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 Overall Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By avusblue - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Solid, "Euro" feeling ride and handling. The Jetta feels like a miniature Audi. Great quality interior. Very comfortable ergonomics, and the seats themselves are top notch. Styling is more classy than the competition. Nice details abound, like the beautifully crafted headlights. Again, fit and finish make me think Audi. I especially like the nicely illuminated gauges and switches at night. My average over 5,500 miles has been 28.1 mpg with the 2.0 and 5 speed. Its peppy in normal everyday driving and has a fat torque curve - enough power for my needs. Those that want more can choose the Turbo. I havent had a single problem with the car.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Partyin247 - August 26 - 8:46 pm

  Best features for price.

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  Underated Vehichle of the Year - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By keith - August 26 - 8:16 pm

  The car drives like a dream. The interior quality is far above standard. I purchased the fully loaded 3.6 4Motion with Sport Pkg 2 with all the fixins. It is a low key car that surprises all who dare to doubt. The car competes aggresively with the G35s performance and luxury of the Acura RL.

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  Only 4 cylinders????? - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By labdad - August 25 - 1:23 am

  When I first test drove the Passat, I was sold. However, I continued to look at a couple other models, Audi A4 and the Saab 9.3. The Audi was nice, the Saab was ok, but I kept coming back to the Passat. The acceleration is fantastic. The ride is quiet, transmission is smooth, and the seats are very accommodating.

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  This is a truely amazing car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rizk.ds - August 23 - 9:32 pm

  Ive been driving this car for months now, and it has been my first car, hopefully my last. Im at 260k+ miles and everything is good.

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  Car is great....sevice horrible - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gloria Barfuss - August 23 - 2:50 pm

  It has been a delight to own and operate our 2002 Passat. We receive many positive comments about its exterior looks as well as the performance this car exibits. We have just experienced our first mechanical problem with a blown aternator that wiped out a cell in the battery. We realize that cars are only machines and it was fixed, however, the service work was extremely poor. We have loved our car but hate the service department, consequently we are questioning if we well buy another Passat. It is sad that the sevice dept. can ruin a great car. Over all the car is great and we were looking forward to the new Passat..not anymore.

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  I like it - 2009 Volkswagen GTI
  By gatlin69 - August 23 - 1:56 pm

  I have had this for a few weeks and I can say it is a very fun car to drive. I was a bit disappointed that there was no bluetooth. Everything feels very solid and I can say the seats are very comfortable. I would opt for the 6 manual, but I have heard from other owners that the DSG was a blast. I am not a big fan of the plaid...so I opted for the leather...more power options for the seats would be nice and I dont like the roll switch for the heated seats (but they do work good). I had one major issue I got the 18in wheels and sunroof package and with such low profile tires 250 miles I hit a pot hole and had to replace the tire.

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  Wow - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By gandaft - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven alot of cars and for the money I would have to say this one of the best. It has plenty of room for the family but the drive is that of a sports car. The design of the interior is sleek and very comfortable and so far Im very satisfied.

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  A Great Beginning... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gene Steinberg - August 23 - 10:00 am

  After encountering a less-than-favorable experience with my last German-built car (the dreadful Cadillac Catera), I had not thought of buying another. But I was favorably impressed with the VW Passat GLX after two test drives and took home a Brilliant Silver version with the optional stability control. After a trip to Las Vegas, I can tell you that this car is excellent. Rides beautifully, handles well, extremely comfortable, and is very well built. Despite what others have said, there is space for the owners manual, a custom slot on the dashboard beneath the steering wheel. Theres also a tiny compartment at the lower left for sunglasses and other stuff.

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  My First VW Purchase - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaTDILUVr - August 22 - 4:03 am

  This is the first VW we have ever owned and I am very pleased with it. My family was in a terrible accident with our Avalon, which ended up saving their lives. To replace it, I decided to get a more economical vehicle, but was looking for one with the highest safety rating and comfort in its class. Thus, I went with the Jetta. Historically, we have been loyal Toyota owners (2 Corollas, 2 Camrys, 1 Avalon, and our current Land Cruiser). I am thrilled with the fuel economy - about 46-48 mpg in town and 50-51 on the highway. I have Pkg. 2, and added every possible option to distinguish it from other Jettas. Although it is only fourteen months old, Ive put over 22,000 miles on it with no repairs needed. Just like a Toyota.