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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  Luxury for little $$$ - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vince120 - August 12 - 1:16 pm

  After looking around at many of the comparable vehicles, none could compare and I bought the Jetta. I see a lot of this is great, that is great here so Ill focus on a couple of real quirks Ive noticed, but dont get me wrong, I love everything everyone else loves about this car. First off is the visors/rear view mirror. How cheap! While the interior has THE nicest materials in this economy class, the visors are cheap plastic non-sense. The mini- vanity mirrors, with the quirky sliding door and the 1/2 matchstick light bulb are worthless. Center console room front and center is very tight. The rolling knobs for the seats and dash lights are difficult to adjust while driving.

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  beetle disapointment - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carrie - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was very excited about my New Beetle. After it hit 30,000 miles, total disapointment. Window controls broke off, trunk open light stayed on, battery died, speedometer stopped working, and dash light went out. At 35,000 miles the window support gave out and window got stuck inside door. Poor interior electrical everything.

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  Downsized but Happy - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By redstone - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Not the car I wanted, but I was going to get a convertible or use a bicycle! Didnt even look at it until I realized I couldnt afford any of my first 10 choices and thought I might have to get a Miata! Then I found out they had a model with automatic top. Some small design annoyances and it isnt a sportscar, but I knew that when I bought it. It is inexpensive to own, has lots of safety features and the top comes down so I am not complaining.

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  Best Car Ive Had!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TDI - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It get sweet gas mileage!!! The design is awesome!!! Dealership was great. No complaints!!! VW nice jobe :-)

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  New Beetle Turbo S - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dharris - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my third New Beetle. My first was a GLS TDI then my second was the GLX Turbo. Now I have the Turbo S. I love this car. I have had no problems with it! The car is nice because it looks different than the other New Beetle models (exterior and interior). Handling is awesome. The 180hp engine is a ton faster than the 150hp. The 6 speed tranny helps in this area. I love it! I wouldnt change a thing!

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  TDI is the name of the game! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Garfield - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just finished a short trip through the NC mountians. The car handled almost as good as my A4 Audi Q. Just think of it as a new bettle with the sound of an old one. I took it up 15% grades with 4 adults in 4 gear at 60mph with no problem. Thats not bad. Car is solid on the road and handles very well. Buy one and you will agree.

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  GLX Turbo!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GLX TURBO!!!! - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have read the other reviews and I would have to disagree with the negative comments! This car is great. The first mistake they did was buying the GLS 2.0. That is only bad model of the New Beetle. It is gutless. The GLX 1.8T on the otherhand is fast!!! Great car! Thank you Volkswagen!!!

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  Mini Batmobile - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI Lover - August 12 - 5:00 am

  I traded in a Toyota FJ Cruiser after realizing that we need to start taking better care of the environment. Minus the FJ, I have always been around fast cars and wanted something FUN. I read a review saying that the GTI was the "right car at the right time" and cant help but agree. Its super fast, powerful, and all in all the most fun car Ive ever driven. Its also safe and good in the rain! Was concerned about the car not attracting much attention, fearing it looked too bland. I get so many compliments, however, on how sharp and "sexy" it looks. My suggestion is to go for the Black Magic color. You feel like youre driving a mini Batmobile. Doesnt get much cooler than that!!

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  Volkswagon Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Lee Munson - August 11 - 7:43 am

  This is my fourth Volkswagon I have owned. I find that Volkswagons are quality built, safe cars. The only negative I have with the Touareg is the mpg. Other than that I love the Touareg.

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  Power and fuel economy - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Return to VW - August 11 - 2:53 am

  This is one fine highway cruiser that is getting 29-30 mpg while gliding down the super-slab at the speed limit. We traded in an 08 ML320 CDI and the Touareg is a far better riding SUV, plus it is quieter. You do not hear the diesel engine but you do feel its power. We pulled a 5000 lb trailer with power to spare and excellent control. This is no SUV wannabe, this is the real thing with > 8 inches of ground clearance and great visibility. This is a keeper.