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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  All Purpose Hauler - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By the engineer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Eurovan after owning a 93 for almost 100k miles. The VR6 is a wonderful engine, lots of power to tow our 26 Chris Craft, and decent mileage (~18 daily driving). All areas of the car were improved with one exception- the driving position was somehow made uncomfortable, I start to get leg cramps after half an hour. The van is much quieter than the older model, and cruising on the highway is effortless. The Michelin Enegy tires are great for comfort and handling, and they improve the fuel mileage, too. In addition to the better engine, VW added a rear stabiliser bar which improves the handling.

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  Wagon: Fun to Drive?? - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By knelson - February 24 - 10:00 am

  After owning more cars than I like to admit, this is a pleasure,fun,family car.Sporty,FAST & classy to boot.Love the speed and beautiful interior.Feels more expensive than it is.Rear seats fold down easily for hauling.The 4 motion saved me the 2nd day I owned it.This car has spoiled me for anything else.Own a Jetta too& will always have a VW in my garage!!

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  Gotta love this car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wamble29 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my jetta about 1 month ago and I am a VW customer for life. The ride is awesome and it is so comfortable. I got the sport package and 1.8T engine and they are perfect together. Moonroof is a must and the spoiler completes the package. If you want a safe car with a decent price get this.

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  NICE car especially for the money. - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jamievidd - February 23 - 8:49 pm

  First off the review that says the seats are hard and uncomfortable.......either thats a fake review or the person is demented. A Corolla....really? The seats in Jetta are superb. Been on 3 hour drives and they are simply great and supportive. The extended and height adjustable armrest is a great idea too. The 1.8t is noticeably better in all aspects compared to the 2.5....smoother, faster, better mpgs. Car handles great, rides like a dream, and soaks up the bumps well. Averaging 25-27mpg in mixed driving. Got mine for about 3K under sticker so it was around 19K before tax. Drives like a much more expensive car.

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  Love The VDUB Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SBall0825 - February 23 - 11:53 am

  Haven t had this car too long but long enough to grow so accustomed to it... I have a friend whose a VW enthusiast and he told me how fun the little 1.8t is. Man was he right. Its a quick car with all the luxuries youll ever need. Near flawless interior and of course the exterior is gorgeous.. Beautiful all around. Im loving this car.

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  How did they do it at this price???? - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Tony & Charlie - February 23 - 12:03 am

  Just bought the 09 CC. Drove BMW,Mercedes and Audi. Have owned BMW and Audi - But no more! This is an amazing car! The build quality exudes German pride! The interior is phenomenal - the design is unlike anything else we looked at (at any price) and it fits like a glove! The 2.0 turbo is amazingly powerful and smooth... Did not feel it was necessary to go to the VR6... The list of standard features is impressive! The C-Class MBZ doesnt even offer heated seats standard... If you are even considering a MBZ, BMW or Audi - You MUST drive this car! No regrets!!!! Even the buying experience was nice - good job VW!

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  R32 IS QUALITY AND FAST! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By R32BULLET - February 21 - 11:10 pm

  THIS CAR IS NOT ONLY FAST BUT IS HAS THE EXTRA THAT THE OTHERS DONT. IT HAS A FEELING OF QUALITY WHEN YOU SIT IN IT AND YOU CAN TELL IT WAS MADE WELL. THE V6 IS SMOOTH WITH NO LAG THAT TURBOS HAVE. ONE DRIVE AND YOU WILL BUY THIS CAR. VW DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS ONE!

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  GTI - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By KEE - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Everything is great, fully loaded and features are excellent, only problem Ive had so far ia a defective hood release

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  A great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By JChag - February 21 - 2:00 am

  My Golf TDI starts up without a problem in single digit temps. The performace is amazing from the 1.9 TDI. The 90HP rating is VERY misleading, as this car simply flies. Its comfortable and has a very substantial feel while being driven. The sound from the base stereo is better than that of the Bose units found in the Nissans.

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  passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lumberjack - February 21 - 2:00 am

  love this car, i will buy another one someday