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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  Its a Keeper - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Back2Dubs - March 11 - 7:53 pm

  Ive had this car for over 1 1/2 years and it is just as much of a blast as when I first bought it. Best all rounder for the money in my opinion. Power is very good with lots of torque. While the stock handling is quite good a few suspension modifications turns it into a car on rails.

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  Great car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By jonnybgud - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive, its fun, agile, responsive and practical (holds a bunch of stuff in the back) and feels very safe. Plus the turbo 1.8 with the 5 speed accelerates briskly when needed. Its my commuting car, but my wife takes it whenever she can. Sound system is great for a stock unit. Really good gas mileage, too - we get 32 to 35 mpg on trips doing about 75 -80 MPH and pretty full of traveling stuff, too.

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  Routan is fun & trouble free family van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By stjohns - March 11 - 2:05 am

  We have enjoyed our VW Routan SEL. Quick acceleration and outstanding handling are feature we are most impressed with. The layout and functionality is family friendly. Power door & lift gate are flawless and convenient.

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  I love, love, love my CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By PhillyCCGirl - March 10 - 8:26 am

  This car is seriously awesome. Handsdown, the best value in the market of a sport sedan. I was looking at the following 6MT vehicles: 2010 TSX 2010 BMW3 2010 A4 2010 CC The CC had the best fit-out inside, and the styling is seriously fierce. I am a SWF age 29 and people constantly stop me to see what kind of car it is. I only owned Japanese before making the change over to German, and I am highly pleased with my decision.

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  Love my Beetle! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laurie - March 9 - 6:33 pm

  I went from a 2003 Grand Am GT to the new Beetle and I am extremely happy with my decision. This car is extremely fun to drive, it has quite a zip to it! It is nice and roomy inside, everyone who has taken a ride with me cant believe they are in a Beetle because of how roomy it is. I have over 200 miles on it and still have a half a tank of gas! The controls in the car are very easy to use and i love the built in MP3 jack. The cup holder location is a little awkward, but nothing that would have changed my decision about the car. If you are looking for a quick, fun to drive car, look no further!

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  Its a winner - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bgkelly - March 9 - 5:10 am

  Our 2006 Beetle convertible has been a pleasure to own. The comfort is excellent (Im 62"), the handling is right on, the engine (2.5L 5 cyl) is very responsive and the transmission seems very smart (6 speed auto). The convertible top fits like a glove and is easy to operate. The car is a blast to drive with the top down. The subtle exterior styling changes for the 2006 are perfect and really set it apart from the older models. I wish my wife would let me drive it more.

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  Super Value, Bargain Price - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By TDIFAN - March 8 - 6:20 am

  I sold my Golf TDI and my Excursion Diesel for the 07 Wagon, super base model. I could not be happier. Great room, super comfortable (I am 67", 310#), drove to CA in one day (900 miles) 13 hrs of comfort and luxury, 30+ mpg fully loaded going an average of 68 mph over 13 hrs. Nothing sore, the kids were not once complaining. I am a realtor, drive a lot in the city traffic, gets 23 mpg. Love the car, no issues whatsoever, Autohold feature is the best in the city, cruise control preset feature is very useful, trip computer rocks, stereo is the best ever. Maintenance is cheap, $58 for first oil change at the dealer.

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  2 1/2 week old R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By JR32 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. The handling is great around any corner (ignore ramp speeds). The engine/exhaust sounds great. I think its the best AWD coupe/compact car WITHOUT turbo and the stock system sounds better than other cars. I wish it had 30-40 more hp. to shut WRX STi and Evo owners up. Anyway, I like VW for staying conceptually sound in shape by not altering the exterior too much. On the downside, the summer tires are nice but not smart.... A/S tires would be outstanding, but I guess VW is too cheap to equip with Michelin,Falkens or Yokohamas in that profile. One more thing... quick acceleration in 1st and 2nd has to grown on you.

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  3.6 4Motion Luxury! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By NewVWDriver - March 7 - 2:13 am

  I happened to find this car on a lot in DC and negotiated the price before even test driving it. After owning this car for 10 days, I am amazed at how much fun this car is to drive. I also considered the G35, Acura TL (type s) and Buick Lacrosse Super. The Passat 3.6 engine with the sports package handles incredibly well and acceleration at all speeds is outstanding. A great every day family car. Also, I highly recommend the Dynaudio sound system as it is incredible. Although this car costs much more than a basic import sedan, it really is closer to an entry level Audi or C-class, but less money and more fun when equipped fully. A winner!

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  Great Fun Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By rraleighguy - March 7 - 2:00 am

  After I got smart and left the Volvo cult--I got SOOO much more for my money at VW--The Passat handles great--is a great looking car--definitely the best car Ive ever owned