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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  Overall a very good economy car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erin C - January 31 - 5:03 pm

  The Jetta is a great car. The base model doesnt have a ton of power, but it will get out of its own way for sure. The front seats are comfortable for a small car. The back seat is very tight. Kids and small adults fit fine, anyone larger will have a hard time. The automatic trunk release is a nice feature also. The cruise control works great and isnt jerky like some vehicles. There is some road noise when driving but the great monsoon stereo will cover that up. There should be more pockets or storage areas in the Jetta, the cup holders are placed in a weird spot and are not very convenient, but there are 3 in the middle and two more in the glove box (not sure why).

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  My Best New Bet Under 20K. - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marusik - January 30 - 4:57 pm

  When my lease was up, I was again in the market for a new car. Since I had set my budget limit at 20K, I wanted to compare all my options in this highly competitive segment. After reading quite a few reviews, including the expert ones (which in some cases differed dramatically), I test drove my three runner ups with very different results. The CVT in the eye catching Honda Civic was not my favorite feature (nor was the fact that the turbo engine is only available in the higher end trims at a price that exceeded my budget). The Mazda 3 has everything I like in a car, particularly if your daily commute is as short as mine. Perhaps through back and twisty roads (which makes it a perfect weekend date), but not quite so comfortable for everyday, especially on the highway -let alone long trips... Thats why I found myself so thrilled when I drove the 2016 Jetta. The first thing that impressed me was how responsive its little 1.4 liter engine is. It seems to be on steroids and always eager to please, even the most demanding drivers. The breaks are some of the most efficient in its class, and its driving dynamics are to be highlighted. Even in the voice of some the experts: "the electric power steering is precise and direct, and the crispness and agility of this compact sedan easily exceed the standards of its class." (C&D). Which by the way, contradicts some the driving impressions of the Edmunds experts... Worth mentioning, cabin space and quietness, sensible and flawless connectivity with the technology package, which works great even with my older iPhone. It makes my life much easier... All in all, my best new bet under 20K. So, if you are no too apprehensive, and/or resentful of VW as a brand name in the news lately, go ahead and take it for a spin. Im sure you wont be disappointed...

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  Adam Sandlers Car Song must be a Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Never again! - January 30 - 3:40 am

  All of the problems listed here I have dealt with too, except for the green stuff in the door. The latest: it thinks it is in reverse when it is in park. It wont start in park (only in neutral). When I have it in drive all the gears light up on the instrument panel. My mechanic called TWO VW dealers and VW claims that they have never heard of such a thing! Mechanically the car is in park, but the computer senses its in reverse. (I replaced the neutral safety switch because thats what they thought was wrong, but it wasnt that ... $250 down the drain). I will NEVER buy another VW.

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  First love - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cisco Cerna - January 29 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased the car the first week it was released. It was love at first sight, the changes to the front head light and rear tail light were nothing less than attractive. On the drive home day turned to night and if I thought the interior was a 7, it jumped over to a 12 once I turned of the lights. Blues radiated from the chrome accented dials and reds surrounded me at every angle.

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  Always fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vwfun - January 29 - 2:16 pm

  Touareg is really fun to drive. I do not drive very much nor do I require extreme performance and Touareg seems to fit my profile extremely well. I want a reliable drive in snow and Touareg is awesome in that respect. I have read about lots of issues on lower VIN Touaregs, but the only problem (which was easily fixed) was fast running clock. So if you are in the market for these I would recommend higher than 65k VIN as I have very positive experience.

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  Not smooth enough - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sloto - January 29 - 1:53 pm

  I am a 76 yr old that still likes performance. The acceleration is amazing. And that is the only thing that will make you realize it is a diesel. However maintaining speed in traffic is annoying. Especially when braking. It seems the auto transmission wants to help slow you down. This should make the brakes last , but a real pain trying to maintain driving distance. The cruise control must have been designed by Mr Volkswagens kid. Long over due for modernization. The wipers are backwards to every one elses. Fuel cap is on right side, real handy AARGH

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  The right Ride - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By cbroo - January 29 - 12:13 pm

  This is a beautifully styled car. I love the pick-up, the interior and had no major problems (only a small issue with the module that controls the radio). An outstanding car for the price. I changed from Volvo and never look back.

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  The Perfect Hatch! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Phikes - January 29 - 12:13 am

  Buy this car! The build quality is in Audi territory. The interior is great (steering wheel feels fantastic in hand). The car has grip for days, the body might roll a bit but the AWD goes exactly where you want it. Not to mention one of the best shades of blue ever. And yes it is FAST! The mid range passing power is always right there. I drove both the STI and EVO, they are both faster, but thats the ONLY place they beat the R32. Both the STI and EVO have interior build quality that suggests the occupants were only an after thought.

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  Rattles, Rattles, Rattles - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By rcamar - January 28 - 10:56 pm

  I al extremely disapointed with the interior quality of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The day I bought it, on my way home from the dealership, I could hear rattles everywhere. What was suposed to be an exciting day (the day you take your new vehicle home) turned out to be really frustrating. I cant wait to trade it in. Other than that, it is a beautiful car that looks, drives and handles really well.

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  Loved this car!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gail - January 28 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this car when it was three years old, and it drove like new. Id been wanting a Jetta for some time and it was everything I hoped it would be. The car is very comfy and everything on the dash and console was within my reach. In the five years I had it, it only had a few engine troubles, and it never cost more than $200 to fix. I never had the $1000+ repair bills like with previous cars (Nissan, Plymouth, Dodge). It served me well for the five years and 120K miles on it. I would still like to have kept it for a few more years, but I just got rear-ended and sadly its totaled, so now Im getting a 2005 Jetta Wagon! I love these cars!