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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  First Diesel - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By WisconsinOutdoors - October 10 - 7:16 am

  This is my first Diesel car. Like anyone who is considering the GAS vs. DIESEL debate we read so many online articles that we eventually got a headache. First Impression - We now have 700 miles on the car and on a 80 mile highway trip I averaged 42 mpg - driving 60-70 mph. Driving 75 or higher mpg dropped slightly. I have not been able to judge the city mileage yet. For anyone that is considering one best advice - test drive one. Great handling, good features, low road noise, and European design. Until I have to fill up I dont even realize I am driving a diesel. If diesel prices stay were they have been for my last three top offs it should pay for itself very quickly. You get what you pay 4

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  Best Sports Sedan Value - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeff Greenberg - October 10 - 6:46 am

  I have had this car for 3 years and 40,000 miles and it drives as good as the day I picked it up. I came from a Saab 9-3 and looked at buying a new one until I drove the GLI. I also considered the Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 328I and Infiniti G35. The GLI handled and performed as well or better and priced up to $10,000 less. If you are looking for a great handling, powerful sports sedan without having to say "Look at Me" this is the car for you. I dont look at this car as an overpriced Jetta but as a bargain BMW. I have been so happy with it that I bought the car after my lease ended. This car has incredible build quality and plenty of room in the cabin. You will not be sorry!

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  Passat Wagon - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rubas - October 10 - 4:36 am

  Purchased new in December 2007. Just got my 30000 check. The dealer changes the oil every 5000 miles no usage between changes, no brake problems, in fact the only problem so far was the radio had to be replaced. Completely satisfied with the car except for needing premium fuel. On trips I get 32-33 mpg.

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  great car! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jabeal - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive - fantastic handling. No problems.

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  perfect car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By guney - October 10 - 2:00 am

  its great car for its price

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  shh...she thinks im a corvette.... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kiddlekat - October 10 - 2:00 am

  my convertible is black with tan interior,named Ringo cause its a beetle. i am really impressed with vw they have made a small car but with large car details (side airbags)the convertible is very roomy even the back (i have twin 13yrolds) is good not for long trips but for the beach and back its great.

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  great car for the money - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Huddy2u - October 9 - 7:40 pm

  I have owned a Passat for past 8 yrs. The new 2006 model has been great. It is a head turning and even teenagers say "Nice car!" The gas mileage has been awesome, I have to drive 21 miles one way to work and I get between 30- 33 mpg. My Passat gets about 550 miles per tank. I havent had any issues with this Passat, only routine maintenance. the only thing I dont like about the car is you cant drive with driver side window down. The wind blows so hard through this window I cant stand it. I have tried to adjust other windows and sunroof and nothing works. I dont know for newer models but for 2006 this is a problem for me. But overall I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  The perfect balance for the money - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By car dude - October 9 - 7:03 am

  I have driven many different cars, from Ferraris to Citroens to Yugos. As an everyday car, the GTI is excellent. Great power, economy, and comfort. I cant ask for more at $20,000. My last two cars have been BMWs but I dont miss their handling and the GTI is much quicker so I am very satisfied. It works great in the snow even with upgraded sport rims and tires! I am very impressed with this aspect. It proves the car has great balance.

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  Worth the Wait! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW FAN - October 8 - 11:53 pm

  Ive been researching this next car purchase for well over a year. Im so glad we waited to pull the trigger until after the release of the Tiguan. After researching and driving the competition, the Tiguan was the clear choice for us. Love pretty much everything about this car and could not be happier with our purchase.

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  Only The Best - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By JonTewks - October 8 - 1:10 pm

  First off, the GTI is definitely not slow. 200 horsepower in a small hatchback runs it in the 1/4 mile in about 14.7. That is a fast car. The styling also does not stink. It has great exterior and interior styling. I love the looks of this car, but that is a personal opinion thing. Last but not least are the seats. I have nothing else to say except my dad has a C6 Corvette and I like my seats better. Besides the fact that you can get plaid, like I did, they are supportive and hold you in the turns.