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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  Too much fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ann - December 13 - 5:46 pm

  I have to admit it...this is a fun car. The turbo gives it a lot of pick up, especially when youre merging into traffic. You cant help but feel young and happy when driving it. It sure does beat my mini-van!

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  45 MPG at the speed of diesel - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Greg - December 11 - 3:26 pm

  The Jetta TDI is just a fantastic car. Its fun to drive, insanely reliable, easy to maintain, and well equipped. Since its a TDI, the gas mileage is out of this world!

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  Enjoyed my first GTI - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Timdaog - December 11 - 8:03 am

  I purchased this car used with 28,000 miles on it. The car was very fun to drive as it had a lot of pep and handled like a European car should. The only issues I had were the shifting, which I found to be notchy and not smooth, the location of the cupholders and the lack of power seats. Overall though, this is a sharp looking ride that I very much enjoyed driving. The result was my leasing a 2006 GTI which I absolutely love...GO VW!

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  Stealth Wealth - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By UMohan - December 11 - 5:36 am

  Picked up the car beginning of November and have had it for about two weeks. I had heard a lot about this car and once I got behind the wheel and drove it I was sold. The build quality is far greater and move "high priced" vehicals. The drivabilty of this luxury vehicle is not like those of its competitors, though its designed for luxury it does not over do the soft comfy feel, you still feel connected to the road and feel like driving more than being driven. The acceleration is moderate to good for a car which is just over 6000lbs, the exhaust soundtrack is like none other about the only thing you could hear while you drive this misunderstood hidden gem of a vehicle.

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  Very pleased - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By CCP - December 11 - 4:46 am

  Sorry there are "lemons" . Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones. I have been in search of a convertible for close to a year. I knew I wanted German technology, retractable hard top, front wheel drive if not all wheel,and some updated technology like a navigation system and ipod adapter. What you can get loaded in this car is a just a starter price in BMW or Audi. Audi does not yet make a hard top and BMW does not have front wheel drive in the class. The retractable hardtop has a panoramic sunroof that opens..the only convertible with this feature. They have corrected the "whirring"with small windscreen above he windshield. Technology of top closure:priceless. Gas OK.

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  fundriver - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DamienL - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Jetta. The first one was a 1989 GL. I just retired it at 210,000 miles. I wasnt the original owner either, but it has the original clutch, engine, and transmission.

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  Get There Cheap and Quickly - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golfgunny - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this gas sipper. I was able to drive from Easter North Carolina to Eastern Texas on less than 2 tanks of fuel with at total cost of 40.00. I averaged just over 50 mpg at 78 mph. The ride was so comfortable that I had to set the timer on my watch to remind me to stop and stretch. It was a rather enjoyable experience. I have had no mechanical problems what so ever.......I love my Jetta. It is much quicker, faster and much more comfortable than I could have ever imagined.

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Garaoucho - December 11 - 2:00 am

  32mpg @ 75mph. Sluggish off the line until the turbo spools up. Turbo lag is noticeable from a standing start but very short elsewhere. Turbo maintains power at altitude (6,000 ft.). Very smooth for an inline 4. Short throws on manual shifter but long throw on clutch. No asymetrical thrust. Taut, responsive suspension with long travel over bumps. Enormous trunk even with rear seats folded up. Refined interior with high quality materials. Monsoon radio is merely average.

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  An Autoban Cruiser! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ron - December 9 - 8:26 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 really performs! It is a fantastic combination of handling, acceleration (with absolutely zero torque steer!), comfort and ergonomics...especially with the sport package that inlcudes 12 way adjustable seats, both driver and passenger side, that feel as good as they look! the Sport package also has a dialed down suspension for even flatter cornering. this car is unbelievable at AutoBahn speeds! The 3.6 engine will knock you back into your seat with available torque on demand, yet provides much better gas mileage than the Infiniti G35 will ever hope to get! The engine has a "Euro" growl, unlike the Japanese "appliance" sound! The Passat sailed through a 6" snow fall in Chicago, passing three BMWs that got stuck! Go VW!

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  2010 VW CC Automatic Trans - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Radek - December 9 - 11:46 am

  Love the car. It is fun to drive and I get complements everywhere. I paid 27K with everything except financing. Financing was 5.99% for 60 months.