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 Car!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By mattrees - May 12 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for a year and half and have only had one problem that was immediately replaced through recall. This car runs great and is a pleasure to drive. I especially like the interior layout and amount of room.

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  1st VW and pleasantly surprised! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By utahgti - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Lets see, where to begin. Well, firstly, i bought the car used with 4500 miles on it ( and its 2 years old ) "issues" were the rubber interior door drivers handle was peeling ( not warranteed ), the passenger seat release was broken ( warrantee ). I have owed subaru, pontiacx2, nissanx2 and finally this VW. Since owning the VW for just around 3 months, it is my most favorite vehicle of all of ones i have owned (*pleasantly surprised*) A friend, VW owner x3 now, said dont expect japanese reliability but german character ( handling / feel ) I will have to see how the reliability is after awhile.

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  Shezy`s thoughts on the gtizle - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By shezy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been my favorite for yeas and when they cane out with the 20th anaversary edition I had to get it and since I`ve had it driving has been alot better.I wanna give V-dub props for making it so all you git lovers this car is a must!!!!

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  I loved my 2000 TDI so much I bought #2 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Green Mountain Boy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Other than having the AC not work after delivery in March this Car has been flawless just like my 2000 which I still own.The perfect car for someone that spends a lot of time on the road and wants to do it in a comfortable and cost efficient matter.My 2000 Sdn.has 120,000 miles on it and my 2003 Wgn. has 4,000 miles on it. What more can I say.The Jetta is the most underrated Car.

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  Vw tdi - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doris - May 12 - 5:07 am

  Ivery had it 10 years and had very few problems, too bad it was hit from behind

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  I Love my Jetta! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Catherine Williams - May 11 - 9:33 pm

  I have driven everything from cars to vans to SUVs to big Hemi trucks. By far this is the most fun, smooth driving, easy to park, economical vehicle I have ever driven. There is pllenty of leg room for passengers that are with me. The trunk is huge. Everything is right at your fingertips. My Jetta came with Sirius radio, which is very nice on long trips. It has plenty of get up and go too. Its gas mileage is great. What can I say....I Love My Jetta!

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  Best car ever - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By robert - May 10 - 6:00 am

  I am used to driving trucks that get 10-13 mpg. This is a whole lot better then that of course. What else can you ask for? Its a sports car with all the luxury you need. Sunroof, great sound system, and all the electonics you need. I am 511 and 245 lbs and the recaro racing seats fit me just fine. Theres nothing to complain about the car. I never knew you can go so fast around corners until this car. The power is there when you need it with or without the typtronic. I never would have bought a VW let alone a Jetta but am in love with this car. Basically everything you need at a pretty cheap price only if you go through Edmunds.

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  Performance, Stylish, and Cool - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By SERGIO - May 9 - 10:00 pm

  The Passat is an excellent car to own. It has incredible quality, a roomy interior, and lots of power. Its like owning a much higher priced car and its so fun to drive.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ali - May 8 - 5:03 pm

  We have had this car as our family car for a little over a year and it runs and handles great! It is 10 years old and has 138,000 miles on it and we have only ever changed a tire and the oil. I agree that the cup holder is cheap and ours is broken too. Our emergency break is not working but it is I guess an easy fix nad the washer flid doest work, leaky hose. The sound system is great. We took it on 2400 mile round trip amd it did great. Very peppy! Love this car!

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  Great German Wagon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By robpsdhs - May 8 - 2:06 pm

  This car replaced a 2000 Beetle (I loved the Beetle but needed more useful cargo space). It has very few negatives: its mileage isnt great. Ive used regular gas for three years. The mpg actually improved from when I used super. It has no knocks or pings. I had a problem with the coolant system when I moved to the desert. The coolant evaporates in this intense heat. Now, the positives: the car is great. Its handling after six years is still crisp and responsive. Its fit / finish are excellent. Even using regular gas the acceleration is excellent. I also have a 04 Mustang Convertible. My Jetta wagon is so much more fun to drive. I love this car.