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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  Take a look at the Passat wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By rcassizzi - February 13 - 1:30 am

  After considering and test driving the Volvo V50, I ended up with the Passat GLX with 4 motion. Not only was the ride more fun, with faster pick up, the interior has more cargo space, and to me, has more quality materials. The Passat feels solid on the road, and has clean, classic style.

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  Im in Love..! Could be a race car.. - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Phil - February 12 - 5:16 am

  Love the Laser Blue color.!! This Beetle is much peppier than the old 2004 - 4 cylinder engine. Only drawback is when you drive fast you get 20 to 23 MPG in the city. The heated seats are the best new feature.! I wish the visors were wider or perhaps extended longer because they dont block side sun glare very well. The comfort is great, and the room is great. I have hauled a lot of stuff in this little car. My only other request is to make this car a hybrid. I have gotten 34 MPG highway using speed control. I beat an Austin Mini Cooper in a drag race and matched a Corvette for the first 50 yards, so this car is FAST.! Thanks VW for a car more fun than my 2004 New Beetle.!

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  Love My Car - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By JML - February 11 - 10:26 pm

  I love my Eos. I have always wanted a convertible and finally found one I fell in love with. I wanted a hard top but couldnt find one I really liked until know. It is an eye catcher.

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  Phaeton WILL NOT DISSAPOINT!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Chris K. - February 11 - 5:20 am

  Finest car I have ever driven (LS400,Beemers, A8, Jags better look out). Certainly, no american and very few foreign cars come close to the personality, presence, drive and feel of a Pheaton. Very luxurious but also very rewarding to drive. Wants for nothing! World class confort. Pay the extra $1000 for premium radio system...WOW! All-wheel drive great for Massachusetts winters. A true highway crusier, very mellow at 95mph, very stable, no wind noise. Beautifully performing engine and ultra smooth shifting. This Volkswagen is the real deal. VW really needs to do a better job of promoting a true world class automobile. Drive it and youll want to buy it!

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  Original Owner and I Still Love It ! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Carol in L.A. - February 10 - 4:43 am

  I purchased my car new (only 5 miles on odo) 5 years ago, made my last payment in April, have 98,500 mi on it and I still love my car! Ive had all recommended svcs done and took it in for recalls, but otherwise have not had issues other than window reg clip that was fixed under ext warranty and the drivers seat belt latch that needs to be replaced now (not covered, but only $189 TL). Great handling, decent mileage, still peppy after all these miles and the all-black exterior has held up, even out of the garage! Maybe Ive been lucky, but I dont foresee replacing my baby for a long time. It still looks like new!

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  Very satisfied! - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By scootyroo - February 8 - 11:05 pm

  I havent owned a VW for some time, but after getting a fantastic deal on a new 2012 Tiguan (including 0% financing) and being blown away by its performance and quality, I turned around and bought a new GTI. As I had reviewed before purchasing the Tiguan, the statement "Its a GTI on steroids," is accurate. Get the base model, with the manual transmission, and youll smile every time you think about it. We live in the mountains and still get on the throttle for fun, but were getting 24 mpg in mixed driving. While I love the new GTI, I have to say that for an all-around family vehicle, you cant beat the Tiguan if its the right size for you.

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  A Great Sleeper - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fred F. Stone - February 8 - 4:50 pm

  I traded a Lincoln Continental for this. I think it was a good move. It was time for something smaller. Gas mileage is great. Pick-up is amazing. I got the drivetrain of a GTI with a more comfortable suspension. Seats are a good fit, driving position is near perfect. Brake pedal is a little too close to the gas pedal. Wide shoes become a problem. Radio sounds great. I like the MP3 jack. Should have had a recess in the glove box lid to allow cable to pass out without crimping it. The AC power outlet in rear of console was a pleasant surprise.

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  Awsome - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Steve75219 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a FANTASTIC SUV!!!

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  I love it so far! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jopafa - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I have found this car to drive very nicely with excellent external noise reduction and a smooth ride. It accelerates smoothly. The stereo is great. The seat comfort is great. Looks are very appealing. Electronic perks are great. So far I think this car is as good as many cars priced more such as the lexus-330 and bmw 325i. A great buy-near luxury car.

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  VOLKSWAGON LOVER - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alice Gourdine-Jones - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I received my Passat for my birthday from my husband, ive wanted one for over 10 years. it is one of the best driving autos I have had the experience of driving.