Golf
While this version is the fourth generation of the car that replaced the Beetle in Volkswagen's model lineup, it is only the third generation in North America known as the Golf; the original version was the Rabbit. The Golf—which takes its name from the German word Golfstrom, meaning Gulf Stream—is one of what was once a rare species in the American market that is making a comeback: the hatchback. The Golf has been the most popular compact car in Europe for more than 20 years, and has helped make Volkswagen the best-selling European import brand in the U.S. |  |
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GTI
It's been 20 years since the first GTI arrived in the U.S., and in 1990 the one-millionth GTI was produced. Initially a trim of the Rabbit, this fourth-generation GTI is built on the current Golf platform, which is also shared with the New Beetle. Production of the GTI moved from Mexico to Germany for 1999. |  |
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Jetta
The Jetta was introduced in the mid-'80s as a slightly upscale version of the Rabbit hatchback. Volkswagen's bestseller in the U.S. is essentially a Golf hatchback fitted with a trunk. The fourth generation of the Jetta was introduced for the 1999 model year, helping Volkswagen to continue setting U.S. sales records and becoming the best selling European nameplate sold in the U.S. |  |
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Jetta Wagon
The Jetta was introduced in the mid-'80s as a slightly upscale version of the Rabbit hatchback. Volkswagen's bestseller in the U.S. is essentially a Golf hatchback fitted with a trunk. The fourth generation of the Jetta was introduced for the 1999 model year, helping Volkswagen to continue setting U.S. sales records and becoming the best selling European nameplate sold in the U.S. The Jetta Wagon was added to the Jetta lineup in the U.S. for 2001.
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Beetle
Seven years ago Volkswagen showed a design study called the Concept 1 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the response was overwhelming. The final rendition of that design study was introduced at the 1998 Detroit show as the New Beetle. While reminiscent of the original Beetle, of which more than 20 million have been sold, there are no shared parts between the original and the new model. Featuring a front-engine, front-wheel-drive design, the New Beetle has all the modern amenities that its predecessor lacked. |  |
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Passat
The first Passat, introduced in 1974, marked a radical departure for Volkswagen: it was a front-wheel-drive sedan powered by a water-cooled engine. Another radical departure took place for the 1998 model year with a completely new Passat. The current Passat (which refers to a European wind) is slightly larger than its predecessor, and features stylish eye-catching lines. Since its redesign, Passat sales have climbed more than 150 percent. |  |
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Passat Wagon
The Volkswagen Passat Wagon was first introduced to America in 1990 as successor to the midsize Quantum wagon. In the fall of 1997, the all-new 1998 Passat sedan went on sale, and was joined by the wagon last year. The current Passat Wagon (Passat refers to a European wind) is slightly larger than its predecessor, and shares the sedan's stylish, eye-catching lines. The Passat Wagon moved up scale in 2002 with the introduction of the high-end W8. |  |
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Phaeton
The Phaeton represents Volkswagens first foray into the luxury car marketplace. Already on sale in Europe, the Phaeton is produced at an all-new facility in Dresden, Germany. While in the past Volkswagen customers that wanted a luxury car went to the companys luxury brand Audi, VW execs believe the Phaeton will appeal to those drivers who want an "unpretentious" luxury ride. |  |
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Touareg
The Touareg is Volkswagens entry into the SUV segment, sharing a platform with the Porsche Cayenne. The Touareg offers German luxury, exceptional road performance, and excellent off-road capability. |  |
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