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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  Poor Mans BMW - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dmoore - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2001 and have no major problems. I also drove it across country and it handled like a dream. I did have to have new brakes at 15,000 miles which I thought was too soon, but other than that this car is fantastic! I have had a previous VW so if you are going to purchase one the extended warranty is a must. VW is expensive to repair, but the quality and style is worth it. RESEARCH the car prior to purchasing it. The cloth collects tons of dust and hair, thats why I bought leather. Ask people who own VW for opions then make a decision.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwfan2004 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned my Passat for a couple weeks but I love it. It is such a smooth ride it is amazing. Also the exterior of the car is great, one of the best looking on the road. I love the interior, leather etc. I made a great choice and will probably be looking at buying another after this one!

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  DA GREATEST - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LANA DAY - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR..ITS THE GREATEST AND MOST RELIABLE CAR IN THE WORLD!

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  Great Hatchback - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Great Hatch - April 5 - 4:36 am

  For $15,000 how can you go wrong? I sell cars and I learn a lot in the business when it comes down to the fit and finish of a car. Besides the Honda Fit, this is the best bang for your buck. The power is untouched by any of the competition. Most cars in this segment have 110 HP. When it comes down to the interior quality build, you have a car with high quality material and of course a lot of features you would have to pay more for in other cars. This is the best $15,000 brand new car you can have. The only downside is the gas mileage, but who really cars when you compare the fun factor of a 150 hp car to a 110 hp car. Get one.

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  Great Car - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By belaircarguy - April 5 - 12:24 am

  Traded my 2009 Jetta for a manual (5 speed) Passat SE. Car is well built, good visibility, and quite on the highway. I would say the ride is medium firm, as compared to the Jetta, which was firm. Seats are very comfortable for long trips, with no backaches after a 3-4 hour journey. Huge trunk, and giant backseat with loads of room.

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  I Love My Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sandy - April 4 - 9:23 am

  I car shopped for five months looking at fuel economy and performance. I couldnt be happier with my choice. It has so much pep for a 4-cylinder and yet the gas mileage is unbelievable. I will have this car for a long time! I cant for see me owning anything other than a VW TDI!

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  Rekindled a lost love - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Sean - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned VW most of my life and when I turned 40 thought I could do better and bought a BMW. Mistake. Always loved the CC and returned to VW. Love the look and the stares that it attracts. Very nimble, and responsive on the road (almost as good as the BMW). Very quiet interior, adore the design of the seats and the dash. Took some getting used to the DSG and reverse.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By My favorite! - March 31 - 10:13 pm

  I was a little worried getting into this car because of the reviews about the not so sporty steering, I disagree a whole lot! Its so much more fun then then the chrysler sebring hardtop or Pontiac G6 hartop! My favorite features are the great sound system and the HUGE sunroof with pop up wind blocker. For the money its worth it! I live in Michigan and i must say it turns heads, i love seeing the people in awe when i bold off the line! Also i get 25 mpg in mixed driving! The other day i had the sunroof open and i was doing 100 on the highway and it felt and sounded like 65! If you can live without 5 seats and a smaller trunk this car is perfect for You.

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  Not the worst car on the road - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By weezy23 - March 31 - 12:02 am

  I was skeptical at first when I test drove the Passat TDI. BMW/Audi/Mercedes all offer diesels, but not one of them will mate it to a manual transmission (at least here in the colonies). That is a key selling point to me, so VW won my bid. I do get people telling me to check on my engine, because it sounds a little rough, then I tell them its a diesel, its supposed to sound like that, then they go in for a closer inspection and see the stick and generally get surprised. The cabin does tend to get a little loud on the freeway, the bluetooth is iffy, at best and I cant have a sunroof with a manual trans. Small price to pay for that gas milage, so I dont really complain much

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  Whoa! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By NewnanR32 - March 30 - 9:16 am

  I have had my R32 for 4 days now. I had previously owned a 1995 Jetta VR6. I knew what to expect with the power and performance. However I had no idea how smooth and precise the DSG was until my First Road Trip - from Detroit to Atlanta (750 miles). I learned that "S" means See Ya later! I was comfortable and enjoy the drive. Unbelievable handling and acceleration! This vehicle is low key and stays under the "Radar" with police. I look forward to adding a Cool Air Intake in the coming weeks to help with gas mileage and possibly more.