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 German Sherman - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mikecnz - September 4 - 2:10 am

  What a fabulous vehicle! I have a 3.2L V6 fully loaded in Light Blue and Gray interior. Without question this is the best handling SUV on the road and one of the most comfortable to drive on or off. Ive thrown this new vehilce around all kinds of corners and it just keeps on sticking. The V6 engine is slightly underpowered during uphill acceleration at 240 HP but this will be upgraded for 07 to 280 HP. Its gas mileage is well... very SUV. It has an annoying wheel balance/alignment issue which the dealership says shouldnt be fixed under 6,000 miles to avoid future problems. Otherwise this truck is perfect.

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  Think Twice - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Disgruntled Admirer - September 4 - 2:00 am

  My cars "control module" (read: brain) malfunctioned about 5 months into my purchase and I was quickly enmeshed in the most bitter customer service battle of my life. The car was cutting out on hills (a problem in San Francisco) and I was made to feel like a hysterical idiot because the dealer (not Lithia) could not diagnose the problem. They promised to pay all my rental car costs (about 5 weeks worth) but only paid for a fracion in the end. Also: other cruise control stopped working, window failed and consistent rattle (from shoddy finish and the vibration from the deisel). Also, the felt-type upholstery is a lint magnet.

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  Junk in the Trunk - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By Muligan - September 4 - 2:00 am

  People... Save yourselves! I went with a VW Golf because of their historically good track record. Let me tell you, history did not repeat itself here. The dealership I purchased the Golf from forgot to install a block heater (which is required for our cold winters). I have had the radio replaced twice, difficulties with the windshield wipers hoses, passenger window falls, heater fan replaced, and most recently the airbag indicator light has malfunctioned. Not only has the car been a piece but the dealership I have had to deal with has been very difficult. I think that car sales are boosted by a clever marketting scheme.

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  AWESOME vehicle for price and safety. - 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By darwinsti69 - September 3 - 9:31 pm

  The car is amazing, and as long as you keep all maintanance up, like all of us should, it will run forever!!! This was my dream car from 11th grade and I finally had a chance to get it and BAM!! Many hours of cruising at the beach, to Kentucy and on to Phillidelphia and back home to NC. Gas mileage was great! I would reccommend this vehicle over and over, just be aware, regular maintanence is important no matter what vehicle you own. You go to the Dr when you need a checkup, take your car regularly too:-)

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  6 months on and still have build quality issues - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bobgoblin - September 3 - 4:27 am

  If youre not driving on a newly paved road the ride is appalling thanks to the old-timey torsion beam rear axel. Mine was even worse thanks to VW not installing the rear shocks properly. VW claimed thats just how the car road and refused to even look at it. I had to take it to my body shop guy who found the problem. The windsheild cracked at 500 miles when I hit a pothole & I had to get my lawyer involved to fix that since VW initially refused. Constant stalling problem which took VW a month to track down: stuck fuel pressure release valve. Is a 6-speed transmission that came with a 5-speed gearshift: it took a month to convince someone at VW why that was incorrect. etc.

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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By timinwi - September 1 - 6:04 pm

  I traded my Buick LaCrosse for this car because I wanted a convertible; so it was quite the change for me but Ive really enjoyed driving my EOS. It is not really a sporty car in the sense that it can take tight curves at high speed like say, a Mazda Miata, but more like a sporty cruiser. No mechanical issues to speak of yet, so maybe I have lucked out compared to some of the other reviews written here. I chose a mechanic who is independent and focuses totally on foreign cars and the car checked out well. I think this car is a great value for what you get especially the moving hardtop which are typically on higher priced vehicles.

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  WOW! Didnt Expect This From a VW! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chop - September 1 - 9:06 am

  This is my first VW; was searching Mercedes when I came across this. I bought mine certified Off-lease. The dealers seem to have a hard time keeping these on their lots; now I know why. Ive owned Lexus and BMW. This ranks right up there, lacking a few luxury features, like full power memory seats, rain sensing wind shield wipers, etc. Drives like a beemer but with a smoother tranny. Great styling turns a lot of heads. Spacious comfortable ride. Exceptional gas mileage compared to competitive class size. Needs stronger AC, better cup holders and improved wind noise, but should expect this from a German car. This is a lot of car for the money. Very fun to drive.

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  LOVE this car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By NJ Mom - September 1 - 12:33 am

  This is my third Volkswagon since 1998, the previous two being Jettas. I think the 2006 Volkswagen Passat Value Edition is a fantastic car. Its solid, has a nice design, and I feel almost well-to-do driving it. It has a lot of speed for an automatic...I could not believe the take off on the highway. It also has a ton of room and really attractive little features.

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  Im a believer! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Bossanova - August 31 - 10:16 pm

  When it was time to trade in my old car (a 95), I looked at nearly all of the cars in the $15-20K market. Drove the Mazda3, Vibe, Versa, Matrix, Civic, xD... they all kind of felt the same. I had resigned myself to a functional compact with few features that I could "make do" with; then I drove the Rabbit. WHOA - it was like finding religion. There is absolutely no car in this class that is nearly as fun to drive. Plus even the base model is packed with extras. The interior is refined with quality materials. I got the 2-door 5-speed manual and I love it. Ive never owned a VW before, but the Rabbit has definitely made me a believer.

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  I am sold on this Tiguan!! - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Beth - August 31 - 6:03 pm

  I loved my 2001 Jetta with almost 190,000 miles on it, but had trouble getting out of my long and very h illy driveway when it snowed. I made up my mind I needed fwd, but didnt want to let go of my Jetta. That decision was made for me when I was rear-ended in February and the Jetta was totaled. I wanted to stay with VW as I love their turbo engine. I found a 2017 Tiguan SEL fwd with 6,000 miles on it. Basically a new car at a used car price! I love this SUV - going up the gravel drive is already much better and cant wait wait for the snow and ice. The small cargo area does not bother me as that was low on my list but am pleasantly surprised at the back seat room. Love the cornering lights, the rain sensor windshield wipers, the automatic headlights, and heated seats. The control layout is great and of course the fuel injection turbo is awesome. Good thing I didnt heed the bad reviews, its a great vehicle!