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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  My Best VW Yet! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By David Pearson - March 23 - 1:56 pm

  I bought a 2001 Turbo New Beetle in October 2000 as soon as 2001 model came out and paid top dollar as there were no discounts. I have had the car almost 5 years and it has been the best new VW I have had - only 2 very minor problems with the electric locks & a dash light. Both problems were fixed right away without agrument. I have moved a few times so I have gone to 6 different dealers with a minimum of problems. The car is great, fun to drive, great looking and still gets a lot of stares. I would agree that the cup holders arent good for tall drinks but I do not use them much. The car is great in the snow as I ski and take it to Canada, the only improvement - All Wheel Drive!

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jfc - March 21 - 11:33 pm

  This is my favorite car out of all the ones I have owned. It has a great mix of performance and economy. Where else can you get a car that handles great, is comfortable, is fun to drive slow or fast, and gets incredible gas mileage? If I take it easy, I easily get 45 mpg on the highway or around 40 mpg mixed driving. If I drive it hard (meaning quick accelerations, lots of speed up and slow downs with gunning it, and 80-90 mph on the highway) I still average in the high 30s. Incredible. I thought about a hybrid, but Im glad I went this route. The hybrid is not nearly as fun or sporty and does not really get any better gas mileage (specially if you do a log of highway or hard driving).

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  Good Stuff - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By Stefan - March 20 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my 2005 Volkswagen Golf GL about two months ago and it has been really great. I picked it up new for just a couple hundred dollars over invoice. Its a blast to drive and it feels good to be spending so little on gas.

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  Dont Pay Sticker Price! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - March 20 - 8:20 pm

  I just purchased (ordered) a Jetta TDI with Pkg 2. Some of the reviewers complained about paying sticker price. All I can say is shop around especially at the end of a month. When the dealer couldnt find a North Sea Green with Anthracite Grey leather interior he let me order the car. It will take 2-3 months for delivery. The good side is I paid only $150 under dealer invoice. If they want to move the car they will negotiate. I will followup with review after Ive had the car for a little while.

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  Get a good one! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike P - March 19 - 11:16 am

  I have owned a Jetta for 3 years, first I owned a 2003 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta. I recently upgraded to a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T and loved them both. The old one was a nice car and very reliable, but the new one is unbelievable. I recommend you dont waste your money on a cheap Volkswagen and make sure to get one that is high quality.

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  Lovely 2007 Passat Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul Zelenkov - March 18 - 5:40 pm

  This Passat is nothing like the old models build or design. This is the best car I have ever owned. The engine is very strong and the six speed tranny shifts smart and gets the power to the ground. The near 4,000 lb. weight and 4Motion make it a very good snow car in Denver on stock all season tires. It is a much better value than a BMW or an Audi. The controls are great. Subarus may be a better value, but the build and handling are superior in the German made VW vs. the Indiana made Subaru. With a light foot I have been getting 19 -20 mpg in town and 27 -28 mpg highway.

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  Nice ride :) - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kathy - March 18 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car from my son who is a VW fanatic - he shows and races them also. This car has all the bells and whistles and is fun to drive with the 5 speed standard transmission. Car handles excellently and has great pick up - I have to keep an eye on the speedometer because its easy to get a ticket! Get decent gas mileage but have to use the best grade gas. I get 300-350 average miles on a tankful.

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  Practically Perfect in every way - 2015 Volkswagen Golf
  By eldaino2 - March 18 - 4:07 am

  I had owned 2 mkV vws (rabbit and gti) and had been switching back and forth between various hondas but im so happy to get back into a premium compact. Cargo space is great, the solidity of the ride on the freeway is unmatched by anything in this price range...really a discount audi. Phenomenal passing power and good gas mileage plus a wealth of creature comforts. Also, the interior will shame many midsize sedans. Way more mature than other small cars; tasteful and refined, but quirky and different all at the same time. Standard equipment is strong compared to cars in the same price range, especially compared to honda and mazda. Handling is sublime. I freaking love my golf!

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  WOW, What a van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By gpeck29 - March 17 - 9:53 pm

  Im one that said we would never have a van. However, we had 3 children and we needed it. I like the styling of the Routan over the other Chrysler products. I also think the interior is much more friendly than the Honda Odyssey. We took delivery on a Tuesday, and Friday we left on vacation...putting 3000 miles on the vehicle. Loved it! I would recommend purchasing the Routan.

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  Simplify - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By mtnmike4 - March 17 - 6:52 pm

  Drove from Orlando to Philadelphia on just 2 fuel stops. average 41.8 MPG. Passed many a hybrid "conserving" fuel. TDI gives plenty of pep for passing and having the "manual mode" helps when pulling hills or overtaking. Fits our 3 person family just fine with even a large 2 seat Burly bike stroller in the back. We chose this over an Outback due to fuel savings. It also beat the Focus hatchback due to cargo capacity. The Focus did not pass the stroller fit test. Dash is simple to use ..controls on the steering wheel are easy to adjust to. Blue tooth is exceptional... Have over 11 k in just 6 mo. Couldnt be happier