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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  New Beetle for the Young at Heart - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chuckw - June 17 - 10:00 am

  My only problem with the car was when it was two days old. I had an electrical problem where the windshield wipers would go on, the emergency flashers would activate, and myriad other electrical impossibilities. It took 3 weeks to get it back to me... problem; a bad ground in the headlight. Since the day I got it back, it has been problem free. I really enjoy the spirit the turbo GLX displays and only now, after two years, have come to drive it a little more sensibly. My two biggest complaints are the useless cup holders and the reception on the radio, which is really bad on the AM side.

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  4/3/02 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris Palmer - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. I cant believe how nice it is compared to the price. This has to be the best value on the planet

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  sleeper - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By bbbbb - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Car runs like a dream this is my 4th GTI and best so far. Ample power, great fun factor

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  appreciate - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jayant - June 17 - 2:00 am

  that this car is best and safest

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  Always Broke Down - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By HOLLY - June 17 - 1:30 am

  I bought my car new in 99 & was so happy for about 2 yrs. The wipers never really cleared the windshield sufficiently & the radio never picked up ANY stations. Cup holders were a joke & the emergency brake would stick when it was cold out (makes it hard to warm up a standard when you cant set the brake) Heater took too long to warm up & if the ac fan was on high forget accelerating. The brake and headlights were a constant hassle as was the O2 sensor (replaced it 3Xs & only the 2nd was covered by a recall) I had 3 breakdowns while traveling, costing thousands. Melted fuse box, blown motor, peeling interior & exterior. I cared for this car properly but always wanted to push it off a cliff!!

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  Very Happy Owner - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J. Avedikian - June 16 - 11:50 pm

  I was very suprised at how powerful the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLIs engine is a low rpms. I also have a 225 Audi TT and this sedan out performs it. The DSG transmission is amazing with lighting fast shits that no one in a manual could match. I am still not crazy about the tail lights, but everything else outweighs them. Im sure an aftermarket option will be available. I looked at the Audi A3 and felt the Jetta GLI was a better value since almost everything that was an add on in the A3 was standard or in Pacakage 2 of the Jetta. Ive owned two other Jettas and two GTIs and this GLI has everything Ive ever wanted in a VW.

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  Safest car you can buy - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Paul - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is actually the second Tiguan weve bought in 4 months. The first was totaled with a head on 45 mph crash with a vehicle twice its size. We survived because the crash cage is 3.9 times that of the federal safety standards according to the police officer. Hence when it came to a replacement, it was this, the Volvo XC60 (or if we could wait for it Saab 94X). We chose the Tiguan as its more fun to drive than the XC60, has a nice interior, and although the ride can be firm (along with the seats). It eats through the miles quickly. The interior is slightly different to the 2010 model. I prefer the old steering wheel controls and stick shift, but ipod/phone integration is a lot better.

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  07 Volkswagon Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By cindy - June 14 - 5:30 pm

  Overall, this car is satisfactory. I had an 06 Toyota Solara and traded it in for this car since it had a hard top. The sunroof, when open, is deafening even with the wind shield. Also, my car has an air leak in the window on the drivers side, but Volkswagen wont address it since it is a convertible.

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  Jetta137 - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta137 - June 14 - 11:20 am

  This is my fifth VW Jetta. This car is the best one that I have ever had. I have never had a problem with it. The Jetta GLI is nice but not reliable. It also doesnt have heated seats, armrest, and more stuff. The GLS has got EVERYTHING. Its a luxury car. The GLS is better for transportation. Right now my Jetta has 74,500 miles. It is a great car and fun to drive. You will love the GLS TURBO. What a great car!

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  New car impression - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By N HENRY - June 13 - 7:40 pm

  Came out of a Volvo turbo, and there is no comparison to the quietness, pep and comfort.