Volkswagen is a German company, which has been manufacturing automobiles since 1937, and became associated with German economic regeneration in the post-war period. They are the same family as Skoda, Audi, and Seat, as well as high-end makes Lambourghini and Bugatti. Volkswagen are particularly associated with the VW Beetle, one of the world's most iconic small cars and forever associated with the Swinging Sixties. Volkswagen has also produced many sedan models during the time that they have... (full review continues below)
Volkswagen is a German company, which has been manufacturing automobiles since 1937, and became associated with German economic regeneration in the post-war period. They are the same family as Skoda, Audi, and Seat, as well as high-end makes Lambourghini and Bugatti. Volkswagen are particularly associated with the VW Beetle, one of the world's most iconic small cars and forever associated with the Swinging Sixties. Volkswagen has also produced many sedan models during the time that they have been in operation - including the Type 1 and the Type 82 E. However, many of their standard sedan models have been produced in the last decade, when Volkswagen decided to widen their product range outside that of their traditional small car specialism. Recent Volkswagen sedan models include the CC, Golf, Jetta Sedan, GTI, and Passat Sedan, and several other sedans have been produced by Volkswagen owned brands.
CCs are the highest-spec recent Volkswagen sedan model. They have 4 doors and either a 2 or a 4.6 litre engine and cost around $40,000. GTIs are available in a wide range of types, including 2, 4 and 5 door, and cost between $24,000 and $30,000 new. Jetta Sedans come in at between $20,000 and $30,000, and have 4 doors and a standard 2 litre engine. Volkswagen Golfs are enduringly popular and cost between $15,000 and $25,000, and the standard model is a 2.5 litre 2 door model, although 4 and 5 door models are also available, with varying engine sizes. Finally, the Volkswagen Passat has 4 doors, and is available in engine sizes ranging from 2.5 to 3.6 litres.
Volkswagen's smaller sedan models, the Golf and the GTI, appeal to younger drivers, as well as people who are looking for a reliable car to slot into their urban lifestyle. These models are extremely popular because they are easy to drive, park and manoeuvre, and are prized for their reliability. Some younger drivers also seek them out for their acceleration and speed. Larger models are often used as family and executive cars, as well as company cars. They are often employed by families for weekend breaks and the school run, as well as commuting and a large number of other purposes.
If you can't afford a brand new car, second hand Volkswagens are very popular. It should be possible for you to find models on sale from a few hundred dollars onwards, and there are numerous second hand Volkswagen dealers that specialise in recent models. At the other end of the scale, classic Volkswagen cars are coveted by collectors. Examples from the 1960s and 1970s can cost thousands of dollars.
Volkswagen is currently developing a range of hybrid vehicles, which is expected to include sedan-style automobiles. However, none of these have been produced as yet.
In terms of competitors, large sedan cars produced by other manufacturers include the Toyota Avalon, the Ford Mondeo, as well as models produced by BMW, Rover and many others. The Volkswagen Golf and GI's main competitors include the Vauxhall Corsa, the Ford Fiesta, the Renault Clio and many more.