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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  What everyone should own... - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wittyj - July 13 - 1:46 pm

  Have put 37000+ flawless mile on the vehicle. Not one problem. Been to the dealer three times for free oil change and service. Always get 42 to 44 per tank with individual drives of over 50mpg. Seats are very comfortable, ergonomics are first rate. Vehicle is very easy to live with on a day to day basis. Did not get nav system, GARMIN is much less expensive.

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  The Real Deal - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By PaladinVW - July 12 - 10:00 am

  There is no substitute for a fully equipped GTI. While the R32 is a little much for most drivers, the Vr6 offers the experienced driver power and comfort, while showing taste and refinement missing from Japanese and American sport hatchbacks. This car is most certainly not a toy, and is absolutely inappropriate for a first car. This car gives incredible feedback, and a driver must have enough experience to be able to interpret what the car is telling him to operate this one safely. Having owned each previous version of the GTI, I can say that this is decidedly familiar, yet greatly improved. Drivers of MkIII VWs who miss the hard sporty suspension of last generation will LOVE this car.

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  A car that feels great to own and drive - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By SoyDiesel - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The Golf TDIs high-tech, extremely fuel-efficient engine (with plenty of torque), a great array of standard trim and safety features, and the overall quality of design and build all combine to make this an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact car thats both fun and economical to drive. With the rear seats down, theres impressive cargo space for a compact car, and even with them up its a comfortable sedan for 4 adults. Plus, you can get all of this AND do the environment a favor by running on biodiesel fuel - either at 100% or blending with petroleum-based diesel in any ratio you choose. I wanted a 4DR hatchback with >40MPG for <$20K, and this car was the best choice!

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  TDI Jetta Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ferreira - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my TDI wagon! It is zippy and gets 50 mpg. I have never had a mechanical problem with it. We use biodiesel fuel and reduce our emissions considerably, making it an environmentally sound choice. I feel very safe driving it with the extra airbags and safety features. Would buy it again in an instant and intend to keep it for years to come.

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  Why isnt it included in more reviews? - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Martie - July 12 - 9:16 am

  My Jetta-TDI is just the best thing Ive bought in a long time. It runs smooth, quiet and gets 41+ mpg. Yet, I seldom read about it in the evaluations of valuable cars. They are missing the mark.

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  Great Gas MPG, Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDI Lover - July 11 - 4:36 am

  Great car, a bit more refined compared to the last few years. The 1.9l with the 6 speed auto works great together. Averaging over 40mpg so far. I have had it 14 days and and over 2000 miles on it so far. Cant go wrong.

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  Very impressed - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike A. - July 9 - 9:03 pm

  Having only ever owned Honda Accords and Civics, I decided to take a chance on an attractively priced new 2016 Jetta Sport 1.8t automatic with Lighting Package. I really love driving this car. Its smooth and refined. The 1.8t has nice power delivery and the automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Style wise the Jetta is understated and more mature looking than other cars in its class. There are a good amount of hard plastics used in the interior, however the fit and finish is superb, and the overall look is upscale and classy. Very Audi-esque. The interior also delivers where it counts with a very nice leather wrapped steering wheel, amazingly comfortable and good looking two toned leatherette seats, and a nice infotainment system. You can tell the engineers put a lot of thought into driver enjoyment. Little niceties include a fully adjustable arm rest, quality leather around the shifter, factory all weather floor mats, one touch window up/down switches, extremely comfortable front and rear seats, auto opening trunk, and xenon headlights that turn while steering. The car is also smoother, quieter, and noticeably quicker than my Civic. All this for less than $18,000! The only negatives worth mentioning are that the audio system needs a lot of tweaking just to sound decent, and the piano black trim on the interior scratches very easily. Again, great car for the $$.

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  Very impressed - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike A. - July 9 - 9:03 pm

  Having only ever owned Honda Accords and Civics, I decided to take a chance on an attractively priced new 2016 Jetta Sport 1.8t automatic with Lighting Package. I really love driving this car. Its smooth and refined. The 1.8t has nice power delivery and the automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Style wise the Jetta is understated and more mature looking than other cars in its class. There are a good amount of hard plastics used in the interior, however the fit and finish is superb, and the overall look is upscale and classy. Very Audi-esque. The interior also delivers where it counts with a very nice leather wrapped steering wheel, amazingly comfortable and good looking two toned leatherette seats, and a nice infotainment system. You can tell the engineers put a lot of thought into driver enjoyment. Little niceties include a fully adjustable arm rest, quality leather around the shifter, factory all weather floor mats, one touch window up/down switches, extremely comfortable front and rear seats, auto opening trunk, and xenon headlights that turn while steering. The car is also smoother, quieter, and noticeably quicker than my Civic. All this for less than $18,000! The only negatives worth mentioning are that the audio system needs a lot of tweaking just to sound decent, and the piano black trim on the interior scratches very easily. Again, great car for the $$.

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  New Tiguan - First Impressions - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By TimG59 - July 9 - 1:00 pm

  Picked up our new White Gold w/Beige SEL 4-Motion a week ago but had to drive 4+ hours to get it due to the non-availability of what we wanted in our area. Great vehicle and I broke a personal cardinal rule about buying a car the first year its offered because I was so impressed with it. The rear-view camera didnt work but the techs at my local dealer found a loose connection behind the radio. They rebuilt the connection and it works just fine. There is also some wind noise from the roof rails. There is plenty of room and comfort front and back and the acceleration & handling is fantastic. Well see how the mileage works out as it breaks in over the next month or so

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  Very fun and safe to drive. - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Leonel Castro - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 2 years. The windows have fallen inside the door several times. Though Volkswagen did admit that it was a huge defect on these vehicles, they are replacing all window mechanisms with a complete newly designed piece. Its been now almost a year and the windows work perfectly. Other than that I have no complaints. I love driving the car and am very pleased with the smooth drive. 150 hourses can really give you some serious G-Force! Oh, and one last thing... This car has always made head turns since the first day a owned it. Its sleek European design definitely stands out within the rest.