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 little car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bob Kunkel - January 24 - 2:30 am

  I was looking at hybrids, but after seeing the actual mileage, I went with a used Turbo Diesel Beetle. It gets great mileage and is a good, comfortable, and stable vehicle at home, in the city, and on the highway. At 70 mph it tracks straight, and is very stable. Its gas mileage on the highway is 53 mpg, and in town combined has never been less than 41 mpg. If it was only city driving it would be less, but I have never been a strictly city driver. All in all, this is a well done car.

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  After 18,000 miles continues to impress - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jamie - January 24 - 1:27 am

  I cant imagine somebody test driving cars in the $20K price range and not settling on the Jetta. Its so refined and crisp to drive, its amazing that its price point is with a Ford Focus or Kia Forte...etc. Its drives like it should cost $10K more than it does. I havent had a single issue in nearly 18K miles. Engine is powerful and silky smooth. Transmission shifts are quick and precise. Handling and ride quality are terrific as is the gas mileage. And the seats are simply awesome and the interior is roomy. The interior isnt techno-gimmick filled or very colorful. But I could care less about that stuff. This is a drivers car and its always fun and engaging. Zero regrets.

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  Absolutely Thrilled - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By texas lady - January 21 - 3:23 pm

  After 25 years of driving Suburbans and Silverado 4WD diesel pickups, I was ready for a vehicle that gets better gas mileage. I was a bit apprehensive about a smaller car, and didnt have opportunity to test drive a Jetta prior to purchase, so that added to my anxiety. My fears were completely unfounded. I am thrilled with my new Jetta TDI! It handles incredibly well, is gorgeous, and has wonderful amenities. The diesel engine is very quiet. My long-legged family has plenty of space in front and back seats. It was a 350 mile drive home from the dealership, and the car averaged 50.2 mpg on the highway, far above the estimated mpg. So far Im getting over 40 mpg in town. What a terrific car!

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  How do I feel about spending 70K on a Vw - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Todd Nilsen - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the vehicle there is no question this car rides, performs and handles better than Bmw745Li and Mercedes-Benz S500 4matic hands down and therefore I just purchased one for 70k and you get a lot for your money. So go out and look at one if your in this price level it might be a Vw but this is a world class car and in my opinion the leader of the pack.

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  More Fun Every Day - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By selkior - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Driving fun at a reasonable price. Why waste all those dollars on BMWs? I used to have a 2001 GTI and the handling is much improved on the 2003 GTI. Plenty power available at all times through buttery six-speed. VWs famous well-appointed interiors are for real! All the critical safety features are included (ABS, traction control, airbags all around, side impact protection). I watched one get t-boned by a cherokee and the passengers walked away...

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  Great Car-LOVE IT!I l - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Darling - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My family of 3 has never been happier with any car ( and we have owned Hondas, Toyotas Fords,etc ). We can always rely on it to get us anywhere we want to go, and in a hurry too.

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  bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bettine - January 21 - 2:00 am

  love this car great to drive and can carry lots with the hatch down! only draw back Ive found is the placement of the cup holders you cant get anything bigger then a soda can. thinking they need to think about those big gulps from 7-11

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passatowner2 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  No wonder Consumer Reports has picked this as the best car in its class for several years running. Quick as a Maxima, rated safer than a Volvo, quiet as a Camry, handles almost as well as a BMW and rides better. This is my first VW. I have owned Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, GM, Ford, and Chrysler. This car is the best.

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  2006 Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth - January 18 - 12:40 am

  This car is so much fun to drive and unlike the VW Beetles of the 60s and 70s, it is built very solidly. It has a lot of power to go up hills and I feel very safe driving it. It also has enough room for my 62" husband to feel comfortable in.

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  You wont regret it... - 2010 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIShawn - January 17 - 3:20 am

  If you are in the market for a fun to drive, practical vehicle that is built well and even has a distinct air of luxury about it, this is the perfect car. The DSG is not the silver bullet it is sometimes made out to be, but it is quite excellent. Having a transmission that performs at the level this performs at is certainly rare for a car in this price range. I expected it to be fun, and fast, and well made, but I did not expect it to ride as smoothly and confidently as it does. This is a car that comes as close to doing it all as you can find at this price point.