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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  Turbo Boost - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gni55 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I alwasy liked the Jetta and finally bought one. The turbo engine is going to get me in trouble it accelerates quickly. The body styling is clean and very european. The interrior is functional and comfortable. Roomy up front cramped in back. For me it is perfect I seldom have passingers anyway. Very fun to drive.

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  Bang for the buck - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By jsbonger - January 3 - 1:56 am

  Have been waiting to put some miles(4K) before writing this review. Traded in 2k BMW 323 for a newer car with maintenance program and warranty. Considered Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru Legacy and WRX, Audi A3, as well as GTI and Golf TDI, but the lease, maintenance, and family size closed the deal. The car drives nicely with good performance from the turbo 4, however there is some turbo lag most noticeable on steep hills. Handling is very good but it is not a BMW. The steering feel is a bit light, not like the bimmer. So far no major maintenance issues. I have driven from SD to Paso Robles and averaged 32+ MPG @ 78MPH on stage 1 APR tune. Has all the basics I need for a good highway cruiser.

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  Dont beleive what you hear - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jay - January 2 - 8:16 am

  I have had my VW Touareg for almost 2 years now and has been truly a beautiful eye opener.

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  Best family sedan in market - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By zhd535 - January 2 - 3:53 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 VW Passat, deep black with pkg #2 and Dynaudio and 15 miles on odometer. At the time all other car makers are trying to cut cost, VW came up with a winner. This is the car designed for drivers, not saving several pennies from each component. After 600 miles, still love it with no grievance. Shifting into the "S" gear, the car launched like a rocket. The normal "D" was programmed to save gas. Overall I got 24-25 MPG on my daily driving (no freeway). The Dynaudio stereo is awesome and I love the MP3 capability and the satellite radio. I wanted to get a united grey or shadow blue, but the black with chrome grill just looks so ...rich.

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  GTI in SUV clothing!!! - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Roberto 1235 - January 1 - 8:11 pm

  Fun to drive with a definite German car feel......this is my 3rd Tiguan lease and they get better and better....I needed : towing capability to transport my 16ft fishing boat with gear,a roomy drivers cockpit,powerful turbo engine,a reasonable lease price,and, fun to drive.This SUV meets these and then some.The previous lease was the SEL model,fully loaded.In hindsight I would have been better off with the S Model considering my requirements and saved a bundle.This gives up the sunroof ,fog lights and Nav system. My take on the 2013 Nav system was mediocre at best.Miss the cornering fog lights.VW added the backup camera,upgraded fabric,keyless ignition,and rain sensing wipers probably to sweeten the deal for all 2016 Tiguans until the 2017 redesign becomes available.MSRP was also lower.VW also needs to recover credibility given the TDI disaster.The 16in wheels give such a good ride compared to the 18/19 options(which I had on the previous SE/SEL leases.Much more rubber to absorb bumps and grinds.As far as space goes the Tiguan is fine for grocery shopping,running errands,EZ parking,and trips to Home Depot for fertilizer etc. Wish the transmission shift points were more crisp(I like to use the manual shift feature) but maybe they have been tweaked to improve MPG which seems to be better than previous models.Early results are giving 25MPG since I just took delivery of the S being reviewed.This little SUV behaves just like much larger models only tighter,peppier,once again...fun to drive!

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  Open air tourning with practicality - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By docta - January 1 - 1:33 am

  The Cabrio combines everday practicality with open air motoring pleasure. Sufficiently powerful to keep up with traffic and entertain on two-lane roads, it shines when driven on the less traveled roads. Weather-tight and well mannered on the freeway, it is the best of all motoring worlds, especially with the 5-speed transmission. If you can have only one car, this should be it. Dealer service and post-sale attention were first-rate.

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  Troubles, Troubles - Glad I paid for extended warr - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Harlan - December 30 - 8:18 am

  I had the turbo go bad....lost the car for 8 days and the price was over $3000 dollars plus motel, rental car, etc. Luckily, subtracting the cost of the monthly extended warranty I saved $1300. Then a month later the pump that supplies the urea to the catalyst converter went bad while I was away from home. Paid to have the check engine light diagnosed, over $100. Part not available and had to be ordered from the factory - nowhere else was allowed to stock the part. I elected to return home to my local dealer that said they do not trust anyones elses diagnosis, so another $100. That repair was $1100. Now I have an appointment scheduled to fix the AC. The dual system....drivers side cold air....passenger side, total heat. Have to drive with the windows down. Heat wins out. Pretty sure theyll have to remove the dash. Glad Im still paying for the extended warranty. In the details youll set the Passat has 105,000 miles, but I run only synthetic oil, changed more other than necessary and Ive changed the transmission twice with the third time due in 15,000 miles. Over all my wife and I love the car. Well built, but the troubles are causing us to return it to VW in the buyback. We are considering going with a gas model of the Passat or Audi. VW really makes a great cars.

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  Wow, I wasnt expecting this! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By KevinT - December 30 - 3:23 am

  Trading up from a mini-minivan (Mazda MPV) I cant stop having so much fun. Although Ive got the V6 it still performs well. From the line its not quite a Corvette, but Ive left some V8s wondering if the V6 badge was a mistake. The Touareg looks like a million bucks as well and is treated to a weekly car wash in all weather. To see so many people pointing, and even though I cant read lips saying..."oh, look theres that new Touareg!" is a treat. This baby hugs the asphalt as if its attached! Try for the V8, but the V6 is still just as fun and well enough equipted to keep your adrenaline going!

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  By far the worst car Ive ever owned!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jcp5 - December 29 - 9:40 pm

  Both Front Windows have broken, the mass airflow sensor went on me, the sunroof broke, the dash lights flicker, and the car burns oil...if you like paying mechanics then buy this car!

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  Huge and easy to handle - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By JF - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This minvan has more room than any others. It is great and handles really well for such a big vehicle. The engine is a little noisy in low gears but is great at high speed. The interior finition could be a little better. We like it!