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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  The best car ever? - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By nonickel - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I now have 11K miles and just been through my free 10K service. I love this car. Long distances are no problem. Seats are supportive, and it can cruise at 80+ mph all day and still get close to 40mpg. With cruise set at 65 I have gotten 48mpg over a 150 mile trip. The TDI has plenty of power for passing, yet turbo lags a little off the line. My DSG has been perfect so far. Sport mode is great for around town (eliminates alot of lag). Handeling is also excellent with a great steering feel. Get the 17" rims, they are worth it. Feels as solid as my old MB. Also a great value. You cant tell its a diesel little noise and no smoke. This could be the best car ever made. No Joke!

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  Why I bought a new Jetta - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pragmatist - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Why did we buy this 2011 Jetta (SE w/Conv. and Sunroof)? Balance between content and price. Quick summary: Enough power for easy highway merges and handling a full load of passengers; Smooth driving dynamics; Sleek/current exterior; Full complement of current high tech (IPod adaptor, Bluetooth, AUX, XM radio, touchscreen audio interface, CD changer, wheel mounted audio controls); Full complement of current safety features (front/side airbags, ABS, stability control, impact beams, blinkers on side mirrors); Comfortable seats and interior— Interior pleasant to look at (I don’t touch my dashboard except when wiping dust off); Great dimensions: Overall length shorter than Audi A4 even though

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  Lot of Miles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gary McGinn - November 16 - 5:30 am

  I do a lot of trips.... me and my dog... Never have had any major issues with my Passat. After reading all this stuff I probably would have been paranoid... yah small stuff...lights, door lock, etc. Only Lexus is bullet proof... but the Passats ride quality, and fuel economy overrides that. I get an honest 30 mpg when I cruise at 65 / 70 mph. And I am in the market now for 07 model. I really looked around, Edmunds.com and all that and considered a BMW, Audi, even a Lexus SUV, but will probably go with the Passat Wagon.

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  Great New VW - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By new Jetta - November 15 - 11:53 pm

  I just purchased my first VW Jetta and it rocks, the Wolfsburg Edition is really handy with the heated seats. At first I thought I had no reason to have them until I turned them on during a cold front. I tell you, you cant have leather seats without them. The same goes for the sunroof, at first I thought Ive never had one so who cares, but now that I have used it is a great option to have. Thanks VW for the hard work in creating and evolving the Jetta for todays environment.

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  Good transportation if it runs OK! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mandys - November 15 - 9:56 pm

  I have owned this car for a while. It is an above average car to drive when it runs. All four doors have been repaired (windows, locks). All four brakes have been repaired/replaced, twice on rear. Brake light/cruise not working, etc. Too many problems to list.

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  What now - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By crr - November 15 - 6:43 pm

  This is a comfortable, efficient car. I have had no problems at all. It drives great, is comfortable and sporty. I have heated leather seats a sunroof and a great sound system. I also get about 32 mpg. My only concern is finding a 4 wheel drive car that will live up to the Jetta.

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  The greatest fun to drive car value in the world! - 2012 Volkswagen GTI
  By hpowders - November 15 - 8:43 am

  Much more fun to drive than my 2007 Porsche 911 and my 2007 328i! Excellent suspension over the bumps. Incredible acceleration with the DSG. Very comfortable drivers seat. Nice thick sport steering wheel. Wonderfully balanced ride. Not at all harsh. You want harsh? Check out the Porsche 911 with 19" wheels or the 328i with run flat tires! Terrific interior and a real looker in Candy White! The best looking hatch Ive ever seen! This car was an absolute steal at $24,000! Never had so much fun in a car! There is absolutely no justification for Porsche to charge $100,000 for the 911 when at $24,000, the GTI provides so much more fun! If you love to drive, the GTI will put a smile on your face!

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  Its a Good Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DJ Arrington - November 15 - 7:50 am

  When I first bought this car I loved... Love the vr6 with the 6-speed Manuel, its a really comfortable car... But I wish I wouldnt have bought it... Its a great car but Im not a car person... I had a 2000 pathfinder that I traded in and I really miss the utility... I have had the jetta for almost 2 years and I miss having a ton of room on the inside... Thats my only complaint... Its a great car to just roll down the Windows open the sunroof and crank up the radio and just drive... Perfect weekend car...

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  Sweeeeet! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Puzman - November 15 - 4:30 am

  I must say, I am BLOWN AWAY by the new Passat. The gas mileage on our brand new vehicle is impressive; over 28 mpg on my first commute (rural roads, interstate, city streets), and it should only get better. The power from the 2.0T motor is phenomenal, and shifts from the automatic are imperceptible. I thought Id be using the Tiptronic a lot, but I can see myself just leaving it in "D"- its that good. I cant see why anyone would need the 3.6 unless theyre hauling a trailer. The cabin is quiet and VERY comfortable - the leatherette is practically indistinguishable from the real thing. The Passat 2.0T is just the ticket for families that want performance, safety, and room without the thirst of an SUV.

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  Best in Class - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chicago - November 14 - 7:10 pm

  I reviewed quite a few cars in this segment, including the Acura TL, Honda Accord, Nissans, and Toyotas. For the price and the amount of features I was sold on this.