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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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By drew - September 27 - 6:03 pm

  Well, Ill admit I never even test drove a civic si, or any other "competing" car in the same segment. I already know the GTI handles great, has very easy power (especially with mods), and that the looks were leagues ahead of other hatchbacks (interior and out.) I love the plaid seats, the subtle yet aggressive lines, and most of all the motor. With a 2 liter Im making 260 wtq and 230 whp with just chip, exhaust, and intake. I find that more then enough for a daily driver and equal or better then any other stock hatchback out there. Ive had only one problem with the car, an airbag light I got fixed under warranty. Ive watched other hatchbacks come out, and am very glad I chose the GTI.

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  What a car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jay plant - September 27 - 4:23 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat is a great improvment from the previous model. It has more power, more features, more everything. Suprisingly the vehicle did not increase in weight or suffer with regards to fuel economy, in fact, quite the opposite. I would say that the 4-cylinder model closely matches some of the 6-cylinders that are available at this moment. I cannot even imagine what the 6-cylinder will do.

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  What Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bbg - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  I am having a wonderful time driving this car! It handles beautifully and brings an element of fun to my dull, everyday driving. Just put the top down and go! Even strangers make comments about how great looking the car is. It has a zip to its acceleration. We have had four of us ride comfortably, and the trunk has room, more than you would expect (15 plastic grocery bags worth of room!). Its gas mileage is excellent, and I dont cry when I fill up at $3.00 a gallon. The roof has not had one drip or leak even in the heavy rain. This car has surprised me with its many small touches of thoughtful design (e.g. the cupholder that moves right to accommodate a large size bottle). A+ choice!

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  VW Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mitchc - September 25 - 11:16 pm

  My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is an excellent car. It has a very similar in "feel" and quality of materials to my previous BMW 325i. It has a little less power than a Bimmer, but gets fantastic mileage. It is really a joy to commute in. I am very impressed with the overall fit and finish of the materials.

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  Wow!!! What a fun ride! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tiggin - September 25 - 6:26 pm

  First VW since my 1974 rust bucket bug. Love the power, handling, utility and the price. I bought the base model with the manual tranny. This is one really fun and tight ride. An excellent balance of comfort and crisp handling. I have owned an acura, Nissan, Chevy, Ford and nothing compares to the quality so far. I know VW critics abound, for good reason (and that is why I bought the extended warranty) but I have known quite a few VWers who have had good luck w/ their vehicles. Dont know what noir authentique is talking about with the "cargo area is useless" comment, but this is a compact with very Nice interior room for the passengers and I fit 9 full size cases of beer in the cargo area.

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  A good idea - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By ed - September 24 - 3:46 am

  I had a 91 GTI 16 valve when I was in high school, it was a matter of time before I got another one. I traded in my 04 Passat 4-Motion for a new 08 GTI and am happy I did. I went for the 4 door, Autobahn package and 18" rims. Ive had the car for almost 4 weeks and like it more every day. Styling, handling and acceleration are great, as is gas mileage and comfort. Car feels like a BMW inside and performs like a car twice its price. I was shocked how quick it is and the 6 speed manual makes it that that much more fun to drive.

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  Wolf in Sheeps clothing - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Andreas - September 23 - 9:10 pm

  Ive only had my Passat one month so I wont comment on reliability. This car has everything; power, style, innovative features, comfort, I could go on and on. I love the exhaust resonance when I start it up and the fact that you can open and close all windows with the key in the door and the rain sensing wipers and the headlight sprayers and the fastened down floormats and of course the tiptronic. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Awesome German Egineering - 2006 Volkswagen Golf
  By Anthony - September 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is my second Golf, my fourth VW, and my first TDI. I love it so much for its good fuel economy. My wife traded her Bettle Convertible for the new Jetta TDI (VW #5).

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By CDE - September 22 - 5:00 am

  I am a first time VW buyer and so far I could not be any happier with my purchase. I got a 2006 pk1 for $22,300 and WOW this car is off the chain with performance. I have owned Hondas and Toyotas and they do not come close with anything vs. the Passat.

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  I love my Passat Wagon! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By idelln - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Two things I would add: 1. I loved the Keyless entry that I had on my 95 Taurus. It is a wonderful item to guard against locking your keys in the car but still able to get into the car. 2. I liked the way the Taurus headlights turned off automatically after getting out of the car & walking away.