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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  Outstanding Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BDietz - January 16 - 11:10 pm

  This is the second Passat we have owned, buying our first in 1995 and trading it on this one. The 2004 model (late year model is identical to 2005 model in appearance and specs) is a major improvement over the 95, though we loved it as well. In another four years or so I look forward to trading for the then current model of the Passat. This is the fourth VW we have owned over the last 35 years, having put at least 100,000 miles on each of them and over 200,000 on a couple (including a 1981 Rabbit diesel LS).

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  Tons O Fun - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By V-DUB - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up a Reflex Silver/Black Cloth Interior, 17" wheels, Luxury Package, Cold Weather Package--The Lux Package & Cold Weather Package were a bonus as they could not locate a GTI with black cloth and 17" wheels. Wow! What a Car. Handles like a dream. Great on gas. Super cool European Styling. A real value. Fun to drive, distinctive looking. And my transaction with Attatamian VW/ Honda was the best by far on any new car purchase. I have had 5 new car purchases in the last 10 years. Ask for Joe Abernathy--Great guy. Hell get you what you want, at a reasonable price.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry Golin - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever bilt bar none

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  I love my Jetta!!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Shaah - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I have been pleased with every purchase made through VW. I will always love my car!

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  Engineers point of View - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Enigneers Bug - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to hand it over to a college student after the first year. I thought it would be fun but not for a middle aged professional engineer. I am delighted to announce the performance and overall product is outstanding.

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  I love my bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Clarinetkellbell - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned my own car. It has always been someone elses. Volkswagen has made me a VW driver for life. Car is comfy and so fun to drive. More room in the front than expected. I love it!!!

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  Fun, Fast, Affordable - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Big Pimp - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Never had one mechanical problem. Would definitely purchase another VW or other German made auto. Dependable and fun to drive. Recommend this car to anyone.

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  The best car ever - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tk101 - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has been ASWOME! it has 78k on it and have done nothing to it beside routine mantince that had to be done on the car. i have a 5 speed and it really goes for a small engine. I street raced a lot of cars and beat a lot of smaller cars and could even stay up with v-6 camaro, and the mustang. Great gas milage around 45 to 50 in town. If you want a good car buy this one!

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  Good car to have, has lots going for it - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Aleks - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car and i am glad i got this car. Not only was the price very nice, but it is very well worth the money. ALthough i got new tires, the handling with the origial ones was also very good both in handling and in grip. This thing really does well in corners, on ice, rain, and dirt. Cornering is very nice, and the fuel economy is spectacular.

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  Get One - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ponte Vedra Beach - January 14 - 4:46 am

  I purchased my 81 year old mother one and got her out of a 2004 Cadillac DeVille. She loves it, the control and safety features are the ticket. I bought my daughters (2) TDI Beetles and they love them also. VW is putting quality products on the road and standing behing them.