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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  best compact suv for 30k - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Adrian - December 20 - 10:34 pm

  I did a lot of research for a compact suv and the last 2 standing were the tiguan and the mazda cx5. While the cx5 drives a little nicer and has a sportier look, the tiguan is more comfortable (by far) and a lot roomier. First test drive with the tiguan was in normal mode and I almost ran back to the mazda dealership to get the cx5. But once in sport mode, the tiguan is driving quite nicely. You can also customize it any way you want: steering, suspension, transmission, etc. The deciding factor in the end was the warranty: 6yrs / 72k miles! Plus I got a great price through edmunds ($2.5k under msrp for a SE 4Motion with sunroof) and 1.9% apr with vw finance. The real life mpg is great (better than advertised): for the first 100+ miles, 70% highway, it shows 30mpg. All in all, definitely an suv you should consider. If you live in the Chicagoland area, I had a great experience with the PUGI vw dealership in Downers Grove. They do go the extra mile to earn your business.

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  Perfection! Except to the LED lights. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By poloz - December 20 - 2:13 pm

  I bought it used with 25,000 miles on it as a 1 year old vehicle for under $15k. I love to drive it as it is both comfortable and sporty. Great ride and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. Just get ready to put Premium Fuel in it. I have no problem doing that as it gets close to 600 miles per tank and averages 32 highway. The only flaw is with the Exterior Design. If you live where is snows, the taillights will get completely covered by snow as they are LED and dont heat up at all, as I recently discovered in a blizzard. That can be scary. Ill just have to move out of the snowbelt because this car is worth it. GET ONE!

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  A lot of car for a little price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By miasixx - December 20 - 9:03 am

  The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T is a much more grown-up feeling Jetta. Im a diehard VW driver. My first VW was a 1987 Fox which I had for 9 years. I just traded in my 99 Passat GLX for this new Jetta and although I miss the interior size and weight of the Passat, the Jetta has come along way from feeling like your kid sisters car. Much roomier interior and cargo. Back seats have dual climate control, armrest with cup holders, and plenty of legroom for two full-size adults. Thw Wolfsburg comes with everything youd need: 6-CD in-dash, MP3 adapter, power moonroof, sporty wheels.

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  European versus Japanese - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By bigstepper - December 20 - 8:20 am

  I recently bought a VW Passat Komfort wagon for my wife. The car has been great so far. After 5 days in my Lexus, its fun to drive my wifes car on the weekend. I really cant ever say Ive felt that way about my other cars. If VW can solve some of its past reliability issues ( and it looks like they are trying hard to do so) I think middle America will rediscover the brand.

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  Great car - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By H2oVento - December 19 - 12:13 pm

  The 4 door 1.8T Golf is a great sleeper. Its fun to drive and hauls a lot of stuff. Its one of the best cars I have owned. It has had no major problems in over 60,000 miles of service. If you can find one, buy it. The 4-door 1.8T was only made between late 2000 and early 2001.

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  Lots of praise and no regrets - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By J Hall - December 19 - 7:43 am

  Originally I was looking for an upgrade to a small SUV but couldnt find anything with pep, decent MPG, and a sticker below $25000. So on to the hatches! $20-22k was more in the price range and the Rabbit perfectly fits the bill. This thing has so much ROOM for a hatch. Its amazing. The only roomy complaint I have is that the drivers knees are *slightly* cramped. There is plenty of length, but something feels a little too tight when it comes to the steering wheel and the knees. But thats it! Thats about the only complaint. The interior, exterior, ride, zip/power, handling, and features are way beyond the competition. 4door auto, ESP, sunroof, alloys, and 170HP for $20k. Nice.

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  Impressed. . . - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Woz - December 17 - 2:46 pm

  Every-time I get behind the wheel of my Jetta, it brings a smile to my face! It is actually fun to drive again! The car handles the roads in WA with ease, and it shifts smoothly. The car definitely loves being in higher RPM, and drives well at low RPM. The trunk is another impressive thing! At 16 cu.Ft. It can handle a big stroller, luggage and other things with ease. Friends are impressed with how much we can back into a "compact" car. Our Jetta is just a base 5 speed manual, but it doesnt feel like it at all. Its a huge upgrade from any domestic brand. Road handling both side streets and highway is solid and predictable without being boring.

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  1999 VW GLS Passat 1.8 turbo - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim Spivey - December 17 - 4:50 am

  I like the car overall. Concerns - brakes went out at 43000 and 89000, and had to replace pads and rotors ($850 each time). Moon roof stuck at one time. Major engine overhaul at 105,000 miles (not transmission). In spite of those costs, it has run well for me for 7 years, and held its value very well if not great.

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  Fun little sporty sedan - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RobAtSGH - December 17 - 4:43 am

  I drove pretty much every small to midsized Japanese sedan before buying the Jetta. The only cars that came close in their standard configurations were the Nissan Sentra-S and Altima. The VWs features, handling, and interior quality were well above anything else I tested. Plenty adequate acceleration, torque-y little engine, great handling, and a well-crafted overall package. It feels faster than it is, but thats good because its really easy to misbehave in this car. A nice entry point into German-designed cars - sporty, solid, and wonderfully engineered. A classy commuter thats also fun to buzz the backroads with on the weekend.

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  The Jetta is a Blast - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jeff - December 17 - 4:10 am

  Let me tell you, all it takes for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg is new software and youre making 230 hp. My Jetta is heavily modified and its a blast to drive. Ive pulled on cars that probably thought I didnt stand a chance. With simple bolt-ons this 1.8T is a real contender.