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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  09 Tiguan is a great car, Buy It Now! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dorth - May 28 - 11:33 am

  Ive been eying up this vehicle since I first heard about it back in March. In my opinion this is the best designed vehicle in its class although I do feel its price tag is slightly above what it should be. The Tiguan overall performs great and has a lot more room than it might appear from the outside. Im very happy with this car!

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  Used Passat Purchase - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike meltzer - May 28 - 11:30 am

  This car is a certified used vehicle and so far has been excellent in handling and ride. The seats could be more plush though.

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  Love this car - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By Dietrich - May 27 - 2:30 am

  I have put 15,000 miles on the car. Its thrill to ride. Acceleration is great; cant imagine what the turbo would feel like! I experienced a strange sound from rear wheel; dealer clean caliper and disc; hopefully thats the fix. Otherwise no problems. I dont know why Edmunds feels the controls are difficult. I like them as they are.

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  A great car for the price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gary - May 26 - 3:13 am

  I have around 6500 miles on the car and would unquestionably buy it again if I was in that position. I drove several cars in the same price range and I was unimpressed with most, as soon as I sat in the VW I knew Id like but driving it sold me instantly. If you are in the market make sure you drive this car before buying another! Feels solid, nimble and powerful compared to its opposition.

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  Buy Something Else - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By NoMoreVWs - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but PROBLEMS and expensive maintenance. Serious problems: engine coils failed (recall), replaced a power window motor in 1st yr, computer problems at 20k, $800 brake caliper at 45k (dealer couldnt believe it - "very rare"), check engine light at 60k - dealer said we might have to replace the engine!. Fit and finish problems included loss of interior molding over curtain airbag and broken trunck latch, armrest and cup holders due to flimsy contruction. Simple light bulb replacement for A/C panel - dealer suggests not to fix due to cost of removing dashboard!

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  passat wagon gls automatic - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By doug finch - May 26 - 2:00 am

  this is my 6th VW, my 2nd Passat. They truly know how to build cars.

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  Solid performer - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Roger Bamfree - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Getting behild the wheel of the dealers Passat was a revelation. Precise handling, surging acceleration, responsive controls, firm yet comfortable seating, good visibility. A sensational car for the price.

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  A - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ttocsffej1 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Lost my 2003 Passat GL "commuter" in a rear-ender. Bought my 3rd Passat in 5 months! I was hooked from the moment I turned the key. This car is SO MUCH MORE than just an engine upgrade. It drives entirely unlike any other Passat. Tiptronic tranny is annoying in its refusal to upshift at low speeds while crawling in traffic. But the W-8 engine is stunning and has grown stronger in the last 2,000 miles. The price--AMAZING. My dealer was BEYOND anxious to get rid of it. My black/black with sport package was a new "demo" with just 1400 miles on it. I paid just $31,000!! (They even threw in tinted windows to close the deal.)

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  this is not my 74 bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ripper - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The only car that I have owned that can compair to the performence that this little rocket has is my Mustang GT but with 31 mpg

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  HEAD TURNER WITH FLAWS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By shelter - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The V.W. sundown orange attracts lots of attention,all positive from both sexes. The ride is very hard and the level and frequency of noise and rattles is excessive and annoying. Most of the rattles etc eminates from the door-body area.as well as the convertible top. In spite of the noise and ride it is fun to drive.