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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  Great car. - 2012 Volkswagen GTI
  By jdfoster - December 1 - 2:53 am

  2 weeks into ownership. Simply put, great car! Performance is fantastic. The DSG transmission must be experienced. Ultra smooth, instant shifts. Average MPG 31 city/hwy 70/30 combined. Front seats are extremely comfortable. In this price range, nothing comes close to matching the GTI.

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  Ill miss mine forever... - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By markap57 - December 1 - 1:05 am

  I had my 2010 Sportwagen for only 10 months. It was totaled in a recent head-on accident. The car held together remarkably well and we were not hurt. Mine was purchased used in Jan. 2013. We had no problems except for the AC which wasnt cold enough. My car even had navigation and upgraded wheels which I wasnt expecting. Ive had a very satisfying ownership experience with this car especially at 41mpg. It was everything I expected and more. I plan to buy another one in a few years. I rather liked having the only one around in my town. The Tornado Red color always drew attention and we received many compliments on it.

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  GTI 1.8T - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By bgreene - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My choice of an everyday driver/sportcar. Compared to Japanese cars (celica, civic si) this car actually has a little torque. Very solid and fun to drive.

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  blast - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 3rd Jetta Owner - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd Jetta. GLI just put the fun back into the everyday, everywhere drive. Only concern is winter tires and low front spoiler. Lots of zip in the low rpm.

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  Great - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Midwestredroger - November 27 - 7:46 pm

  This car has been very reliable. My only complaint is that it has a lot of body roll when making turns, at least compared to my Porsche.

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  2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anthony Fields - November 27 - 2:36 am

  What a car for the money! The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T has luxury, a beautiful ride, and so many extras that I didnt even know about until I got home! I love it! It is so roomy and comfortable!

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  I love my Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By U Hansen - November 27 - 2:33 am

  I love this car. I handles great. Fuel consumption is reasonable. It is an excellent city car, but also good on the highway. I have had four Jettas, and this is by far the best.

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  VW - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robby - November 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is great,it gets good mileage, has pep,and it is fun to drive.

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  Volkswagn Turbo S Review - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Claire Henrichs - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely awesome car! Fun to drive. Super fast pickup and excellent performance.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Will Smithhart - November 25 - 2:00 pm

  I am thrilled with my 6-speed manual Jetta GLI. The only negatives I can think of are the lack of a center console and the very short first gear that almost makes you want to start out in second. However, it is without a doubt the most fun driving experience I have ever had in any car, and I love hearing the turbo whistle after 2000 rpms. it looks awesome with the ground effects, 18-inch rims, and Recaro racing seats-all of which come stock with the GLI. The clutch is extremely smooth, the breaks are perfect, good air conditioning and easy-to use controls, and an excellent stereo system. I would definitely suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants a good blend between power and practicality.