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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  For the Value Edition you get a lot - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By davbev - May 31 - 4:30 am

  I have had this car for almost a year and I still love to drive it. It has a lot of get up and go and I love burning through the gears. The stereo is pretty good considering it is the Value Edition and I love the front end styling. For around $18,000 you arent going to find a much better car. I leased mine for $158 a month. I have had no problems at all. I just got back from North Carolina, a 10 and a half hour drive for me and it was comfortable enough for just two short gas stops. I would like to get a GLI next with even more power with exterior styling.

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  one awsome german car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By robert98765 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best car Ive ever bought. It is roomy, handles great feels luxurious and turns heads everywhere. The only thing I would change is that I would buy the V6 instead of the 1.8T 4 cyl(its a little noisy under 2k rpms, but believe me, very little noise compared to other cars).I would definitely buy again!!!

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  Schweet W8! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By multi-valve - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The Passat W8 is an excelent buy compared to the 540i and the E430 4matic (which simlarly equipped cost $15,000 to $20,000 more). Although the car is very similar to the GLS, keep in mind that even the GLS is a very good buy as far as fit and finish, general quality, and features go. The W8s fuel economy isnt that bad either, in fact, its very similar to the original VR6s fuel economy...not too shabby, an 8 with the fuel economy of a 6.

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  I love this car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By tazztazz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever had. It is fun to drive, rides like a dream, handles like a vette. Acceleration in tiptronic w/ v-6 is great, & the 4- motion makes cornering great. A/c & heat work perfect & the heated seats in winter are comfy. Every time I get into this car all I can say is I LOVE this car. I have had 10 cars in the past 20 years all new & nice but this car is great!!!!!!

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  Love My Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mtnlover - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned! All I do is the basic maintenance on it. Ive had this car for over three years and will have it for many more. I see that a lot of people are complaining about the new model. Maybe VW should not have changed a good thing!

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  Great car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By GregBlatty - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car very reliable and fun to drive

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  Near perfect VEEDUB! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Veedub Addict - May 30 - 10:00 am

  When I bought my Jetta I was surprised when I hound out it only had 115 hp! It wasnt really fast but did keep up with V6 Accords. This car is near perfect with a few exceptions: it needs more power, needs more legroom both front and back, and to restyle the seat back tilt(use something else than a wheel all the way back) I think its givin me carpal tunnel syndrome. Otherwise this vehicle is more fun to drive than my Passat.

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  dysteria - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dysteria - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This car with the 6 cylinder and the 5 speed is a blast to drive. It really goes from a stop and all the way through the rpm curve. I was also very impressed with the handling, it handled like an expensive german car (ie BMW). The quality was also outstanding.

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  Dangerous to drive - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lindagill - May 30 - 7:56 am

  The first few months headlights went out on my way home from work in the dark. Both went out at the same time. Happened again a year later. No one enjoys replacing the headlights. Sensor under the brake went out first year and second year. Was told by VW to bad you have to pay again. Car will not go into gear with out it. Learned to over ride it but dangerous to get to VW for repair. Sun roof one year leaks 250.00 plus 99.00 just to talk to VW. They have a sign when you walk in 99.00 a hour even if it does not take a hour you pay for it even if you only need a 20.00 part. Rims bad never held air in tires replaced tires over and over. To many repairs to list. Linda

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  1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT 2.0L - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sampman - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The Jetta GT is an excellent car! I have never experienced any of the problems with the alarm or sunroof, and I use them a lot, especially since warm weather has come. As for performance, I dont see why people complain, if you run it out right, it will take anything. This is the perfect car for someone who is looking to be different, but also wants to customize it. I have already put on exhaust, K & N air filters, nice 18 Rims and tires, Eibach pro-kit 1.5". Personally I have had no problems other than comfort on long road trips, but this car isnt for grandma, is it?