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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  Love it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sfultz13 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have nearly 78000 miles now. I have had a few problems with the Jetta. 1) Window regulators times 2 (one fixed under warranty even at 38000 miles.) 2) Rear brakes wearing prematurely. Overall, I love my jetta great cargo space, great performance, comfort. Would by another VW.

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  try me honda youll regret it - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GMZ - February 1 - 10:00 am

  just got my 2002 1.8t ride is excellent braking awsome. Sound is outstanding, cant change cds if your thirsty i am pleased that this is my only complaint my vehicle also has to have the turn signal replaced at 300 miles??? On the positive side have you ever been in bumper to bumper traffic then seen the perfect opening in cars that would let you leave it all behind? I have and belive me there is nothing more satisfing then letting that turbo suck in air as your heart picks up then whistle it out as you realize the traffic is no longer around you and the only place you see it is in the rearview mirror. Bravo VW

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By silo3 - February 1 - 6:51 am

  I love this car. After serious comparison shopping, no other car in the class came close in terms of interior size, instrument layout, and aggressive pricing. The car is well appointed, handles and rides nicely, and has a great service agreement. Many reviewers have said is that the styling is boring. Sorry, but I got mine in black/black and its anything but boring. Id call it "classic." And its a design that will stand up over time. In fact the 2012 Passat is an antidote to the excessive curves and swoops of the Japanese makes. Definitely put the 2012 Passat on your list if youre looking for a mid-priced sedan.

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  Meet the Jettasons! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sean Go - January 31 - 9:13 am

  Man, I recently purchased an 04 Jetta Turbo and it is a blast to drive! I had an SUV and am loving the gas mileage of this awesome car. The manual tranny is a must....what fun! The Jetta holds the road quite well and when you need power, its there baby! I have and will continue to be impressed with this little German (but made in Mexico) firecracker. The back seats that fold down are terrific! Its a nice car.

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  Fast easy riding and driving Fun Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By zcarid - January 30 - 11:36 am

  Each year the GLX has pleased us with the performance on long trips averaging 2500 miles. Cruises easily at highway speeds between 80 and 100 mph. Will go a lot faster but so will the police. Quick responsive steering and at end of long days feel like we have been treated to an easy ride. Visibility is great all around. Acceleration with the Turbo is a real safety feature in itself. Have had a few problems all easily fixed by family mechanic. Not a fan of dealer maintenance who seem to be way too expensive and eager to replace assemblies when an adjustment or a minor part is all that is needed.

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  100 miles a day - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Third VW - January 29 - 1:13 pm

  As someone who commutes over 100 miles a day to my office I was looking for a car that I could enjoy driving and as VW fan I gave them first chance for my most recent purchase. I planned to shop the Mercedez C class but never got to their dealership. Test drove the CC and was sold. I love the VW tight handling and this car takes it up a notch from my previous Passatt 4Motion. The aggressive exterior lines, the growl of the engine at startup and the 290 Hpower all make driving it fun. Like some other posters of reviews, I had the badging taken off the rear to keep that element of mystery as people wonder what type of car it is when they see it. Blue tooth, touchscreen Nav, both great.

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  Texas 2004 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jarvissn - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive this car. Needs to be more fuel efficient.

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  Simply The Best - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By sapphirexae - January 27 - 10:23 pm

  I am so saddened by the negative reviews I see on here concerning the EOS. I have had nothing but 100% reliable service and miles of fun drives! Ok, it is a car that requires special maintenance (ie: the roof seals) but it says that CLEARLY in the owners manual! If you dont read the book, you shouldnt be surprised at these things. I lubricate my seals as per VW and have never had an issue! Basically, my EOS has never given us an once of trouble. I have never owned a hardtop car and have owned over 60 convertibles, this is by far the best thought out one I have ever seen / owned! If you are considering one, DO IT! You wont regret it!

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  Squeaky & Chipped, But Fun To Drive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW_Passat - January 27 - 4:56 pm

  I have had the Passat for almost 6 months and have about 10K miles on the car. The interior squeaks until it gets warmed up and the hood chips very easily. However, I bought the car for comfort and acceleration. So far I have not been disappointed. If you want something peppy to jump in and out of high traffic areas or fly down the backroads, this is the car for you. Im getting between 26 and 29 mpg. If you get a black Passat get a detail shop to put on a 3M clear protectant. It will save you from repainting the hood.

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  Get one. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Wheat120 - January 26 - 12:16 pm

  I think this is a great truck. It is more then capable of doing Sunday drives to going down a mountain trail. The worst thing about it is the gas mileage. But can you expect more for a V8 powered 5500 pound SUV then 15 mpg city and 20 highway? I dont think so. Great truck. Just get the extended warrenty just in case something happenes, expensive parts to fix.