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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  Its worth it! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By EOSEJIL - March 27 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my Black on Black fully loaded EOS in October and gave it much thought, it was totally the right choice. I have read a TON of reviews on the 07-09 and here are tips for those who have had issues. You need an excellent dealer with VW fans in service, the prep work needed on this car is extensive. I test drove several and only two dealers seemed to have it prepped right. My car has no issues at all. Also you cannot wash this car under 40 degrees or you will mess up the seals, plain and simple. If you do not have a garage I would not buy an EOS. You have to be patient with the car, the window move to get in and out be gentle. 09 DVD Nav is worth it too if you drive a

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  I love my GTI! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By getch74 - March 27 - 3:40 pm

  I bought my 2006 GTI with DSG in March 2009 and have loved every minute of driving it. The power is great through the power band. Its not a great family car but I can fit two car seats in the back with no problem. The only issues I have is with the stereo and the lack of power seats. You would think they would have power seats and a better stereo in the car. But other than that it is great car and fun to drive. Plus if you do a few modifications you will be able keep up with some of the higher end sports sedans and pass the tuner cars. If you are looking for car with individuality, great performance, great styling, and good gas mileage the MKV GTI is your car.

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  20,000 Miles - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mowryc - March 26 - 8:46 pm

  I was in the market for a fuel efficient car to replace my aging Toyota. The TDI fit the bill perfectly. I average 40 MPG overall and get at least 500 miles per tank (12 gal). I love the interior of the car. It has been years since I owned a German car and I had forgotten how comfortable and ergonomic they were. Everything is logically placed and within easy reach. I have always disliked automatic climate control and the Jetta allows me get the system exactly were I want it (fan, hot/cold, floor/panel). After this, I will never own another Japanese vehicle :)

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  Great car! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eric - March 26 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my Passat for only a week but its a great car! Its fun to drive, has ample space in the rear seat (teenagers), gets good mileage and is substantially less than other European cars its size. Its definitely the deal of the decade! The only nitpicky thing I dont like is a little hesitation upon hard acceleration. Other than that, the car is great.

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  From Pashizzle to Pasham! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By pashizzle - March 26 - 11:40 am

  This is a second chance survey to help offset my previous post. VWoA came through with a software fix, reflashed the ECU and KAPOW!, the car has come to life!! There is no more throttle lag and hestitation, lurching or bucking. Now it is smooth, linear power delivery and fun to drive factor just tripled. Had it been like this originally I would have given it a 10.0. Kudos VW!

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  Seems like its falling apart...=0( - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bridge89 - March 26 - 11:33 am

  I love my Beetle, HOWEVER little things keep breaking. Cosmeticly inside the plastic materials used were just cheap... the visor mirror cover broke off completely so now the visor light is always on, the hande to the glove box completely broke off, can not access glove box, pieces of plasitc from the drink holders have chipped out, even in the backseat which is rarely used. The CD player stopped working, the sensor inside the drivers side door is on the fritz, I have to unlock the car door, then press lock on the remote to lock the door. When it rains, the trunk will not shut, now the door on the gas tank wil not open, had to pry it.. my list goes on...

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  Gas mileage-not very good - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Sharon - March 26 - 8:43 am

  When it was time to get a new car, I was torn between 2 cars. 2008 Honda Civic and the 2008 VW Rabbit. I test drive these 2, and really liked both cars. But time to decide which to get is a pain!! Anyway, emotions got better of me, and so I picked the Rabbit. It has pickup, power and appeal. However, the gas mileage sucks. Literally. I drive on the highway at 60 mph (trying to save $$) everyday, but still get about 25-miles to the gallon. City mileage, forget it. It;s nowhere close to the sticker mileage. Its more like 9-20 mph. I am gypped and I am not enjoying this car at all. I AM DISAPPOINTED! So there, thats my honest opinion. I shouldve gotten the Civic. City mileage is 39 mph.

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  Wish I would have bought it sooner! - 2010 Volkswagen EOS
  By beachintanj - March 25 - 12:05 pm

  I love my car. I have had all different sorts of vehicles, but for what I was looking for it was right on the money. The only issue I have had with the vehicle since I have gotten it, is that the top leaked a little bit when going through the car wash. VW is happy to take care of it. Other than that the top goes down amazingly and thanks to the turbo it really has a lot of get up and go for a four cyl. Also I live above 4500 feet and it cruises right through it with out any dogging out that other cars have. Couldnt have asked for anything more!

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  I Love This Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIDriver - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car! It is pure driving pleasure for under 25K. It handles like a true sports car and when you hit the gas, watch out because you will redline FAST and the front wheel drive will pull you to one side if your not ready. Also, its fun to watch all those kids in souped-uo Civics drool! Get One!

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  my dream car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 04JETTA - March 25 - 6:53 am

  This has always been my dream car and now that Ive had it for a little over 3 years i cannot be happier