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:

• 

  best car ever - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By steve stearns - May 24 - 10:00 am

  this car is the greatest you can take through anything and its handles pretty dam good on the off road

• 

  Most for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Adam M. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Accord, Altima, Camry, and others when researching this car and none of them could match the options, quality, performance, or style for the same price. The only drawback is the Jetta is a slightly smaller car than the others. The interior is comfortable and beautiful, the optional leather is very good quality, and I love the cool blue gauges. Dont get the V6 unless you really want it - the 1.8T is nearly as powerful, gets better mileage, and youll save money. Theres plenty of power and torque over the entire rev range, passing and merging are a breeze.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joe richardson - May 24 - 3:40 am

  I love the six speed trans, the car has a real solid feel to it and I think it has more than ample power.

• 

  2007 Jetta Wolfsburg 5-speed - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Larry - May 24 - 3:00 am

  This car has excellent fit and finish with upscale materials. The poor mans BMW is back with Class. Our other car is a Chrysler 300 and the Jetta has a smoother, quieter ride. We went with the 5-speed for the sports sedan fun, but the auto transmission with sports shift was a strong contender. The exterior styling is a little bland, our neighbor thought it was a Corolla and it reminds me of an old Altima. It has a smooth shift, but the quiet engine makes it easy to stall. Ironic huh? The multi-adjustable console/armrest is great. So far I would choose this car all over again.

• 

  Impressive Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By AKA - May 24 - 12:06 am

  I bought my 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T six weeks ago after trading an Porsche. I have owned the last three shapes and this is definitely the best. Everything works. I was rear ended recently and the car that hit me was quiet damaged. I came out with just scratches on the bumper. Even the guy was impressed. I have owned five VWs, an Audi, a Jeep, a Mercedes SUV, and a Porsche SUV and this is definitely the best value for the money.

• 

  I must have gotten a good one - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By MichaelB - May 23 - 10:03 pm

  Got my 06 Passat 3 days after they hit the US dealerships in 2005. After just about 4 years of driving: paint is flawless, V-Tex seats still look new, every single thing on the car works except the XM part of the radio (it went out 3 times and part not made by VW). The car turns heads when I drive it and the young crowd thinks its a hip automobile. Dynaudio 600w sound system is powerful and the extra features like the electronic parking brake and the hill holder are nice touches. I worried about VW reliability when I bought it but really wanted it and I have not been disappointed at all.

• 

  Electrical problems - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gayle - May 23 - 1:43 am

  I bought this used @ 23K from the dealership. Just love this car but now have had it in twice for electrical harness problems. Every light lit up on dash, replaced some wires. Two weeks later, same problem, lost all power and now VW is replacing whole electrical harness system. In for service for over a week. Interior make- up lights had to be replaced also, along with one recall.

• 

  A Nice Surprise - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By TwoLabs - May 21 - 10:56 pm

  What a nice surprise the GTI has been. I have never really noticed the GTI before, but ended up buying one. I am very satisfied so far. Only 250 miles, but it is hard to stop driving. The power is fantastic and the overall feel in the cabin is comfortable. I have the 4 door and I was surprised with the ample legroom. No complaints at all. Just a fun, comfortable rocket ship with many amenities to enjoy.

• 

  Hidden gem - best deal on the market - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Richard - May 19 - 7:30 pm

  This is a great car. With twins on the way, we knew it was minivan time and dutifully test drove the Sienna and Odyssey. We looked at the Routan initially as an afterthought, but my wife was sold within minutes. The designers really understand how families will use this car, while the options and price VW crushed the competition. And, I have to admit, the car is fun to drive. the 4.0 v6 is powerful, I love the handling, the family is comfortable and, with the entertainment system, occasionally entertained on long drives. The nav system is terrific and the dashboard elegant and useful, particularly at night. I was a lifelong Toyota buyer, but not anymore.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Emilio Pintado - May 18 - 6:46 pm

  I am very happy with the car so far. It is very fast for 100 hp, has great handling, and is fun to drive with the 17" wheels upgrade. I have the manual version and love it. The engine sound and looks are sporty. The 10 speaker stereo sounds amaizing.