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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  Surprising VW - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chessiesail - May 25 - 12:56 am

  After a lot of research into mid- priced cars with good fuel economy, I replaced my 3rd leased BWM (a 3, 5, and 3 coupe) with the 2010 TDI Wagon...$ for $ this is the one of the best cars that Ive owned. Very comfortable on my 4+ hr weekly commute, quiet, and very good, "German" handling. Its not a BMW, but at half the sticker price of a 335 diesel its a great car. With just over 2000 miles I averaged 50.2 mpgs on my past Mondays commute which is 90:10 hwy:city. Overall, Im averaging 46 mpg doing about 85:15, hwy:city. There is plenty of room for passengers, cargo and dog crates. This car really does everything well!

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  Great value - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Eric Wical - May 24 - 9:03 am

  It seems like VW is trying to win back customers by giving great prices. This model gives a lot of value for the money we paid. Especially like the apple link.

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  The cutest CUV around - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By T - May 24 - 6:03 am

  Love x 100. We looked at the Rav4, CRV, before deciding on the Tiguan. We have the SE with upgraded seats, pano roof, etc. Looks great, drives great with the fun, peppy 2.0T engine. The suspension seems sporty, so it might be too stiff for some people. We get great MPG (averaging around 28MPG combined!). Seats are comfy & the roof is gorgeous. Interior is great - typical VW quality, lots of storage space too (esp. compared to VWs sedans). Good leg room in the back & plenty of space in the front. Cargo space is a little limited when compared to other CUVs, but its more than adequate for us and the rear seats fold down easily. Havent done anything but basic maintenance so far.

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  Class by itself - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By donpnelson - May 23 - 4:43 pm

  I checked out a lot of cars and in the mid $20,000 range, nothing compared to the Passat. With styling thats tasteful and timeless, thoughtful features, impeccable fit and finish and satisfying performance from the the 4-cylinder turbo engine, the Accord, Mazda 6, Camry (yes the `07), Altima and Saab 9-3 are simply outclassed by the `06 Passat. As an added bonus, Im 6-6" and am more comfortable in the Passat (even with a sunroof) than any of the cars mentioned above. Right now Im enjoying the fact that Im not seeing a lot of `06 Passats on the road. Thats going to change when the word gets out.

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  The "Ill never drive a minivan" Minivan - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Abby - May 23 - 9:20 am

  I swore Id never drive a minivan. Hate the way they look, hate the big size, hate the soccer mom stereotype. But then I met the Routan. It drives like a dream and was worth overcoming my hangups. Hubby says he feels like hes floating (tho only the SEL has the bigger engine). It is as beautiful as a minivan can get. Seats are very comfortable, handling is precise and nimble, and the VW styling is quite nice. Great cargo hold behind front seats; easy bluetooth with Uconnect; nice tailgate seats in back; plenty of cupholders, electric outlets, storage. I really wanted the RSE for the kids, but we couldnt afford it. Instead I bought 2 tablet style dvd players with headrest clamps. Perfect.

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  Excllent Buy - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By Theodore Baerg - May 23 - 12:36 am

  I purchased the diesel since I do alot of mid distance driving. The performance is fine with amazing low RPM torque. Highway performance is first class and the fuel efficiency is even better than advertised. This was an excellent choice and was well worth the slightly higher sticker price. I saved that in the first few months on fuel.

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  Fast and Safe Car - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Joy C. - May 22 - 4:10 am

  The GTI is fun to drive with its 2.0 turbo engine. It has lots of pickup when you need it. Its fuel economy is outstanding. In the city it gets 28-30 mpg, which is higher than it was rated.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Antonio246 - May 21 - 11:36 am

  This is my first VW and I am totally hooked. Not only is the dealer first class but the car has been the most reliable Ive ever owned. I now have 39,000 miles on it and have not put one dime into it except for tires and oil changes. It still looks as good as the day I bought it and the body is as solid as ever. I still get huge compliments on this car. I highly recommend this car!

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  Love My Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By noneya - May 21 - 11:23 am

  This is my third Volkswagon Jetta and my first turbo. The Jetta is fun to drive with great performance and humph when you jump on the gas. I have been tracking MPG for the last 30k miles most of which is city miles commuting 55 miles round trip each day and I am averaging about 28 MPG. Some of the interior components are a little loose and rattle slightly sometimes. However, the leather interior is comfortable for the short trips or the long drives. Recommended the Jetta to my brother-in- law and he loves it as well. You will not find another car with the features, horsepower, and style without spending 10-15k more.

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  BMW performance w/o the price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lsm@spring - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This car handles as well as our 300i and has all the bells and whistles that the BMW has - but at $10,000 less. The 4 wheel drive is phenomenal. This car sticks to the road better than our X5. We bought it for our teen, but I may get one for myself.