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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  love the VW - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mpsmith - March 23 - 6:08 am

  I have a 2008 vw jetta se. Love it, I also have a jeep but I needed a econ car. It was the only cheap good on gas car that I found that felt better then a wong tong box. It has nice features, heated seats, outside mirrors heated and power, pleather ;), the paint looks way better then my friends hondas or toyota after almost 4 years. I never have anything wrong with it. Its way faster then the competition in its class too, not even close. Drives 80 all day long on the freeway for 4 hours straight I never need to get out and stretch. Has safety and dummie lights for everything, even if you have a tail light out, love that. Full size spare and a HUGE truck, seriously I put my road bike in there

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  Excellent design; OK execution - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By BradyCLT - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the driving dynamics of the car; all aspects of its design related to the driving experience are excellent (powertrain, suspension, brakes, etc). However, after owning a long series of Japanese cars Im disappointed in the interior build quality. At only 5K miles I have multiple squeaks/rattles in the dash and center console and a rarely used leather seat with a seam coming undone. Really tarnishes the ownership experience of an otherwise excellent car.

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  Purchased for my wife - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bruce - March 20 - 12:46 am

  I had just purchased a 08 Passat when I found out about the CC. The pictures do not do it justice. I was having my sons Rabbit serviced when the first CCs arrived. I just had to have one ended up trading in my wifes 06Bug and gave her the 08Passat. VW hit this one out of the Ball Park! Most people confuse it for the CLS the looks I get are just like when the new Beetle came out. Do yourself a favor and test drive one you wont be disappointed

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sawdust - March 18 - 3:03 pm

  This car is fun to drive. Responsive steering and handles well. Our car has 8 airbags and feels very safe. You feel like you are riding in a very expensive car. Pick up is slower than my other gas powered 6 cylinder car but not bad. You do not notice you are driving fast at highway speeds. The diesel engine is quiet. Only wish the car was a bit larger with a little more cargo space. average 40 mpg!

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  AS Fun As They Come - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By sal568 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for about a year now. It is just a ball to drive in any conditions. Power is great at stock levels[180} but chip it and now you can get real scary power in the low to mid range where it really shows its muscles. Imola Yellow color gets the looks [Cops too!!] but what a cool ride.

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  WORTH A DOUBLE TAKE - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SLIMFLAQUITA - March 18 - 10:00 am

  VOLKSWAGEN HAS REALLY HIT THE SPOT WITH THIS CAR. I OWN ANOTHER JETTA, BUT THAT ONE CANNOT COMPARE TO THE GLI 1.8T! I WAS HAVING MY CAR SERVICED, AND I COULD NOT HELP BUT TO NOTICE THIS BLUE LAGOON JETTA. I SAID TO MYSELF I HAVE GOTTA BUY THAT CAR; AND I DID! I LOVE THE BLUE LAGOON EXTERIOR, IT IS DIFFERENT, AND THE CAR TURNS HEADS. I MEAN EVERYONE JUST LOOKS, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE ON THE ROAD LIKE. I DO NOT DRIVE FAST, BUT IN THIS CAR YOU CANNOT HELP. WITH THE 1.8T ENGINE, IT JUST ZOOMS PAST PEOPLE WHO ARE DROOLING OVER THE CAR. (

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  fine tuned machine - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By john and christina - March 17 - 3:34 am

  bought this car2007 with 74,000 miles on it. in ten years, we have now nearly 250,000 miles. what a great and reliable auto! runs like a well oiled machine with plenty of power and pick up when needed. all around great car with awesome mileage.

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  Very Safe little car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Angelle - March 16 - 12:25 pm

  I owned a 2003 VW Jetta and as it did have a few things go wrong, just make sure you listen to the "dummy" lights on the dash. My brake lights had come on and i blew it off thinking its probably nothing until i pulled up to a stop sign and they didnt engage until it was too late. I ended up losing control of the car on a gravel road and rolled it in the ditch. However im definitely not here to say anything bad about this vehicle. I rolled it mulpitle times and walked away from the accident with nothing but a scratch from the airbags deploying and a little whiplash... the seatbelt saved my life and didnt hurt me in anyway. The windsheild was completely smashed in but considering it was made of safety glass made not to shatter it bent in and spit very little glass. My side windows were broke out and the front of my car completely smashed and the car was totaled. I was definitely protected by this Jetta i hope to have another someday. I am 17 and would 100% recomend this car to any and everyone. From a beginner car to a senior citizen! Loved this car!

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  All around great car. - 2005 Volkswagen GTI
  By Robert - March 16 - 3:23 am

  This is the 8th VW Ive owned and one of the best. Fun to drive, good style and better interior than just about anything on the road with the exception of Mercedes or BMW. I have 18k miles of my car and not one problem at all and I dont plan on it. My father has a New Beetle with 195k miles on it and no issues, starts on the first crank and burns no oil. You can not go wrong with buying a VW. The 1.8T motor is perfect for this car, lots of low end torque, something Honda would have no idea about. and high end power from its 5V per cylinder and turbo. This car is easy to modify also a chip and intake on this car can send you well over 240 foot lbs of torque at the wheels and over 185 Wheel HP.

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  Im All for It - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MICHELLE HARTER - March 15 - 3:36 pm

  When I saw pictures of the new Jetta i was not impressed at all but when it got to my local dealership this car was my salesman introduced this car to me I fell in love instantly and I traded in my old Jetta (2003) that day. Im glad that the Jetta sort of grew up.