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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  Just a fun little car! - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cailin - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This 98 Jetta is my first ever car. As I purchased this vehicle "late in life", and did not drive at all until a year ago, I dont have anything to compare this car to. BUT, it is fun to drive and definitely has a lot of pep. Not the best on gas mileage, but then I dont drive to work, and mine does have 6 cylinders (Vroom-vroom!). Parts can be pricy, so its good that VWs have a good reliability rating. I bought this car used and had I done more research, would have preferred a new (w/warranty) car. A good, solid (and well-sealed) car.

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  03 Golf - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By pete63 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  After coming out of an 01 Honda Civic I must say that the Golf is a much better value. I had always liked VWs but never owned one. I test drove the Golf and Jetta. Both were awesome cars. For the price VW loads the options on. The only thing that VW could improve is the gas mileage.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By dwp121 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  we bought in 10/03...love it. never had an SUV previously because felt too much like a truck. very comfortable, great ride.

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  Great Birthday Gift - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason - March 29 - 3:10 am

  I have had my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta for about a week now and just love it. Previously having a VW, I knew that I was getting in to something worth my while. The 1.8T engine and manual tranny are near perfect. The premium sound system sounds great. Overall, this car is perfect if you want performance (0-60 in 8.2 sec), good gas milage (25/31), and a a reliable nameplate in Volkswagen. I definitely recommend this car, its a lot of fun!

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  Awesome bug! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By paw - March 29 - 2:43 am

  This is an awesome car. Yes it has itsmoments, like trying to figure out the additive ratio for the diesel in the winter. Once that was done--that was all that was needed. As for being economical--well I get 550-700 miles on a tank of fuel. I have nothing else to say!

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  Another Great VW - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hambonevw3 - March 29 - 1:03 am

  I have owned VWs for the past 10 years and I must say VW out did itself with the 2007 Passat. Although the interior is not as flashy as the Toyota Camry it is simply and functional and yet classy. The 2.0T engine with the automatic transmission gives you more than enough power when you need it. The electronic steering gives you stability and no steering jar even when driving over the roughest roads. It has a smooth ride and minimal wind noise. Its rear seat room is overwhelming when compared to previous year Passats and its 60/40 rear folding seats are a plus. The price ($27,300) compared to other competitors like Camry and Accord was in my opinion and value when comparing all of the features, like the sunroof and heated seats.

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  Would Buy Again - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DriverBob - March 28 - 8:53 pm

  I have had this car for 18,000 plus miles so far. It has had only oil changes and tire rotations, no issues whatsoever. I get good gas mileage; 28/33 mpg, but the premium fuel hurts during the summer. People love the styling. I like the driving.

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  A Rabbit in Wolfsburg Clothing - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By AZboarder - March 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I own several German vehicles. When it comes to transporting our baby and her gear or assaulting the slopes to snowboard or trekking to the left coast to surf our W8 does it solidly and confidently. And by the way, this thing launches and screams to redline!!!

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  My first VW - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI_at_NCR - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The GTI GLX is as sporty and luxurious as you will find for the price. The VR6 engine is powerful even when carting around four adults, but the transmission needs some improvement. I think the handling in this car is very good and the ride is stiff. I have serious complaints about the power window regulators. Both of mine snapped causing the windows to fall into the door panel, luckily this happened on good weather days. I was later told by the service manager at my local VW dealership that this is a widespread problem with all 2000 GTIs. Bottom line: This car is definitely a good value.

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  Perfect car - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Mac Daddy - March 28 - 10:00 am

  My x had a 1997 Cabrio,nice!!! I purchased a 2002 one and the best VW yet.