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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  GOLF - Simply awesome - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Hogan Jr. - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I considered the Focus, Saturn, Civic, and Sentra before I finally settled on my Golf. Dont let the 115 HP fool you. Its got some umph!! The Golf feels like it should be $5,000 more than it costs. The Monsoon sounds great and the Indiglo Blue looks great. Heated seats, washers, and mirrors will be nice come December. Crash data an added plus.

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  Sporty and Practical - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Uthor - May 9 - 3:23 pm

  I bought the GTI to have a fun car to drive while still being able to live with it day by day. It has more than enough power for the street. Quick steering and an easy to use 6-speed gear box, but the clutch travel is long. There is a huge aftermarket to tweak the car to exactly how you want it. Fits four people with ease. The hatch is a bit small compared to my last cars trunk, but cavernous once the rear seats fold down. Adequate 6-disc CD stereo for a non-audiophile. Ive had no mechanical problems. The biggest problem with owning the car is how expensive maintenance can be, especially if down at the dealer, but the recommended 10,000 miles between oil changes helps with that.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Monte - May 9 - 9:16 am

  For starters folks, if your looking at a used Beetle be prepared to put a little time and money into it. I have found so many things that the first 2 owners never took care of its crazy. My Beetle has 90,000 miles on it and its never had the cabin filter changed, the plugs and wires where still O.E., the fuel filter had never been replaced. I dont blame the car for these issues I blame the previous owners for not taking good care of the car. Since changing out the items mentioned I average 28 mpg in town and 33-34 mpg on the highway.

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  Hole in One - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By jclaxton - May 9 - 1:30 am

  Exterior: - aggressive looking face - styling not overdone - lustrous metallic paint - perfect size for city driving - wide stance for a small car - dual exhaust - no door moldings (sleeker look) - hidden lift gate latch interior: - soft touch materials/padding - stitched bolstered sport seats - cool red lighting instrument cluster - tilt/telescoping steering wheel - height adjustable seats - lumbar driving experience: - quiet (low road and wind noise) - great steering feel and agile handling - hugs corners, no body lean - accelerates nicely misc: - solid for its size (great crash test scores) - graphite coated wiper blades (quiet swipes) - galvanized steel body panels (resist rust)

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  Pleasantly Surprized - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Greg - May 8 - 4:50 am

  This is truly an amazing vehicle for the price - outstanding performance. The 2008 Rabbit handles better than my 528i BMW - you never feel like you are losing control. Tight going into and coming out of turns. And acceleration; this car responds. Im 6 1" and fit comfortably. Controls are easy to reach and intuitive - well designed interior. Yes, it is very enjoyable to drive and exceeds my expectations for a car under $20k! When driving conservatively, the car averages around 27-28 MPG - highway gets 30 MPG easy.

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  2006 Passat 2.0T Tiptronic with Package 2 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By deluxe - May 7 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased a silver Passat with Package 2 yesterday. The sticker price on the vehicle was $28,415, and I got it for $26,021(+tax). Its interior is great and the turbo has a very good torque. I was not able to see the full potential yet, because I am taking it slow in "break in" period. It is bigger than the old Passat and rides better also. I tested the V6 model with 18" tires also and there was not much difference in ride quality from my turbo four. I regret not going for the Dynaudio stereo system, because the longer I listen the radio that you get with 2.0T, the more I think that my Monsoon is much better. the radio display is great, as is the info center in the dash, with all the settings that owners are able to make.

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  My 2005 Jetta GTI 1.8T - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - May 7 - 12:50 pm

  I love my new Jetta. It handles great on the highway and on city streets.

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  Fun & Easy to Drive - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Furryshoes - May 7 - 11:53 am

  The Wolfsburg is a bargain because you get the same look as leather without paying for it. I also got the all-wheel drive which has been SWEET along with the huge sunroof. The ride, handling and looks are the best part.

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  Best Car I have ever owned... - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By tzo - May 7 - 7:11 am

  Summary: I own an 09 M3, but prefer to drive this 11 Golf TDI. Great exterior style, very comfy seats (I am 64") with great side support for back and hips. Audio quality is great... get the Dynaudio option. Very fun to drive... the torque hits like a 2 stroke motocross bike... at all RPMs. Very fun to corner around free way ramps... Holds family of four quite comfortably. I had a significant collision within weeks of buying it... and the front end got crushed, but the engine was 100% OK, and the subframe wasnt touched. So the VW front end collision system absorbs hits very well.

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  My 3rd Passat and the Best - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan - May 7 - 4:00 am

  This 2006 3.6 Passat is my 3rd. For quality, ride, comfort, and mileage its the best. I commute 35 miles each way to work, and daily checking my mileage computer; I get 31-33 MPG! And, thats not all cruising! On road trips, I also have validated mileage of 31-34 MPG at highway speeds. This vehicle is vastly under-appreciated. It compares with ANY, more highly visible, family sport sedans. As importantly, my dealership; Britt VW, is a gem. Great car, great dealership, and great daily fun driving a car that handles exceptionally, is comfortable, has all the power you need, and gets great mileage. Fact is, this 2006 3.6 auto gets better mileage than my 2003 V6 5- speed!