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 Best Car Ever - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Happy Redhead - April 5 - 12:56 am

  I have finally got the car Ive always wanted!!! Sassy, powerful and hot. The best is when Im at a stop light and put the top down, boy does it get raves!!!

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  Why would anyone buy a Prius? - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By Rockasaurus - April 4 - 5:37 am

  Bought a used 2012 TDI, four door, manual transmission, just as the 2015 (new model) TDI was hitting dealer lots, which made the dealer VERY motivated to unload it. PROS: --The handling, suspension and brakes are essentially identical to the Golf GTI. Which is a very good thing. --Acceleration, while not spectacular, is surprisingly brisk and more than enough to keep me entertained. The manual tranny is smooth and the low end torque is addicting. --The interior layout is incredibly versatile. I can fit four adults very comfortably (even for long trips). Fold down the rear seats and the cargo area becomes cavernous. --Fit and finish are exceptional. The seats are supportive and comfortable, although narrow. If youre very large or overweight, you may find them constricting. Interior materials are high class and feel substantial. Ignore the VW logo on the steering wheel and you will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the TDI and an entry-level Audi. --And of course... the fuel economy. I consistently average 44 MPG... COMBINED without making any special effort to do so. It is not uncommon for me to get 50+ MPG on the highway. I get the economy of a Prius without feeling like Im driving a hair shirt. CONS: --Limited interior storage. To make room for the E-brake, the armrest storage bin is small and nearly useless. --HVAC controls are hard to read. Most cars at this price point have automatic climate control. --Mediocre electronics. The touchscreen and audio interface, while adequate, are well behind the state of the art. The interface with my iPhone is quirky and hasnt kept up with the many ways to listen to content (Pandora, podcasts, etc). VW still doesnt have a USB port, and instead makes you use their proprietary cable to connect phone to stereo. --Diesels dont like cold weather. It takes FOREVER for the car to warm up on very cold mornings, and the car runs pretty rough until it does. The heated seats mitigate the sting considerably, however. The cons really are minor nits to pick. This car makes me smile every time I drive it. Cant believe I lucked into an inexpensive car that drives like an Audi with the fuel economy of a Prius.

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  Happy with the Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy VW OWNER - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used (1 year old). It has been great and the mileage and performance is awesome. Definitley a good value for the price paid.

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  A big let down - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By gemancarfan76 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  After having the vehicle for 4 days I noticed a fluid leaking from somewhere in the engine compartment. I brought my brand new TDI with 500 miles in to be evaluated. After 4 days I was told the transmission was destroyed by metal shards in the casing. This was over 2 weeks ago. Since then VW has tried many attempts to put me in a vehicle I dont want or did not ask for. I traded in a BMW 3-series for this VW. If I get my money back I know which dealership I will be visiting!

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  There are Pros and Cons! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rumz - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great if you are considering the car for just two people, Nice head room and leg room. Attractive, I have had a lot of people stop by and compliment my car. Never had this experience before with other cars. Easy drive and park because of small size, Helps if you are living or commute to big cities. Decent mileage. Cons: Too little space in the back seats if you have extra riders. Cup holders (Yr 2000 model) are terribly placed. Cant fit in a medium size drink!! I have had frequent problems with engine "check" indicator turning on often. Heard of similar complaints from other owners too. Over all, a great second car for a small family!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By sig409 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I tell my wife at least once a week, "I love this car" whether Im driving or riding. Since we brought our Passat home, it has been nothing but a joy to drive. Smooth handling, clean lines, stylish interior lighting, its a dream to drive. The 190hp is plenty. We came from a 160hp Prelude. The Passat still has quick acceleration and is much quieter. My wife says shes going to need a radar detector because it gets up to speed so quick. Haggle on the price. You can get the V6 for a little over their invoice, around $27,000. It will be well worth it. The dealers will get enough suckers to pay MSRP.

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  I love this car!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By JPs1stVW - April 3 - 11:30 pm

  For my first VW the passat was a no brainer! The speed and sleekness of this car makes me feel like I am sitting in First Class when driving!

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  Great auto - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By James hansel - April 3 - 1:46 pm

  Great auto

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  Good Review for Great Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By carguy133 - April 3 - 1:23 pm

  This car is great. Exceptional handling, acceleration and design. 4motion system is great in all weather, especially in my town where salt is not used and the roads become solid ice and snow from December until late March. About 110k miles, full synthetic oil and the engine (not exaggerating) sounds new. Only problems (as with all cars) AC leaks because I neglected to turn it on enough and tiny beginning of rust on one fender, but will be covered by 12 year rust warranty. Other than that zero mechanical problems, which may surprise some. I dont baby the car at all, but stay on top of it very well (oil, filters, etc.). Honestly, take care of this machine and it will take care of you.

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  Never buy a VW Again! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robert - April 3 - 10:06 am

  Car had problems from day one. Engine noise etc. Cheap made switches. This was my forth VW and last. Worst customer service in the industry. $89 oil change is ubsurd for a VW.