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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  A great value for the Volkswagen Buyer - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jd749 - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  The Jetta GLS 1.8T Jetta is a great buy for this market segment. The BMW 325i was only other option based on size, performance, and features. After two years and 40,000 miles, Ive had 180 hp, 30 mpg, and only 3 warranty repairs. Ive been on multiple 700+ mile trips with no problems. Its fast, fun, and the insurance isnt bad for a turbo car. A host of performance upgrades and customized parts are available as well. With the same powerplant as the Audi TT you can be assured this engine has the performance and German engineering one could need. Look for a model with a 5-speed transmission, leather interior, and the Sport Pkg. if your in the market for one!

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  My GTI-Shes my baby - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dogdude - June 18 - 2:00 am

  While I had a terrible experience ordering a custom car (it took forever), I am glad I waited. Although the GTI may not be the fastest sport compact on the road, its low end torque makes it more fun in day to day driving conditions. The ride is superb with a sporty feel. The car does not show its true colors until it is on the highway. It is really an autobon car. I live in Colorado and can drive up in the mountains all the way in fifth gear. Those big 17s are really bad on snow though (even with ESP, traction control, locking diff, and front wheel drive). Overall though, I love this car.

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  Bargain A4 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jacob Palenske - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 GTI 1.8T and unwisely traded it in for a Honda Accord EXV6 Coupe. I will never leave the VW group again. My Jetta has power to spare and handles like a dream. I love the interior and the Monsoon stereo is amazing. I drove the Mazda 6s, Nissan Altima 3.5SE and an Audi A4 1.8T and the Jetta was better to drive than all, and built like the A4. My only issue has been a door rattle. Remember...when you buy a Jetta you get a smaller $22k Audi A4. When you spend $26k for a 3.5SE Altima you get a $16k. It shows. One last thing...The Turbo is more fun and has a much more flexible engine...save your cash and skip the V6.

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  Amazing Little, but Powerful Car - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Carlos - June 17 - 10:53 pm

  I have fun every time I drive my new GTI Red Tornado. I love everything about this little, but very powerful car. I am very happy with my new Fast. I named my car Puppy and the little toy that comes with the car Fasty... I leave you guys alone now, my little Puppy is waiting...RRRRRRR..

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  Do not buy this car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carrie - June 17 - 3:56 am

  The first week I owned by brand new Beetle, the alternator went out on it. Since then, I have brought it in for so many other problems, I cant name them all. From three window motors breaking, to flooding when it rains through the door, to stalling, to a faulty CD changer. The car is not built right. For the asking price, its not worth it and its not a reliable car. Mine isnt the only lemon, a friend of mine has one that had its top gets stuck and not come back up. Its been in the shop for that two times. Sorry, but Ive tried to get the dealer to take my car back more than five times. Warning!

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  1st timer very happy - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 1st time VW owner - June 16 - 4:06 am

  Ive had my 08 SE model for 2 months now and could not be happier. The SE is the way to go with the leather interior, sunroof, and AMAZING 10 speaker sound system. I also got the ipod adapter and am very happy with (although shuffle is not an option on my playlists, but I may need to research in the manual) The interior is spacious and the TRUNK is HUGE! The satellite radio is great. The exterior is extremely stylish, it has everything for a great price. Nothing else compares in its class, I did a lot of research. I am also happy with the fuel efficiency.

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  Why buy an SUV? - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWGuy2008 - June 16 - 12:53 am

  There is nothing I enjoy more than crunching the numbers. As a car guy, I love all the details but when I started thinking about a Wagon vs. SUV, things got interesting. Cool factor aside, the SUV gives me lower MPG, more money for insurance, traditionally rollover prone, not as sporty to drive, typically not great in the rain... My new wagon is awesome, first tank of gas 29 MPG, try that in a Mid/Small SUV at $4.50/gallon for gas!

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  Another great VW - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Clark - June 15 - 7:10 am

  We have owned several VWs and this is by far the most comfortable on the road. Recently drove 1200 straight through with wonderful comfort. A great ride and fun to drive.

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  so far, so good - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By athena - June 15 - 1:36 am

  I bought my used Passat Base model 2 weeks ago. Drove a van since 1989. Love my Passat. It looks great, drives and handles really well. Good gas mileage, especially on the highway. Bumps are sometimes a little hard. Seats are very comfy. Loads of space and leg room in the rear. Wish more features were standard instead of optional. Good sound system too. So far, so good!

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  What makes Awesome. - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chris C - June 14 - 11:56 pm

  Its just a fine piece of engineering. This car feels absolutely solid and locked on to the road. Driving becomes more intuitive when the car goes exactly where you point it, when you point it. Anyone who has ever driven an American car should be familiar with the amount of sag or play between the actual motion of the steering wheel and whats transmitted to the wheels. Thats what makes German cars so awesome - wheels turn with the drivers hands. The DSG is just about the most underrated technological innovation ever. This trans is a blast, blowing through gears at speeds previously unimaginable for any gearbox. Learn about how the dual clutch works -- its worth the education.