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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  Good car overall - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By benj - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a great one with some minor flaws that would greatly inhance it. The seats are so uncomfortable, no rear seat room, drink holder gets in the way of the radio. I love my car but, VW needs to revamp the Jettas design totally and add a little more luxurious features to it.

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  It is so much fun - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By heclinder - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had more powerful and bigger cars but none that are more fun. Last summer, I traded in my 1998 Maxima SE for a Jetta, Wolfsburg edition. It was a great decision. The drive of the Jetta is so responsive, tight and perky. My favorite car previous to this one was my 1998 Jetta. This has many more creature comforts but what a car and what a drive!

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  This Car Rocks!! - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By apl123 - November 21 - 6:42 pm

  The Lease on my wifes Rav 4 was coming up so we finally decided on the Tiguan. I neve owned a VW and I have to say that this car to me and my wife is far superior in quality, fit and finish, acceleration, style, overall feel, than the Rav 4. Yes we did sacrifice some trunk space but kids are grown so it didnt matter. The passing power is like a 6 cylinder and really moves thanks to the Turbo and More importantly the 6 speed transmission which is not offered by most of the competition.We got the S 4 Motion and the Standard Equipment was more than Japanese cars offer,Blue tooth,aluminum wheels and privacy Glass to name a few. The interior is gorgeous!! My wife loves it, happy wife happy life

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  38k miles does not lie - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger - November 21 - 10:46 am

  In 6 months I realized how poorly designed it is and you get real concerned about the long term reliability of this vehicle. When you get into the drivers seat, you will always have to dodge the side bolsters. The cars ventilation system makes clicking sounds and this is normal according to VW. My car since the purchase date sometimes refuses to turn over when started, nothing wrong that VW could find. Trunk release does not open in cold weather. If you want an oil change, either buy your own filters or go back to the dealer, nobody stocks them. Gas fuel door was replaced under warranty as well as rear fender clip that holds bumper in place.

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  Fun - but Expensive to maintain - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By Eric Hemmendinger - November 20 - 8:20 pm

  Had the car for 4 years, and have about 80K miles on it. Its a pleasure to drive - when everything is working correctly - and thats the issue. Ive had to replace the steering column lock, have the heads cleaned, and several other lesser items - but these are things that should not crop up until the car has well over 100K miles. So.. Its expensive to maintain. Ive also learned that its fragile. I put it into a snow bank at the bottom of the driveway - going about 8 miles/hour. the damages are in excess of $4K. To me that means its fragile. Ive enjoyed driving it, but am about to replace it in order to obtain a more cost-effective vehicle.

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  Well, I Wanted to like this Car... - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By MikeR - November 19 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my GTI in June, and I have had nothing but issues with it. The airbag light keeps coming on, which the dealer fixed twice. With the sunroof open, and the windows up, it sounds like a machine gun is being fired in the car...the wind noise is so loud, it is useless to even drive this way. The torque is nice to have down low, but on the highway, I have nothing left in the top end. I wish it had a little more REAL power up top. Also, the car makes a strange metal tapping/rattling noise up front somewhere, and the center dash rattles. All and all, this is what I have come to expect from VW, which is bells, whistles and a whole lot of buyers remorse.

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  base model but still upscale - 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By jbaril - November 19 - 4:22 am

  I am leasing a 15 S 4Motion; the only options are heated seats, Monster Mats and wheel locks. Even though its the "old" 2.0 Turbo engine, theres plenty of kick and I love playing with the manual shift feature of the 6-speed automatic. Im a fan of German cars in general and have owned at least 10 VWs, so am a bit biased too, but I do feel a bit special on the road in the company of so many ubiquitous CRVs, RAV-4s, Equinoxes, etc. The only other crossover I even considered was the Mazda CX-5, which is neat but which cant match the Tiguans performance. Plus there are great deals to be had now. Its comfortable and unusual in a sea of sameness.

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  Love it! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neil - November 18 - 8:43 pm

  Just bought the 2007 Passat Wolfsburg edition and we love it. I take my time when purchasing vehicles and the price/quality of the Passat Wolfsburg just plain beat out the competition! German engineering made the difference. Plus, only 6000 Wolfsburg are going to be made which is nice. Compare this vehicles options with the Japanese versions and they dont compare for the price. A great family sedan with nice features - if you can find one left, get it!

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  I am not sure this is really a VW! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By mowgli - November 18 - 1:30 pm

  drives great. The AWD car has wonderful road feel. The car is comfortable. Its unique, you do not see yourself coming and going. Only negative is the roof line, i.e.,rear seat passengers need to be reminded of roof line so they do not hit their head getting in and out of car, front seat needs to be as low as possible to make it easier for anyone over 5" 8" to get in and out as well. Once in, very, very comfortable all around. Only other real negative for me is that phone book does not download to bluetooth system. Overall, this is unlike any VW I have ever been in (Other then perhaps the Phaeton). I would prefer a dealer network more like Audi, BMW or Audi but like lower $.

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  It is so adorable! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Mrs.D - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This middle-ages woman loves it! And so does her middle-aged husband! Its like being a teenager again!