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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  First VW - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hector - June 23 - 9:10 pm

  Did my research on Edmunds customer reviews and the Passat had consistent stellar reviews. Considered Honda, Subaru, Volvo but kept going back to the Passat. Wanted something sporty, family friendly, and decent gas mileage and Passat won me over. The Passat is quick and a blast to drive! We have a SUV for family trips and a luxury Japanese sedan but we seem to always take out the VW! A little expensive than other brands but a little negotiating can put you at the same price range for a better car.

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  Efficient and Reliable - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By cannoncam - June 23 - 6:20 pm

  Ive got 221,000 miles on my TDI and its running like its got a quarter of the mileage on it. Its a great commuter and the gas mileage is what sells the car. It is a little under powered but for 45 mpgs the sacrifice is well worth it. The looks are good but not everyones cup of tea (Ive upgraded a few things here and there and it is quite the little head turner). The interior is much nicer than most American or Japanese cars but it is pretty basic for a German car. The build quality is typical German excellence, rock solid. The drive is nice, great for the highway but not the most fun car to take on twisty roads. My advice, upgrade a few things and this car will be golden forever.

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  New Owner of a 2008 Passat - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By jobales - June 23 - 4:30 pm

  Saturday I went out to view the new Tiguan and came home with a 2008 Passat Turbo (6 spd auto). Ive wanted one for the last year and moved from a well equipped 2005-1/2 Jetta 2.5L. I gave up a few options (Auto headlights, self-dimming rearview mirror, dual climate control, and Rain Sensor wipers) but overall Im excited with my Passat. The interior is what actually sold me as I fell in love with it a year ago when I was having service on my Jetta. Its roomy, comfortable, and makes me feel like Im driving a much more expensive car! Its also in one of my favorite color combinations: Black exterior/black interior. Im also happy to say that on the expressway today it averaged 34 MPG!

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  Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Arlene - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 2002 VW Passat. Great handling and very quick. But I wouldnt trade it for another car in the world of its class!

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bk - June 22 - 3:43 pm

  My Jetta TDI was purchased to replace my full size 4X4 diesel truck. When fuel prices went up, I had to make a choice. I really miss having a truck, but now I have a sports car with gas mileage at or close to 45 MPG in the city. The VW Jetta is a very comfortable and sporty car. Now I wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  GTI is Here to Stay - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Ian - June 20 - 10:46 pm

  I absolutely love my GTI. Its nimble, tourqey, and comfortable. I get compliments from everyone! For the price, this car is in a league of its own. I was at first apprehensive about the plaid seats, but they have grown on me. The interior layout and build quality is top notch. And the rear seat is surprisingly roomy, two large adults fit back there with room to spare. My only complaint is that seats need a crank for reclining instead of the knob. Once I turn the ignition and take it on the road I forget about all the bad and simply love taking it fast around corners!

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  Amazing Car - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Brock Harrison - June 20 - 8:53 pm

  This is my second Volkswagen and I didnt think VW was going to be able to make a better car than my 2001 Jetta, but I was so wrong. The new GTI is amazing! It handles like its on rails, it is super quick with almost no turbo lag, and has the best interior ever. The seats are comfy and secure you like you were straped into them with a 4 point harnesses. The xenon lights, that come standard, brighten the road extremely well. The brakes and suspension are amazing. It stops on a dime and you never get the feeling that you arent going to stop in time. The suspension rides so comfortably but handles so well in turns. Honda you better watch out!

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  Great Car!! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By pepo - June 20 - 12:30 pm

  I just purchased the Rabbit and I love it. Its my first VW and my first german car. Before this I had a Integra GS-R and I get the same if not better gas mileage in my Rabbit. This car has more torque than that car so it gets up and goes right away.

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  A Few Kinks, but I Love It! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cindy - June 19 - 1:00 pm

  I traded my Jeep because of gas prices and love this Jetta. I had done earlier research on the Jetta back in late 90s and was not impressed but this year was a completley different car. I love the ride until you have to floor it, would be nice to have a little more pick up and go when needed. I have a driver side sterio speaker issue that I need to fix, the car does start up kinda loud but then it goes away and runs smoothly. The trunk space is GREAT and the numerous other german features are wonderful and I enjoy! I have hit 45-50 miles to the gallon driving wisely, or maybe I just got a good engine.

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  Thumper is a Great Drive!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By DrJohnston - June 19 - 7:00 am

  The Rabbit is a great car! It handles very well, but is still fairly compliant on the rough streets of cleveland. The automatic is great. I love the three settings (D,S,Tipi). The shifts are a little slow, but not bad for a slush box. Inside the car is great except for the lack of a center arm rest. The stereo sounds very crisp! Out of the comparable cars, Honda Fit, Scions, Civics, and such, I found this to be the best car on the market.