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 commuter car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Phlonet - June 5 - 2:00 am

  In the first year I was driving 120 miles per day and was getting between 50-55 mpg. My commute lessened considerably, and now Im only getting mid 40s, though on longer trips its back up around 50. While the TDI doesnt have quite as much pep as a 1.8T or a V6, its still sportier than many other "economy" commuter vehicles. Takes a little bit longer to start when its below zero, but have never had it fail to start. Only one mechanical issue related the glowplugs that was misdiagnosed at first, but then fixed properly on a subsequent visit. I wholeheartedly recommend this car to anyone who has to drive any sort of distance.

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  Great Substiute for BMW 3 Series - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jonathan D - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Being a former BMW 3 series Driver when it came to buying another one costs on BMWs have just skyrocketed. So being a german car owner I turned to Volkswagon for a hopefully good escape of paying over 30,000 for a comfortable and powerful sedan. So I test drove the Jetta GLI. I was very impressed by the performance and comfort. The only complant I have is that it dosent have the Multi- Funtional Computer.

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  The best new car mod platform under 20K - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By LotsABoost - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I went with the GTI over a WRX because aside from performance, I also wanted an understated exterior and some luxury inside. Chip it for $500 and youre over 200HP at the flyhweel. Seriously, even non- performance oriented people should do this. Air filter, turbo back exhaust, dv valve, inlet pipe, maybe some intercooler piping...about $2K installed for all of the above. Shocks+Springs for about $750 installed will satisfy most. Bilstein Sport/H&R Sport keep a near stock comfort level. A clutch and limited slip (awesome upgrade) for about $2K installed. Audi TT front brake upgrade (same as off the 337 model) for $550 installed.

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  2000 Jetta GLS VR6 - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VI1654 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is an excellent choice for a compact sedan. The biggest negative is the fact that the front bumper is very low to the ground and has a tendency to become stuck on parking curbs. So, beware. Aside from that, its great fun to drive and has minimal problems.

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim Gaiser - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Car--Fun, Safe, and good for a family.

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  This cars for "Drivers". - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MarNChar - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car on the 6th of June and took a trip of 2700 miles, returning on the 16th. We drove Interstates 15 and 80, and Hiways 4, 16, 49, 50, 89 from Provo, UT to Murphys, CA; to Sacramento to Sierra City, to Truckee, up to South Lake Tahoe, back to Utah. We got over 500 miles per tank(12 gals. used each fillup); even doing 80 mph with the AC on, loaded with luggage for two and camping gear! Freeways in UT & NEV are 75 mph. On curvy hiways 4, 49, 50, & 89 the car handled like a Ferrari - really fun to drive. The only flaw with this vehicle is the sun visors! Theyre too short! Otherwise, this car is near perfect for around town driving and long trips.

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  CC lot of car for the money - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By marty - June 2 - 12:33 pm

  Great value,Fun to drive. Very comfortable, feels like a sports car Great pick up for a 4 cylinder.

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  Forget the Bimmer, Go for the Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan - June 2 - 1:46 am

  This is my 3rd Passat, and the absolute best. The quality is exceptional, the ride comfortable, and the 3.6L engine a gem. With the Luxury package #2 and wood trim interior, Ill compare this to any BMW, MB, or Infiniti! And, for many thousands less!! You gotta give the Passat a look, youll be overwhelmed with the quality. Also, I regularly get 30-31+ MPG on the road.

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  Perfect balance - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Rivers - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I tested the X-5, Cayenne V6, MDX, Honda Pilot, Lexus 330 and decided the the Touareg was the overall best V6 suv out there. The interiors are Jaguar/Bentley quality. Great attention to detail and comfort. The v- 6 has enough power for the daily routine. The color selection is better than any other suv out there. The ride and handling are superior. I considered the X5 but thought the ride was too rough and the suv too small inside. The pricing is ridiculous. The Cayenne v-6 is a joke. Go for the V8 if you have to have the Porsche logo. As for the japanese cars, I just dont like the feel and interiors.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By af030 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my jetta for almost two years now, and have put 27000 miles on it. I commute a great distance every day and have experienced no problems with it. The only thing I have noticed is that the back window causes a loud wind noise when it is rolled down. The CPU light came on one time, but have never seen it again.I am not understanding why anyone else could have experienced so many problems with it. It definately has the feel of a luxery vehicle.