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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  Efficient, sort of zippy, lots of minor annoyances - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By Topher Eliot - March 1 - 12:41 pm

  This is one of the vehicles currently swept up in controversy because of VW cheating on emissions tests. Heaven knows how that will play out. I get 35-40mpg regularly. The car is fast, as long as you have two seconds to wait for the turbo to spool up. Plenty of power for hill climbing in the Rocky Mountains. The sunroof is a good plus, just remember to close it when rain is coming :-). Good leg room; Im 62" and dont have the drivers seat all the way back. Im surprised at the number of design misfeatures. Controls that are impossible to read, insufficient storage space for maps, slow seat adjusters, sound system controls that lock up when its interacting with my phone, heater setting isnt honored upon car startup until the knob is moved (same for sunroof), if I try to close two windows at the same time, only one closes. Radio is impossible to understand. Navigation system is poor, I dont use it. Oil for this engine is available only at VW dealers; do NOT use Mobil1. I paid $60 for just the oil and filter for one oil change. Parts are expensive. I wont dump this car, but I wouldnt buy another. Update Nov. 2016: nothing changed, these views still stand. Update Nov. 2017: turned in to VW as part of the great Diesel emissions scandal.

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  Its a great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mudbone - February 28 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had my Passat for almost 2 years. Bought it used with 9,000 miles on it. I now have 38,000 miles on it. Its been in the shop 5 - 6 times. All problems (trans, cv boot, rear rotors, seat motor) were repaired by the dealer an no cost to me. It rides great, gets good mpg with no repeat or nagging problems. Its holding great resale value and looking good. I think Ill keep it a while longer.

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  LOVE MY GOLF - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By Traintraxboy - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I lOvE mY GoLf. it is fun to drive and if u really want power get the 2004 Jetta VR6 or the GTI (I prefer the Jetta) I have a golf and a jetta and i love both of my cars!

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  Where are the cup holders? - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By visualverbs - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Im 45, Ive owned cars, lots of them. This is, by far, my favorite car. Its so much fun to drive, I know Im going to get in trouble. Havent yet, but Im going to. Ive found myself racing V8s (Ive got the 2.8 liter 6, 5 speed) and hanging with them until the end. This car is A BLAST. Not your first thought for a "mid-life crisis" vehicle, but a very good vehicle for it! Two thumbs, way up!!

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  First VW for Me - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PAWWAP - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I just got the Jetta GLS 4D and am having a blast. I am, admittedly, coming off a minivan so I am an easy mark for some fun, but this car is giving me joy in driving again. I am a big guy (6 foot 230 pounds) but the drivers seat is very comfortable for me, with lots of excellent body support. The car handles very well, and is peppy enough to make me feel like Im driving again. Interior controls are great, and the dash lighting is spiffy. The trunk is bigger than it looks like it possibly coulod be, and the sunroof is very nice. Back seat is very tight. My wife and I are ready to just enjoy riding together again, and this perky red Jetta is just the ticket.

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  Perfect Balance - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By V-Dub Man - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded a WRX for my Siverstone Gray wagon and Im not looking back. Its the perfect balance between fun and practicality. The low-lift gate will hold two golf bags nicely (with the rear seats down)and thats a "biggy" for me. The car handles great on the twistys yet it cruises in great style on the interstates. And you feel like your in a much more expensive car. The Monsoon sound system completes the package. The fit/finish and paint are top drawer (see $100K Phaeton). The manual shifter is silky smooth and really complements the 4 cylinder turbo. right now Im a "Happy Camper"; I just hope it lasts!

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  Not cost effective - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Unhappy With Passat - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The running lights have been replaced four times during the first year of ownership. Ive been told by the V.W there is nothing that I can do but continue replacing head lights. The breaks squeak since the first month of purchase. I was told by V.W due to the rotor material the vehicle makes squeaking noices when the vehicle stops.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pizza797 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I went from an SUV to this and was pleasently surprised in usuable space. The ride is great! Engine moves this little guy in and around corners in a breeze.....WOW....

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  My dream car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - February 26 - 9:20 am

  I have only owned my Beetle GLS convertible for two weeks but I just love it. I have wanted a Beetle since the 1970s so this is a dream come for me. The ride is great and it is very fun to drive. I even put the top down last weekend even though it was 30 degrees outside. It was worth it!! Cant wait for Spring.

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  Dont forget the oil - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By JP - February 25 - 3:43 pm

  Wife drives it most, she loves it. I wish it were a bit larger, but it is a compact. Found it has been needing one quart of oil every 1k, service says that is not unusual with a turbo. Seems like a lot. Overall good car and a good value.