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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  2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By J Campbell - June 30 - 11:30 am

  This is my 5th VW, it is the best one yet. I am so very impressed with the 2.0T. The 1.8T had turbo lag they have fixed it with the 2.0T. I could not imagine the 3.6 Passat 280 HP compaired to the 200 in my new 2.0T. The interior is very comfortable. The seats are more plush both in the front and back. Gas milage is as rated both city and hiway.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ATAYLOR61822 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  SMOOTH, SOLID, SAFE, FUN TO DRIVE, WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR? THIS IS THE ONLY CAR IVE FELT COMFORTABLE IN AT 120MPH

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  Im still a man... - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By efesese - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I thought it was too cute for me. But its just plain cool man! Its a classic and I cant believe I own it! I cant stop looking back after I park it. My budget was between a full eq. Corolla and the simplest Beetle... Corolla or Beetle?... Ordinary or Extra- ordinary? The decission was easy.

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  Unhappy -- but now happy! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BOBM - June 30 - 6:06 am

  I was excited when my wife and I bought her brand new VW New Beetle turbodiesel. Ive never had a worse car in terms of mechanical failures. It had problems with the power windows, A/C, etc. I was unhappy every time it broke, including needing a new manual transmission with only 30,000 miles on it. Some of the cost was covered by warranty. I sold the car recently on eBay. Now Im happy.

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  Midwest Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By romeopeeler - June 30 - 3:53 am

  Overall a very satisfying little car. Yes, little. The backseat is for smaller children not good sized adults. I of course knew that going in but I was always going to be the driver and I wanted mileage. The diesel is surprisingly quick and the manual trans gearing is spaced just right. 46 to 50 MPG is normal and the ride rivals wifes A6 Audi! For anyone needing transportation plus a fun ride and tremendous mileage I suggest looking and driving a Jetta.

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  Highly Recomended - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dmo1860 - June 30 - 2:44 am

  This car is outstanding. I have 250,000 miles on her and she still drives like she has 80,000. She has the 2.0L and is extremely reliable. The engine is paired with the 5 speed manual gearbox and is an absolute joy. I have no doubt that this car will make it another 250,000 miles! And it has been a hard 200K miles on it too (driven by a teenage boy.) If one is for sale and its in good condition, I highly recoment getting it. Wether its for a first car, or a car for your kid. if you take care of it, itll take care of you. It is the most solid car Ive ever driven and I hope Ill Never have to get rid of it.

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  Never a boring car to drive... - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By marusik - June 29 - 9:50 am

  Although I dont drive as much as I used to, its always fun to drive the Rabbit under any driving conditions, rain or shine, either city or highway for long trips or short ones, but especially on twisty roads. The ride is always quite and comfortable... After reading some of the negative reviews about reliability issues on this model, Ive got a little bit concern, especially about the life of the brake pads, so I decided to check them out at 20000 miles and I was told that will probably last another 20K miles. Of course brakes life as well as gas mileage are subjective to every drivers attitude and driving styles...

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  Great Car - Especially for Women - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By acacia1602 - June 29 - 7:20 am

  My wife loves this car, and I have to say, it has really grown on me too. The interior is perfectly proportioned for a women, but is a little tight for larger men. Im 511" and 190 lbs, and its just large enough not to be a problem. The diesel mileage is great, and I love the heavy rumble of the engine. It has tons of torque. Aside from the size, the things to look out for are the front bumper partially popping off (you will learn how to pop it back on again) when you park too close to a curb in front. Also the seat adjustment is annoying. All that aside, this is a rock-solid reliable car with great fuel efficiency and a fun drive. I highly recommend it.

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  Best purchase - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Christina - June 29 - 6:16 am

  This is my third car and by far my favorite. I enjoy everything about this car. You can still fit 5 adults in the car even though from the outside wouldnt think so. I havent had any issues with the car at all. I take it to the dealership and Im treated like a princess every time I go there for whatever reason it is. Volkswagen overall has impressed with me with their product and service.

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  Best Buy for Your Money - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sasha - June 29 - 6:13 am

  This is the best GTI ever. It is so much fun to drive. It has amazing handling. If you are over 40 years old - stay away from 18" tires - they make the ride too rough. If you dont want to spend on winter tires and change them before every winter - stay away from 18" tires. Other than that, this is probably the most bang for your buck in a long time.