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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  my new ride - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By John Cassidy - November 18 - 7:04 pm

  Great car great deals

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy - November 17 - 8:40 pm

  After driving around a 98 Camry (smooth ride) it took a while for me to adjust to the 2005 Jetta which is stiffer - but more fun to drive. The car handles really well. You can feel the turbo kick in around 2,000 and the powerband keeps up until about 2,700. The interior quality is nicer then all the small cars Ive been in (Civic, Corolla, Focus) and the layout is straightforward. I currently live in Germany (although the car is American spec, bought in the U.S.) and the car handles very well on the autobahn at speeds of 90 - 110 mph. 90 mph = 3,000rpm. Sharp looking car!

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  I own two - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aldo Waker - November 16 - 6:50 pm

  I own a plain vanilla GL sedan and a GLS wagon with upgraded 17 inch tires. Overall, both are good performing cars. Have never had a mechanical problem. The wagon is a great ride on the highway and the sedan is easier in the city. Handles well and good fuel economy. I wish the seats were a little bigger/wider. Im 6 feet and 200 lbs and have sat in much more comfortable cars. Having said that, the interior is pretty roomy for a small car. Can seat 4 comfortably. There is a bit of turbo lag on the when you you want to accelerate which can be frustrating. Once it kicks in, it is pretty quick. They are very fun to drive. Trunk/rear space is excellent.

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  nice ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobby43 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  this is my 1st vw & i like very much, it has nice ride and quite from inside.

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  110,000 Miles and still no issues - 2001 Volkswagen Golf
  By dmateja - November 11 - 12:53 am

  I bought this car new 7 years ago and racked up 110,000 miles. I had a couple minor sensor issues within the first year, and were all covered under the warrenty. Since that first year no major issues.

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  Great Car if You Take Care of It - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By f1forkvr6 - November 8 - 4:33 pm

  Like any other car, if you take care of the little things, the Passat will be reliable for as long as you wish to drive it. I have nearly 300,000 miles on mine, and other than VWs self destructing heater core, its never, ever left me stranded. Its fuel economy is okay on the highway (27-30), but what makes this car shine is its fun-to-drive factor. Its pretty nimble for its size, and offers very predictable but sporty handling. It has enough room to move a small office, carry a 9 x 12 rug, or a Christmas tree (inside, trunk closed), and offers rear seat passengers enough leg-room to cross their legs withough kicking the driver! this is an all around good, fun, value.

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  A pleasure to drive - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cwolvesr - November 6 - 7:00 am

  My 2002 Volkswagen Passat W8 is more than we expected, we traded an Audi A6-Quattro for this fun machine. A lot of the creature comforts of the A6 are not on this vehicle, but in this area, certainly in the winter, this car out-performs our A6 Quattro in handling in snow/sleet conditions, which is important to us. The W8 engine performs like a charm and when performance from the engine is necessary, all the horses work. We have never had a problem with this machine up to this point and my wife loves it, which makes it all worth while. It is sleek and unassuming, yet delivers all that we ask of an automobile. The fuel mileage is not great, but we knew that going in to purchase, but interstate average is approximately 23 mpg, which is not too bad.

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian - November 3 - 11:30 am

  I bought my 2006 Jetta Value Edition as a 2.5 base with manual transmission, no options. After testing Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, VW is the most fun to drive and has the best build quality. Designed for America and built in Mexico, it still maintains its German character and keeps the driver--and driving--at the top of the priority list. There is enough torque to surprise anyone at stoplights and you can push from 70 to 90+ in 5th gear by just giving it a little gas. Downshift to 4th and hold on - all on regular 87 octane and 27 mpg. The interior is simple, functional, and the controls are well-engineered and intuitive. Pax room is generous and its visibility great (for parking). The steering very accurate. At 13,000 miles, I have had no problems.

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  Buyer be mindfull its 10 yrs old - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By catk2 - November 1 - 9:50 pm

  Ive had my car for 5 years just paid it off a year ago. Now the problems have started. Everything was wonderful, at first. 3 days before christmas the window fell down and i couldnt bring it back up.The cost to fix it was $500. My starter gets stuck sometimes i have not fixed it yet it will cost me $450. Now this week my air went out and it cost me $650. Then the back window came off the convertible and no one can just fix it, i need a new top and window which is going to cost me $1400. Very bad week. I love my car but its costing me a lot right now and i wonder what will break next?

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  FUN Solid Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Ghofstrand - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I haven’t had this much fun driving a car since my new 85 Corvette. Excellent in the deep snow and nibble on dry curve roads at speed, and I do mean speed! I test drove most of the top end SUV’s..FX45/ML500/X5 and Murano. The Touareg beat them hands down for drive, acceleration and comfort . This is my daily commuter (125 miles) Wash. D.C. Beltway to rural roads in Pa. ONE FUN CAR!