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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  Family Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mattihas Frontzek - November 1 - 12:30 am

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  best car I ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By walter oechsle - October 31 - 7:03 pm

  I have owned many luxury and sports cars over the last 20 years. The Phaeton is clearly the best by a substantial margin. The fact that it carries the VW badge should not be a deterrent for true car lovers and afficionados.

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  One great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By B Bortz - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is terrific. From its subtly attractive styling to its luxurious interior and its lively performance, this is an all-around winner. It is also a great value, as it gives you truly upscale amenities at a just- above-average price. VW had a problem this model year with the standard Bosch ignition coils, which the company replaced under recall. Other than that, my experience has been trouble-free, and I still get comments on how nice this car is inside and out. Oh, one more thing - the back seat is roomier than larger, more expensive cars from Japan, Europe and the U.S., and the trunk is very large and usable. All in all, I would but this car again

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  The Touraeg deserves a serious look - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Touraeg Fan - October 31 - 10:00 am

  VW has really built a wonderful vehicle with the Touraeg. The ride, noise level (or lack thereof), interior layout, easy to read gauges and thoughtfull "extras" are outstanding. Its 4 wheel capabilities are awsome. We recently had it on a long road trip and found that the ride and handling were so good we were not nearly as tired, etc. from a long day of driving. Overall we love this car.

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  Niggles - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Captain Bob - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with the Touareg, although I still havent figured out why VW have adopted the curious pronunciation of the name for the US market. Complaints: After less than 3000 miles the "step up" motor needed replacing (diff. problem) didnt they launch this car in Europe some time ago? Why are there still problems? 2nd key should set the drivers seat to the 2nd driverÂ’s position, it doesnt. 7 months later one of the largest automakers is "working on it." Sure! The Homelink is impossible to program, same answer. The windshield mists up if the inside and outside temps are too disparate. Why on earth isnt the diesel going to be available in CA?

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  Passat Wagon GLS - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry Streeter - October 31 - 10:00 am

  All around best new vehicle purchased. Very satisfied. Makes driving in traffic less stressfull. A good solid ride and feel. No question best options for the price.

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  Jetta: so far, so good - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kittydad - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Fuel economy (mostly smaller town and highway) averages mid to high 40s in winter, to 49-53 mpg in summer. Fuel economy appears to be 5-10% higher this year than last year, when car was new. Recent trip from Tulsa, OK to mid-KY used 13.3 gallons of fuel for the whole trip of 750 miles (= 57 mpg) at 70-75 mph, with air conditioning. Back seat needs a little more foot room (has about 5 inches less than our Corolla); its my understanding that new Jetta has a little more foot room due to slightly longer wheelbase. No sign yet of reported problems with power accessories. So far, would recommend this car (2003 model) highly.

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  Best car nowadays! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nadia - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the Jetta, I have been very happy with it. The drive is fun and fast, the handling is excellent, and the diesel noise is not bad at all.

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  too new - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D9 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I know its too soon to rate this car. I only have 1000 miles on it in the first week-and-a-half. I wont give it all the praises of an awesome car. It is a good car. The only reason to purchase this car is for the diesel fuel economy. Back and forth to work (combined driving) for me it gets 48- 50 mpg with the windows and sunroof open. This creates some drag which would affect the mileage. On the highway it gets a solid 60 mpg on the first try at under 200 miles on it. If it continues to do as well as it breaks in I will be pleased. Gobbs of torque, merging and uphill climbs in fifth gear. Not as nice as my Passat, but $5000 less.

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  Orange you a fun car? - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bob Twofifty - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car a month. It is a fun car to drive, and gets noticed. I ordered the Sundown Orange and it reminds me of a little hot rod. I had read reviews that the car was underpowered, but I have had no problems with pick-up or top end speed. All of the controls are well marked and easily operated. The GLS comes standard with alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, cloth interior and cassette deck. I added heated seats and a 6 disc player in the console and still paid under list. Ive owned a lot of cars, both foreign and domestic and barring a major catastrophy, this is the best car Ive ever owned.