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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  God Bless 24Vs! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Grant - October 5 - 10:00 am

  What an improvement from the 12V platform. Car is still VERY early in its mileage as I am still breaking it in, but it is VERY fast- watch out 1.8 turbos. Engine is buttery smooth, and the new 6-speed is a million years ahead of the old rubbery, sloppy 5- speed. Torque is plentyful down low, and the car just pulls and pulls all the way to redline. An incredibly fun car to drive, and a very comfortable cruiser.

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  Just awesome!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jack - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Just awesome dude. The best car I ever own.

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  Love It! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By budderfly - October 4 - 7:10 pm

  I am one of those uncommon Americans that loves hatchbacks! I love the engine they put in these cars as well. It is very speedy, smooth and quiet. It has a nice interior, beautiful paint (United Gray in my case), and it is overall practical and classy. Nothing seems garish or cheesy about this car. I decided on the Rabbit over a Mini Cooper. I seriously inquired and test drove both cars. The Cooper was cool, but the engine lacked, and the styling struck me as over the top (semi-tacky). I also felt cramped and bit frightened for my safety. Traded in my 2005 Jetta. I get 25-30 mpg mostly highway driving. To me that is fairly decent, especially since the car is a 5 cylinder 2.5L.

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  2006 TDI JETTA - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill - October 4 - 5:00 pm

  Great car. One of the few cars to get better than EPA estimated mileage. Actually the EPA was way off and even further off with their new testing. EPA est was 36/42. We have averaged 41.1 mpg and it does not see the highway that often. We got over 49 mpg on one trip with 4 passengers and luggage! Has been extremely reliable.

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  Finally, a BMW hatchback available here - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Remsen - October 4 - 4:03 pm

  I can not believe that VW can make a car with this much substance and performance and sell it profitably for the $15,500 I paid. This car has a similar driving dynamic to the BMW I used to own (thats a high compliment). You look at this car from the outside and think "nice little economy car" and you drive it and think "holy cow, this is a BMW hatchback."

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  Silver Bullet - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Darude1 - October 3 - 9:33 pm

  This is my 4th VW (92 Corrado, 2 Jettas and my GTI). Only problem Ive had was the coil Packs, no surprise. Previous owner only replaced 3 of the 6. Car has power whenever you need it. My Corrado (with a couple of mods) could do 140mph and keep pulling.

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  VW Made a Good One! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Back2dubs - October 3 - 7:40 am

  Over 4 years and 65,000 miles (street and track) the R32 is holding up very well. Only issues encountered were a dead battery at 37,000 and a faulty brake light switch. Interior and exterior quality has been excellent. Very stable & predictable handling. Surprisingly competent on the track considering it is front heavy as well as hefty (AWD helps here). Excellent car for the snow when outfitted with appropriate tires. Not your average Joes car, for sure, but for those who want something different its a great choice. As much fun to drive today as when I first bought it!

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  I love this car! - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By jerseypilot - October 2 - 3:36 am

  I purchased my Golf TDI in December of 2011. My previous car had died an unceremonious death and I needed a car now! This is not how I like to jump into a major purchase but I didnt have a choice. I decided to look in the 20k to 22k range so I drove the Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Impreza as well as few others. On the advice of a friend I drove the Golf. Initially I had bypassed the car due to to the increased cost, but the minute I sat in the car I understood the difference. The car is built like a tank, it is trully solid, the interior is wonderfully designed and feels very upscale. The seats are supremely comfortable and it felt bigger than the other cars I have driven, all before I drove.

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  Love this little car! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kerfoot - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  I got this lovely little VW eight years ago after driving an old model Ford Explorer and I loved the change! The Jetta has been so reliable and comfortable. Not to mention much better in gas mileage. The console is very convenient with all knobs and buttons within an easy hands reach. Very comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. Not to mention a HUGE trunk for such a small car. Very well crafted and sturdy. I always felt safe driving her. In almost eight years, she only was in the shop once for a sensor failure. With punctual oil changes and maintanence, the Jetta will run like new for a loooong time!

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  Solid Ride in a Small Package - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By V-Dub - October 1 - 2:00 pm

  We needed a new car for under $19000. Although more expensive than other cars its size - the solid construction and road manners were unmatched for the price. The 1.8 Turbo is a blast providing more that adequate power and is far superior to the standard 2.0 motor. Front seats get an A+ for comfort keeping me very happy for 3 hour runs. Seating in the rear is snug. Highway gas mileage is 27 - 29, only average for the class. Quality of interior and exterior materials seems excellent for class of vehicle.