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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  My VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Betty - April 27 - 8:23 pm

  I have had problems with the skid plate on this car. Problems may have been related to excessive snow this winter. Board is flimsy and expensive to replace. Takes high test fuel which is very expensive. If something drops on floor and rolls under seat, very difficult to reach under the seat. Front bumper low to ground, can easily hit curb or snow bank and easily become damaged. Ride is very smooth. No major problems, just expensive to maintain. Had problem with headlights. During one year I replaced 3 headlights.

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  Phenominal - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mully237 - April 27 - 8:20 am

  The engine, handling, stereo, fun to drive factor, and fit and finish of my 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 are all above par for this class. With a wide range of styles and options this car can fit into a lot of differet sized budgets. I love the manu-matic shift paddles on the steering wheel. The interior is sharp with black leather and brushed aluminum accents. The stereo pumps out quility sound and offers MP3 playability. The engine is beefy and is well complimented with a robust transmission and tight suspension. With the Acura TL and Audi A4 in my sights I found the Passat fit well in price and performance. Overall the 3.6L edges out the TL in style and saves some pennies on an A4 with comparable options. This car has everything you need.

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By orimai - April 26 - 6:56 pm

  This car is smooth, quiet and comfy. My wife, daughter and I are looking forward to getting out on the open road with this. This car breezes down the local freeway and streets effortlessly. Handline is precise\crisp and drives rock solid like a heavier car. The only real drawback thus far is the lack of bluetooth which is optional on Passat but comes standard in other cars. Other than that, it could use a bit more power, but for a mid size sedan the fuel economy and power are both excellent. Comfortable, plenty of leg room for a 65" driver with some to spare.

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  Performance and Practicality - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Chris - April 26 - 6:36 pm

  First of all, to be honest I never thought I would own a VW. I went and test drove an 07 Civic Si, but found it to be lacking in the torque department. I also considered the Scion tC but found it to be lacking the quality of the Toyotas that I have owned before. When I first test drove the GTI I was surprised by how smooth and refined the power was. It doesnt require you to downshift every time you need to pass since it makes so much torque and at such low rpm. There is NO lag that I can tell. The cabin is well organized, being driver oriented with most features that I wanted being standard. The car is also very quiet with a supple ride for a sports car, paired with a responsive steering system.

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  WOW I love this car!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kay S - April 26 - 1:03 am

  I just bought this car a week ago and I already know I will be keeping it till it kicks. I love driving it, it is so much fun! The handling is amazing, the shifting is smoother than anything I have ever driven. Take off is the best part. And I can fit all three of my kid seats in back! Thank you Volkswagen for making such a beautiful car

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  A fantastic economical car - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By dretal - April 26 - 12:36 am

  I used my golf diesel to tow trailers and all I need to setup and race motorcycles throughout Canada. I never had any problems, and the diesel engine had no problems towing the loaded car and trailer at 130 KM/hr. We love the car. In winter, we park it inside our heated (10°C) garage, avoiding any cold-weather startup issues, but when it does sleep outside, Ive never had problems starting it.

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  My Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sad to say - April 25 - 9:36 am

  I bought my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 new in September. Since then, it has been in the shop for 37 days for cooling problems. I am getting rid of it, it cant be fixed. I really do love the car its a shame.

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  Dont do it.! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nein VW - April 25 - 4:20 am

  Absolutely the worst car Ive ever owned. Purchased brand new. Have been back to dealer multiple times with electrical problems. (It would just go dead while driving). Constant problems with brakes, and cosmetic plastic items literally falling off the car. It finally cost me $3800 just to get all the engine leaks found and repaired so that I could trade the thing off.

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  Good engineering but poor reliability - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By crnom - April 24 - 7:10 pm

  I was looking for the car with a good performance, fuel mileage, design, and dependability. And closest car I came upon was this redesigned Passat. I was satisfied with engine performance and fuel mileage but I had to deal with too many quality problems. From water leak, multiple check engine lights (some are due to same issue), noises, and paint peeling. I have filed for lemon law after VW ignored/refused to meet with me. After decided to take the settlement for cash and I traded for another car.

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  Great commuter with a dash of fun to drive. - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwtdi55 - April 24 - 3:13 pm

  This car made me a believer in diesel. All that torque makes it feel like a much beefier motor than the 140HP rating would have you believe. When I purchased it I was driving nearly 80 mpd 80/20 hwy/city and averaging over 46 (set my cruise on 67 on the highway, but cant keep my foot out of the boost city). My job now has me driving 80-90% city and am averaging about 37-40 or around 700 miles per tank. 27K on it now. I have personally gotten 1039 miles on a tank in this car. I drove it from LaPlace, LA (just N or New Orleans) to the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago then another 150 or so miles into N. Indiana. Filled up and still had almost a gallon left, 59.2MPG (hand calculated).