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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  Wow - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By caman - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is not only the best car I have ever puchased.... its probably the best purchase Ive ever made. Quality through & through.... quick, very fun to drive, roomy on the inside, but looks like a jetta on the outside... I strongly recommend this car to anyone who has to drive.

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  The Ultimate Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JETTAMAN - April 30 - 10:00 am

  What more could you want in a $25,000 car? It has every option that is available for the Jetta and a custom interior. The ride and handling are superb. The 18" wheels add even more handling and style. The six speed transmission gives you torque and flexibility throughout the gears. The body kit is subtle but sets it apart from other Jettas. With minor modifications, this car can really scream and still get 30 mpg.

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  WOW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lindsey - April 30 - 9:40 am

  After seven years of driving a Chevy Cavalier, the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T feels like driving a Bentley. The interior is so roomy and luxurious even on the 2.0T package 1 model. The turbo engine is great on gas mileage and really has some kick. The only problem is that this car is going to get me a ticket, I dont even know that Im driving 80+ MPH, it just wants to keep accelerating!

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  Diesel is the best! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nobluescreen - April 29 - 4:03 am

  In the 80s you could associate Diesel with words like smelly, smokey, slow, and loud. Not true anymore! This car doesnt smoke at all! Ceramic glow plug virtually eliminate the wait-to- \start. Unlike a gasoline engine, there are no spark plugs, plug wires, distributor, etc. Less to maintain! Diesel has more potential energy in it than gas does, so it takes significantly less diesel fuel to get the same amount of released (useable) energy. Fuel economy gets better with time, I have about 1500 miles on mine and I am getting an average in the mid 40s with about 75/25 hwy/city. This car surprisingly has plenty of pickup. You cant hear the motor that much during highway driving.

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  Passat 05 review - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chad - April 28 - 7:56 pm

  Although I have had my passat for a short time, I cannot help but express my most positive experiences with the vehicle. The safety features, the room in the rear seating area, the comfort of the drivers seat, driving this car is alot of fun. Having the option to use the 5 speed shift like a manual or leave it in automatic mode, they both can provide some great acceleration.

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  Love the car except the window problems. - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jim Swizzlesticks - April 27 - 2:00 am

  hey. I got my car a while back. I do love the thing. I have a problem with the windows though. First I had to get the window regulators replaced. I guess plastic was used to build them the first time. NOW the sunroof is acting screwy. I had to pop that little emergency panel and crank it two inches that it didnt cover on it;s own. Aggravating. The rest of the car is sweet though.

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  excellent jetta - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By xoashyxo - April 27 - 2:00 am

  this is a wonderful vehicle and i wouldnt change it for the world.

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  "Milly" The Turbo Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Paul Hadley - April 27 - 2:00 am

  "Milly" has been a solid performer. Reliability has been good. The car is FUN to drive. Nice power to weight ratio. Service became a headache when I moved to Tucson, Az where there is just one Dealer and they know it. Even this is improved now that they have a new service manager. I have just traded "Milly" for another new Turbo Beetle...still searching for her name.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MAnish - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a Great Feeling

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  GLS TDI - Awesome - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JayMiz - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Who would ever think that car has only 90HP?!? Incredible technology and a hell of a car too! Great handle, incredible gas mileage, and a great price tag for what I got!