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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  Love This Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Deb - December 7 - 8:53 am

  Ive never had so much fun driving a car. It is awesome. I wasnt excited about getting a Jetta but when the salesman convinced me to test drive it at the dealership I fell in love. We also own an audi A-4 quattro and the turbo jettas performance is better. Ive had no problems other than the rear brakes squeaking when I back up sometimes.

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  2003 Golf TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By T. Stevens - December 6 - 8:16 pm

  This car gets more miles per gallon than the sticker advertised. It is hard to ask for more. In addition, it is fun to drive and practical, given its ability to haul oversized parcels.

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  Great Value - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Ohio Jim - December 6 - 4:36 pm

  I bought a base manual 2007 Rabbit and was surprised at how much equipment comes standard. It has power locks/windows and an MP3 player for example. To get that in a Civic I would have paid at least $3,000 more. Of course, with VW if all that still works in seven years Ill be stunned. They definitely used some cheap plastics in the interior. Ive eyed three things that will surely be broken before the warranty is up. The poor quality history not withstanding, a great car for the money, mainly because the performance is fantastic. It is just plain fun to drive. If I wasnt so scared of the quality issues and notorious electrical problems I would have opted for the Tiptronic auto that I test drove - that thing rocked!

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  Can one car be this fun? - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BillyT - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been my favorite car ever. The retro stylings of the VW were my first attraction, then being the ragtop, and lets not forget the gas milage! Its a say something car with practicality in mind. I am a tall guy and was concerned about comfort, not a worry, believe it or not its quite roomy! (I wouldnt put a tall person in the back seat for any lengthy amount of time, as the back seat area is limited) It comes with a lot of standard features, a definite plus! If you like to get noticed, this is the car for you! What kid didnt dream of owning an orange bug? LOL! PUNCH BUG! "ouch"

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mil-town native - December 6 - 9:36 am

  I just got it and am loving it. I broke the 600 mile mark (safety purposes) and starting to break it in. She wants to go, thats all there is to it. I thought about getting the automatic, but missed the clutch and its cheaper (1,075). It holds corners well, I would just like a little more response through the steering wheel. It has amazing leg room in the back. The shoulder room does not accommodate three sets of broad shoulders (being an ex-swimmer, its hard to find that in a small car). With the seats down you have more room than you expect. I almost bought Mazda3. The GTI is a little more money but makes up for it in style and power.

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  Got to drive it...then youll buy it! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By AJ - December 6 - 6:56 am

  The New Passat shames my 2002 version that I loved. The leather seats in Package 2 are awesomely comfortable. I was sorry to read that one review mentioned the need for audio controls on the steering wheel. Package 2 has that feature and gives you leather trim that is luxurious. I bought the navigation system, anyone buying the New Passat should look into it. It gives you an slick looking display for your radio as well as directions to the unknown. Youll drive it and buy it. Everyones comments about drive and performance are accurate. It drives like a BWM, Audi, Mercedes, or Jaguar. Why would anyone buy one of them over the new Passat?

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  Vdub SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By John Barna - December 5 - 4:20 pm

  The Volkswagen Touareg is one of the best vehicles on sale today!

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  Best Van on the road today - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Greensboro NC - December 5 - 2:46 am

  Purchased this van to replace our 93 MV with 193,000 miles. This Eurovan has been exceptionally reliable with 132,000 miles, everything works on this van virtually no problems. Only replaced tires and brake pads, 19 MPG on REG gas, By far the best van in the world bar none.Family of 5, son is 6 2" and fits with ease. Lots of space, comfortable, fast, handles like a VW known for, great visibility, sit up high, fit and finish still like new, cloth on seats show very little wear, AC is awesome, love overhead AC vents, Has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, wife loves it, kids love it, friends say it is cool and will ride in ours but not in minivans. I would buy again and again!

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  I Would Marry This Car If I Could - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By chik_ricer007 - December 4 - 11:26 pm

  I drive my 2006 GTI on the weekends through the mountains and can really take the turns. The pickup is awesome too.

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  First Mini-Van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By love-the-routan - December 3 - 6:33 am

  This is my first mini-van and I am more than happy. The price was very fair compared to competitors and the ride is so smooth. Visually, I believe it is the best out there.