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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  Great.....at the begining - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Aryn - May 9 - 12:26 am

  At first I loved my bug, and now I still love the way it looks. I havent had any major mechanical problems, but my headlights went out and I took it to Tires Plus and they had the hardest time trying to put new headlights in and didnt get them fixed the first time so I had to go twice. I also have never had all of my break lights work, even 10 minutes after they are replaced. The trunk release has not worked since I bought it. And I cant go over 60 without it reving to 3,000 rpm. So gas milage isnt what you would expect. The worst thing is the cost of maintenance! But after a year and a half I am still attached, that must say something.

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  Pleasantly Surprized - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Greg - May 8 - 4:50 am

  This is truly an amazing vehicle for the price - outstanding performance. The 2008 Rabbit handles better than my 528i BMW - you never feel like you are losing control. Tight going into and coming out of turns. And acceleration; this car responds. Im 6 1" and fit comfortably. Controls are easy to reach and intuitive - well designed interior. Yes, it is very enjoyable to drive and exceeds my expectations for a car under $20k! When driving conservatively, the car averages around 27-28 MPG - highway gets 30 MPG easy.

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  2017 r line - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By NYpassat - May 7 - 10:53 pm

  I recommend another vw model other than the r line. I just had the worst experience after getting a screw in my tire. Nobody carries these tires!(235-40-19) Nope, not even the vw dealer I went to. They said they would have to order it because they dont carry them since they dont sell many of these tires. That is ridiculous to me...you cant carry one set?? I had to drive home to ny from sc on the spare tire.

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  2006 Passat 2.0T Tiptronic with Package 2 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By deluxe - May 7 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased a silver Passat with Package 2 yesterday. The sticker price on the vehicle was $28,415, and I got it for $26,021(+tax). Its interior is great and the turbo has a very good torque. I was not able to see the full potential yet, because I am taking it slow in "break in" period. It is bigger than the old Passat and rides better also. I tested the V6 model with 18" tires also and there was not much difference in ride quality from my turbo four. I regret not going for the Dynaudio stereo system, because the longer I listen the radio that you get with 2.0T, the more I think that my Monsoon is much better. the radio display is great, as is the info center in the dash, with all the settings that owners are able to make.

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  My 2005 Jetta GTI 1.8T - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - May 7 - 12:50 pm

  I love my new Jetta. It handles great on the highway and on city streets.

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  Fun & Easy to Drive - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Furryshoes - May 7 - 11:53 am

  The Wolfsburg is a bargain because you get the same look as leather without paying for it. I also got the all-wheel drive which has been SWEET along with the huge sunroof. The ride, handling and looks are the best part.

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  Best Car I have ever owned... - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By tzo - May 7 - 7:11 am

  Summary: I own an 09 M3, but prefer to drive this 11 Golf TDI. Great exterior style, very comfy seats (I am 64") with great side support for back and hips. Audio quality is great... get the Dynaudio option. Very fun to drive... the torque hits like a 2 stroke motocross bike... at all RPMs. Very fun to corner around free way ramps... Holds family of four quite comfortably. I had a significant collision within weeks of buying it... and the front end got crushed, but the engine was 100% OK, and the subframe wasnt touched. So the VW front end collision system absorbs hits very well.

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  My 3rd Passat and the Best - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan - May 7 - 4:00 am

  This 2006 3.6 Passat is my 3rd. For quality, ride, comfort, and mileage its the best. I commute 35 miles each way to work, and daily checking my mileage computer; I get 31-33 MPG! And, thats not all cruising! On road trips, I also have validated mileage of 31-34 MPG at highway speeds. This vehicle is vastly under-appreciated. It compares with ANY, more highly visible, family sport sedans. As importantly, my dealership; Britt VW, is a gem. Great car, great dealership, and great daily fun driving a car that handles exceptionally, is comfortable, has all the power you need, and gets great mileage. Fact is, this 2006 3.6 auto gets better mileage than my 2003 V6 5- speed!

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jk - May 7 - 2:53 am

  Bought a used Passat 5 months ago. I have already put 15k miles on it. It is so much fun to drive and I love the look of it. Very practical car, they thought of just about everything.

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  Sweet driving car - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pepe Guitarez - May 7 - 1:40 am

  Turned in my 2013 diesel TDI SE pursuant to the emissions fraud settlement and bought a gas powered 2017 SE 4cyl. with the proceeds. Sweet riding and driving car. Well put together. If you liked the 2012-2016 Passat you will feel at home with the 2017 model. Not many changes. The gas powered Passat doesnt have the torqued up feel of the diesel version. The engine and transmission dont break speed down hill like the diesel version did. Consequently, I anticipate that it will burn brakes faster than the earlier diesel versions. The standard 4cyl. 1.8 turbo powered engine has plenty of get up and go. However, fuel economy is nowhere close to the earlier diesel versions. Unlike the diesel versions that got great mileage all the time, mileage on the gas powered 2017 Passat tends to run in two modes: low to mid 20s in town and mid to high 30s on the interstate. Not much in between. However, I think 40 mpg is possible on a long trip if the gasoline powered car is driven properly. My diesel TDI routinely got over 50 mpg on long trips. VW decided to reduce the vertical opening of the front door entry way by about 1". That was a terrible mistake. It may make the car look sportier but it makes it more difficult to get in and out of if you are 62" tall or more. People dont buy a Passat to be sporty. No free maintenance program comes with this car. It has a large back-up camera and blind spot warning sensors, etc.. Stereo system, Bluetooth and other electronic app functions work great. Same huge trunk. Heated front seats. AC system and controls have been enhanced. LED lighting package is a worthwhile option. I am basically delighted with my 2017 Passat SE. I hope it will prove to be a versatile and maintenance free car over time.