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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  Great Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Happy_Family - December 15 - 10:00 am

  A Great ride, and looks better than the Porsche. Solid feel on the road with smooth and powerfull excelleration. To many high-tech and comfort features to list....Love this SUV.

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  My Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nicholas Corbin - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For a four cylinder vehicle it has good acceleration and power. I have always loved Volkswagons my first car was a 1967 VW Bug. I feel if a car made in 1967 lasted over 30 years it is waorth another investment.

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  Passsat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JJfpagan - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent movements and great handling and confort are the best qualities of this car

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  Wolfsburg Again - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dave the VW Guy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I really do love my car. I used a seller in Watertown,Connecticut and my seller was a great guy yet when I brought the car in for its first service, the car was late in being returned, they charged $30 dollars for am oil change and they returned the car unwashed and with Seagull droppings on it.

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  My car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matthew Terry - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For the past year I have had my GLI and have loved everyday of it. This car delivers great pick up and a smooth driving experience with a comfortable interior to match.

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  Jetta Crackdown - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By trickytenor2 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Attracted by the impressive body styling, I realized i wanted a Jetta. Things only got better when i found they came with a Turbo charger. I decided on getting the leather seats too which is a definite plus. The only downside is that the service at the dealership is terrible. Also, my car keeps getting more and more rattles.

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  Excellent - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nicole Hairston - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent. The car is safe. I had an accident and it was amazing that I survived.

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  Perfect car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By miko_miko_miko - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Everything in and outside of this car is exceptional! I would tell anyone to buy this car.

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  I "Love" my New Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laurel - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is such a fun car to drive. I wanted a beetle in the 60s but was young and could not afford one. Finally got a Beetle last year after all kids had left home. I think the design of this new beetle is so much better than the original. It is Heavier and roomier and I feel much safer in it than I think I would have been in the orignal. It handles like a dream and has a smoothe ride not unlike much bigger, heavier cars. It has met my expectations many times over. I am really glad I got it. I plan to give it to my daughter as a college graduation gift, (she has wanted one for years) and then buy a new convertible beetle for me.

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  I luv tha Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Michele Pitkoff - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car . It is so comfortable to drive and fun to drive.