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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  One Awsome VW - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By grahamj3 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the convertible for my wife on our anniversary. She and I love the car! It puts a smile on our faces. It is not a car for an introvert. Everyone stares and smiles as we drive by. The turbo is the way to go. My GLX has every option including the wind blocker. It is awfully quick as well. I cant go on enough about our love for this car. It holds its own and is the love of our stable which includes an Audi A6 2.7T, an Audi A4, and a Cadillac STS.

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  Fantastic - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By LPS - February 9 - 5:43 pm

  This is my fourth VW, and by far the best I have driven to date. It gets excellent gas millage, has tons of torque, has great handling (much better than the MKIV), and has an awesome interior. Do yourself a favor, go test drive one. You will not be disappointed.

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  Sad to give it up - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By NJ Mom - February 9 - 12:00 pm

  We bought our Passat new and overall loved the car. We traded it in today on a more reliable vehicle. It was hard to part with the car, and we are sad that buying another Passat was not an option due to reliability and maintenance costs. This was a very safe and fun to drive car, but we should have cut our losses at five years. The MIL (check engine light) was on too often and often resulted in a $500+ repair. We did keep up with normal maintenance and full synthetic oil, but it still hurt to make repairs in excess of $1k when the value of the car wasnt much more.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bobo the WonderChimp - February 9 - 8:40 am

  Really great looking fun to drive vehicle. Interior fit and finish unbelievable.

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  Love It - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MD - February 7 - 3:33 pm

  I have been extremely pleased with my Passat. I love all the interior gadgets and options and its very stylish and luxurious. Everyone that gets in it loves it too!

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  Impressive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed - February 7 - 5:16 am

  I did a lot of research to determeine which AWD vehicle would best fit my needs and the Passat came out on top. I have only had the car for a week, but I am impressed with the performance and design. The only option that did not come with the car is the navigation system. The instrument panel layout is great and easy to understand. I particularly like the ease of the multi-function steering wheel that controls the computer. The most impressive thing about this car is the 280 HP engine that has great pick up that beats the 190 ponies I had in my 2001 Audi A4. If you want or need an AWD drive vehicle that is roomy yet feels sporty this car is for you.

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  Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Lacey - February 7 - 12:13 am

  I did a lot of research into Civics and Rabbits, and finally decided on the Rabbit! I love love it. Its amazingly fun to drive, has great pickup, and lots of bells and whistles that the Civic definitely lacks. The road noise is a little loud, but the 10 speaker stereo system drowns it out just fine. I would definitely recommend.

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  GTI - Fun, Fun, Fun - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By wthomasoh - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the GTI because I was tired of driving around in large vehicles and it was the only car I found that fulfilled all of my requirements: Fun, zippy car to drive. Room for running kids to school. Room for tools in back. Practical for all year use. Under 25k. Good interior finish quality. I LOVE this car!

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  Love it! - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Miker - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My 2nd Eurovan....first was the camper, but didnt camp enough. This is much better for us, and really great to drive! Although the family thinks its a little boxy, they really love the interier and its comfort. Recently traveled with 5 other adults and all raved about the comfort and how quiet it is. We love it!

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  Drive one, youll be hooked! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By tina50 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car on Oct 11, 2003 and I couldnt be happier. My husband and I literally looked and drove 20 different SUVs. It came down to the MDX or the Touareg. And based on price and standard options the Touareg won hands down! Definetly go drive one!