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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  Bigger is Better... - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By marusik - April 16 - 5:35 am

  Being in the market for a mid-size family car in the most competitive segment, I found the Passat quite a balanced choice. The combination of performance and spaciousness is very accommodating. The 1.8 Turbo breaths smoothly and effortless, marking a significant difference, especially when your weekend driving involves a few mountain ranges (which will surprise some V8 drivers out there). The six-speed automatic shifts seamlessly (almost as a CVT without the retrofitting side-effect). Power is always available thanks to the engines low end torque. In fewer words, I just love the driving dynamics of the Passat regardless of the package you choose.

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  Doing It Again - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By m&cp - April 16 - 12:40 am

  We love our 2003 Jetta so much that we are giving this one to our teenage daughter and are eagerly awaiting for our new special order 2006 Jetta to arrive. We have had problems with our Jetta but no more so than with any other car or truck that we have owned. We have recommended this car to others we know. It is a great product, and we have been getting terrific service. We cant wait to get our new Jetta this spring.

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  Intuitive Controls - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By hedgehog - April 15 - 8:56 am

  I love my EOS! Traded in a Mustang V8 conv and dont regret it at all. Dealer did not have time to demonstrate control locations but they were all exactly where I reached for them. Some great planning to make them so intuitive. Handles like a sports car on winding roads. First VW since 76, glad I found this great little car.

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  The Car or Me - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By V WE - April 14 - 9:20 pm

  I have only had it for 5 days and wish I would have got an automatic. The motor seems lazy between idle and 1200 r.p.m.s , so I stall it quite often on takeoff. I have owned quite a few sticks in my life and never had such a problem. I love everything else about the car though. once I am moving it drives great and has plenty of power. I have owned some beetles over the years, a 63, 65, two 66s,a 68 and a 74. I always told my friends, If you cant drive a vw stick you will never be able to drive a stick period. So, is it the car or me ?

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  Rabbit 06 - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Chris Gorham - April 14 - 9:13 pm

  Excellent performance and economy at super price vs. Audi or BMW.

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  Hate to let it go - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carson - April 14 - 6:50 pm

  Really hate to see the car go, but lease is up. With the full premium packages, gives, like other reviewers mention, it a C- class feel, much preferred to Accord for ex. Performance is more than sufficient, rarely leaves me wishing for more, and gets mpg at a solid 27 mpg, great with this hp (390 miles per tank). Handles nicely too, no need for GLI (nicer interior on 2.0T--interior with all the wood-trim options spruces things up), recommend you look for one of these with both prem packages. Love the DSG, great gearbox. Blue illumination is nice, and the trunk is very useful. Overall, never feel like there is anything in other cars that is AWOL here.

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  I love my jetta! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jessica - April 14 - 5:13 pm

  This is my first Volkswagon and i absolutely love it! The DSG transmission along with its added horsepower makes the Wolfsberg stand out from the rest of the cars it its class. The German engineering and solid build is felt as soon as you sit in the car. Has more than enough power to handle any situation. My only disappointed are the cup holders and the lack of leg room due to the center console. Other than that i can not find enough excuses to drive my car!

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  Useful space but very poor AC - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By phil - April 14 - 12:40 pm

  Very spacious inside with a nice feel to it and useful extras such as step lights for safety. However the whole vehicle is sadly spoilt by the awful AC which is totally unable to deal with the climate in the Middle East. Have 2 of these vehicles and we cant use them for 3 months of the year as its so uncomfortable in the heat. I dont know why VW sell it in hot climates when the AC cannot cope - didnt they uprate it for this market?

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  An athlete in an Armani - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By jeshl - April 14 - 11:51 am

  Im kind of a nerd when it comes to comparing the cars I am looking at. Took my time, did the comparisons, and chose the CC. SO GLAD I DID! Absolutely love this car. Total head-turner at lights. Comfort, and sporty. Has looks that let people take you seriously yet doesnt look like I own stock in Ben-Gay. Every aspect of this car is fantastic.

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  TDIs are the greatest! - 2006 Volkswagen Golf
  By JD400 - April 14 - 6:43 am

  I now have 60000 miles on my Golf TDI and am still astounded by the quality of this little car. Fuel mileage continues to average 45 MPG, and the car remains solid and problem free. I can drive it hard when the mood strikes, but its also great for hauling stuff. Rear seats fold completely flat, making a nice cargo area. Highly recommended little car. If considering a used TDI, make sure the proper VW spec motor oil was used in the engine. Regular motor oil will gum up the turbo and other engine parts.