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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  Get the 6Cyl. Engine - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BigMikeR - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far for the money. If I could do it over I would opt for the 6 cyl. or W8 or TDI. 4 cyl gas strains a little until the turbo kicks in. typical 4 cyl. engine noise.

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  would not buy another one - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By hulk - May 13 - 10:00 am

  would not buy another one,problem with computer keys,leather covered material,leather comes off,had to pay 75.00 for two windshild wippers,mind you just the wippers,seems like everything cost you more on this car.

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  diesel jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By larry kean - May 13 - 10:00 am

  great gas mileage, handles well, comfortable, dependable, surprising power and acceleration with the 5- speed.

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  I love my 2004 R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By dpod4 - May 12 - 9:18 pm

  I bought my R32 brand new in 2004 after test driving much more expensive cars. Nothing compared. I have owned my car 8 years. I have pampered it (garaged in the winter, park it like it is a Ferrari, etc) and it looks brand new (kudos to VW for the Tornado Red paint holding up like it is showroom condition 8 years later). I have not had one problem with it -- most trouble free car I have owned (compared to more expensive cars I have owned from BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, Acura). And, more than any car (Lexus SC400 comes in a close second, and Toyota MR2 a distant third), this BY FAR is the most fun car I have owned. Hard to describe, but 8 years later, I am more elated than day bought.

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  I love my little car! - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By Diesel Snob - May 12 - 2:33 pm

  I love this little car! My brother talked me into a TDI (he has a Jetta). I get better mpg than my buddys Prius, and a better looking car. Build quality is excellent. Attention to detail inside is unreal compared to US/Japan cars, like the tiny sun visor above the rear-view mirror. Only problems Ive had: plastic window clips loosened up, had to replace MAF sensor when I upgraded the turbo, which I did in an afternoon on my own. Other than oil and tires, it just keeps chugging along. I love the heated seats, a must with a TDI in the winter. I drove from Indy to Virginia on one tank! I love the look on peoples faces when I tell them about my 49mpg in town.

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  Passat Wagen 1.8T - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ken Krigbaum - May 11 - 2:50 pm

  To be fair, I have not had the Passat that long (2 months). It currently has 7,600 miles, mostly highway miles. So far, I have been impressed. I generally trade cars every year, and I usually buy Toyotas. I still dont think anyone matches Toyota for quality, value, reliability, etc., which begs the question, "Why a VW?" Well, to put it simply, its "the ride." It is a drivers car at a great price. To be sure, this is a touring car, and that is where it shines. At 80+mph, its "at home" getting 40 mpg or better. In the city, its performance is a bit lurchy. In traffic, the turbo isnt a great match.

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  TDI-PD - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By richmond20657 - May 11 - 2:40 pm

  Excellent car excellent fuel mileage and suprising performance from a 100hp motor.the only thing i would have improved is interior noises and rear leg room handles great and the leather heated seats w/cold package are really comfortable its a buy

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  Touareg V8 - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Vermonter - May 11 - 1:56 pm

  At first I was hesitant to buy this car because of poor ratings for the 04 model. Im glad I did. It gets better gas mileage (18 mpg) than the 02 Explorer, had every possible option, sounds outstanding when hitting the gas, and the stereo with navigation is close to what I have in my house. This car drives like the Porsche for about 15K less cash. Excellent capability this winter in the snow, excellent handling.

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  Perfect blend - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SUVW - May 11 - 1:33 pm

  I bought one of the first ever. I love the interior, the solidity, and aside from some minor problems, the ride.

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  FahrFromMovin - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By B.F. of Long Beach - May 11 - 12:03 pm

  I am utterly frustrated with my car. It has had a repeated problem of engine light issues. The turbo had to be replaced, and then it was realized most of the engine oil was stuck in the turbo inter-cooler. I have been to the dealer 6 times since December 2004 - April 2005. My Air-Sensor has been replaced multiple times. I worry each day if I will be hanging out with my service representatives, whom I know all by first name.