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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  42,000 Miles of Happiness - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Curtson - April 16 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had this car for 42,000 problem-free miles and have enjoyed all of them. It has a 5-speed manual transmission and 4-Motion which has been a great combination (no longer offered) for handling in all conditions. The drivers seat is the most comfortable car seat I have used. I never get sore on long trips. I find the seat in my wifes 2005 Camry to be far less comfortable. The gas mileage has been better than expected: 32 mpg @ 55-60mph, 30 mpg @ 65-70mph. The acceleration is way too much fun. My 18 year-old son doesnt care for the way it looks, but after driving it, said it is a hot car. I no longer let him drive it by himself. I want to drive this car for a long time.

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  My Car - the Two Ps - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gary T - April 16 - 8:31 am

  The two Ps are plastic and performance ! Yes - the car is fast and does very well on the highway. Its sporty but not flashy - but I love it anyways. The 2.5L motor gets up and goes thru traffic - all for a price which is gas milage... On the highway - from Las Vegas to Loma Linda, CA - less than half a tank (going an average of 80 mph). The car loves 80 and up !!! Handling is another WOW ! I have those sporty tires and rims - makes a big difference !

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  My Car - the Two Ps - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gary T - April 16 - 8:31 am

  The two Ps are plastic and performance ! Yes - the car is fast and does very well on the highway. Its sporty but not flashy - but I love it anyways. The 2.5L motor gets up and goes thru traffic - all for a price which is gas milage... On the highway - from Las Vegas to Loma Linda, CA - less than half a tank (going an average of 80 mph). The car loves 80 and up !!! Handling is another WOW ! I have those sporty tires and rims - makes a big difference !

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  Drivers wanted, They got one ! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bsutto04 - April 16 - 3:20 am

  First, I love this car, Its excellent in so many ways. I feel so safe and comfortable at all times, althought the seats are kinda tiny. Im 511, and feel a little squished, but the cars makes up for it in handling, performance, looks, head-turning capabilites and so many others. I have had a couple problems. The rear doors got jammed and wouldnt open. VW fixed that, and the heater takes FOREVER to heat up! Otherwise, I love it!

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  2008 for the commuter - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By longCommuter - April 13 - 1:50 pm

  I just picked up a year end 2008 Jetta 2.5L stick for $15,200. I was on the fence between a Honda Civic & a Camry for a comfortable, yet long commute (90mi ea way). Although I read mixed reviews on the Jettas gas mileage, and that may be why I didnt consider buying one. However, Ive been driving the car and getting good gas mileage, 29mpg mixed driving. I recommend this car if you want a well-engineered car thats responsive, handles like a much more expensive car and is fun to drive.

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  Great Car--better than the Hybrids - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alabama Jetta - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, better than the hybrids. Luxury at its best. Buy it if you can find one--it is a sellers market. It is a fun car to drive, great gas mileage, looks neat at night. Dont worry about the $70 oil change--you only have to do that every 10,000 miles. The sound system is great, seats are great. I love this car and think it is the best I have ever had. It is quieter than my Honda Civic. Buy this one, you wont be sorry! The best is the GAS MILEAGE and remember---diesel is cheaper than gas-- the Prius and Civic Hybrid cannot touch this car! BUY ONE!!! It shifts great! Easy and forgiving....

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robb K - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my Jetta. Also, the sales associate who helped me with this purchase was great and should be commended!

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  Best Luxury Under 150K - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By brzmkla - April 13 - 7:26 am

  for about 1/3 less than its cousin, Bentley Continental GT, the Phaeton delivers an unbeatable mix of luxury, safety, and comfort that is unmatched in its category. A hand-built quality to its finish, 4 wheel drive, an ingenious indirect ventilation system, a decent gas mileage (about 18 mpg over the last year), make this car the best value in its class, beating hands down the S500, 745iL, and A8. Test drive it and youll be sold as well.

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  Fun - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By artaxena - April 12 - 10:50 pm

  great pocket rocket

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  I like it! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By nich617 - April 11 - 7:53 am

  I have only owned the Routan for 4 days now but so far so good. There is SO much space. The gas mileage isnt bad for a minivan. It is definitely the best looking minivan out right now. Im a little nervous about the fact that Chrysler has a hand in producing them but time will tell.