had a single problem. The workmanship is outstanding and the performance is amazing. This little grocery getter wont stop for groceries. It just blows on by. Its a blast to drive and always wants to be driven. The only complaint I have is that its hard to drive slow. If they can change the location of the cupholder, I could cruise all day. This is really a Passat, except $8,000 dollars cheaper. This is my first VW and I am really looking forward to the V-12 powered Toureg. No more Hondas/Toyotas for me...Im hooked

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  My second Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DallasDriver - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Im now on my second New Beetle. Ive never had any problems with the car beyond a few minor complaints like the placement of the cup holders or the fact that the texture on the interior door handles tends to wear off. Both of mine have been the GLX trim. Plently of power and a lot of fun to drive. Ive heard of people having mechanical issues with New Beetles but I have to wonder if perhaps some of it isnt abuse.

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  Ten Ten Ten Ten Ten. - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By irobert1989 - November 16 - 9:06 am

  I have had this cutie for a week and compared to every car I test drove in its price range you get the most bang for your buck on this one. with heated front seats, ABS, and traction control as standard equipment the rabbit comes out head of its class every time.