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 German Engineered Sport Sedan! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robbie - July 18 - 6:43 pm

  This car has a very luxurious interior! It has wonderful features and very comfortable seating.

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  My Midlife Crisis Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MSPT - July 18 - 5:30 am

  Im a big guy, and here I am celebrating my 40th with a Silver and Black VW New Beetle Convertible. Im still deeply in love with this car even five months after buying it. The semi-automatic roof is a must, but the sound system and XM radio sound great, even when the top is down. I bought this car knowing that the backseat would become my trunk, since both are so small, but since I dont have kids, its not a problem. The 6-speed with sport mode is wonderful and allows me to surprise some sports car drivers with its passing power. I plan on keeping this baby for a long-long time, and will only replace her with another like her.

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  Classy Sedan at an Economical Price - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kent - July 18 - 2:40 am

  The Value Edition Jetta is a very safe, attractive, solid performer. With exception of the 15" hub-capped wheels, the standard features (including safety features) are comparable to more expensive sedans. The performance of the 2.5L engine is not spectacular, but certainly adequate for everyday commutes. The torque of the engine is its most rewarding attribute. The handling is quite impressive, even on winding roads (with a wheel and tire upgrade). The brakes are quick to respond and the ESP option provides extra security during unfavorable road conditions. The cabin is very roomy and is comparable to the pre-2006 Passat, and the trunk space seems to be never ending.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Ratbert - July 18 - 2:00 am

  3rd VW along with a current BMW. Solid construction, great amenities. Leather, stereo system excellent. While I use it around town, would not have a problem with a lengthy trip.

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  Well Built UTE - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By STLJOE - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I was very concerned with my wifes choice of SUV; however, (as much as it pains me) she was right. This is one fine machine! The VW provides much more bang for the $ than the X5!

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  2004 VW Passat GLX (V-6) with auto - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mauser - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car 1 month and love almost everything. Con sides: 1. no repeat function on the radio for cassette or CD, 2. separate switch to heat exterior mirrors (should be included in rear window defroster switch), ackward to adjust exterior mirrors, 3. poor gas mileage with auto trans., 4. rear window sunshade should be electric vs. manual. Pros: great handeling, power, options are plentiful and included in base vehicle, 2. heated seats to include back rest, 3, light on bottom of all doors to see where you step, 4) well built car

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  Fun and Reliable - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Orlando Hidalgo - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I did some research before buying this car. Ive heard about Volkswagen having problems with Quality issues and reliablity in the past years, but after having read up on the car and speaking to other Volkswagen Jetta owners, I was ready to take a test drive. Needless to say, I bought the car and have no regrets to this day. In my oppinion its a "poor mans" BMW.(lol) You get a lot of performance for the money, and the German craftsmanship is evident in this GLI model.Keep up the good work VW!

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C-Bird - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a spectacular car, but definitely get the standard transmission with the diesel. The automatic is much too slow.

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  the anti-midlife crisis mobile - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dandune - July 18 - 2:00 am

  had bugs throughout the 60s. 2 vans, 2 bugs, and a ghia. one got chopped into a baja. then i bought an american car. ...got screwed! then i started buying japanese, reliability was amazing, but got bored. wanted a beetle when they first came out, but didnt feel the waiting lists were worth it. Well, i finally got around to buying a turbo bug... ...wow handling, pep, comfort, all first rate i like the car, and i like the way it makes me feel when i drive it. no pretense, and i live in the land of pretense.

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  Smooth and understated - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frank Denver - July 17 - 12:03 am

  Bought my W8 used after a failed Infiniti trannny from mountain driving in Colorado. After 52,000, it has been my best car to date (Lexus, Infiniti, Subaru). The W8 matched to the auto tranny is as smooth as you get. The handling is refined and very solid. With snow tires, Ive had no problems even in the mountains west of Denver. There have been no mechanical issues and my overall cost of ownership has been lower than expected. 22mpg mostly highway running between 80-85mph. I get tons of compliments on this cars BBS rims and the overall look.