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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  Love the Passat GLS Wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By New VW Loyalist - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have found the Passat Wagon to be a great compromise of quality, comfort and price. You get a lot of car for the money. Creature comforts like heated seata, nice stereo and great cupholders make it nice on long trips. Huge rear compartment make dragging the familys (2 kids)luggage easy without obstructing rear view. Car handles great and gets up to speed very nicely as well with the 1.8L turbo. I cant wait for the SUV to be released here!

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  This car is the best!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By CritterHopper - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the most awesome car. Fuel economy, reliability (diesels last forever) and good resale value are what sold me! quality all around, no less than exceptional. Much more for the money than you would expect for a car <20K. Good job VW! Loyal VW owner for life! Ill never buy any other make!

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  Worth every penny and more! - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By VWRules - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the highest quality car I have ever owned. I have never bought domestic, only imports. Until now, I thought Honda and Acura were the bomb.. now, I see that VW has much more quality and overall bang for the buck. Such a solid design. Airbags everywhere! And heated seats, you wouldnt expect them in a car sub 20K! VW, you did it again!

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  VW GTI 1.9 Turbo - 2002 - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By tynbeal - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my car but have been disappointed that within the first year, the Coolant sensor and a part for the turbo had to be replaced. Some folks dont like the styling, but I agree with what someone said, "Its nerdy chic".

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  Jetta GLI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bundles - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have taken 90 degree turns at 40 mph. It doesnt look like a sports car but it really i

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  Squeaks!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By sayvwagon - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Beware that the brakes will squeak and all you will hear from VW is rinse off the brake dust, to decrease the squeak sound. Right door hand peels but VW will replace. And key will get stuck in the closed position, VW will replace. Gas mileage very poor for running around. I like the way it drives but for the price, STOP the SQUEAK.

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  Redcard1 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By redcard - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd year for this model. I traded up from the 2000 to the 2003, and IMHO, the car just keeps getting better.

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  Gotta have one... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JSP - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is pure fun. I used to drive a 91 Saab, but the body style got boring on the newer model... so I defected. My friends thought I was nuts when I was considering this car, but the review once they rode in my Bug was "this is the coolest car I have ever been in." The pep of the turbo rocks and the luxury features on the GXL are a great value. I got everything I wanted for $22,600 vs. $30+ for everything else I was considering. Picture a sunny day, sunroof open, stereo cranked, leather wrapped wheel in hand, turbo kicking in on a straight-away... sounds like a beach day to me. F-U-N!

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  Love my Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By be - January 23 - 5:53 pm

  I adore my bug, buuuutt, it has had a few "bugs" of its own. I have had 3 headlamps go (they are super hard & expensive to change out...even for mechanic). My window button broke with the window down of course. I took out my oil pan, which was my fault, but found out from mechanic they are "fragile" aluminum and low. Dealership service is way pricey (arent they all?) My paint is chipping on the interior door panel. It has great pep even on long uphill (not your mamas bug!...I had one of those too.) Great air and heat system..not like old Bugs!! Lots of room...you could do ballroom dancing on the dash! Great safety features, bags on front & sides too, roll bar, drop away engine.

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  Sexiest car - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By ladayblues - January 23 - 12:46 pm

  I love this car. It looks expensive and it really drives fast and smooth. This car makes me really happy. I do not desire other cars :)