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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  2016 Volkswagen 1.8T Sport w/ Manual Transmission - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kevin - November 25 - 10:48 pm

  An impressive car! The sport-tuned suspension in this vehicle is what really sets it apart from the other Jetta models (not including the GLI). My previous vehicle was a VW GTI and I was always impressed with the suspension/handling, but it was unfortunately involved in an accident. I wasnt a fan of the new (2015/2016) GTI design, however, and really liked the sedan design. I test drove the Jetta SE and the Sport models, noting a significantly superior suspension/handling capability with the Sport. That fact and the other components such as the 170 hp and 184 lb-ft torque 1.8 turbo-charged engine, 17" wheels, two-tone leatherette seating, push button start, navigation, bluetooth, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano-black trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights and the bi-xenon headlights which provide insanely great visibility. The form, fit and function of Volkswagen in general, and the Sport in particular, is what sets the brand apart from others in the same price range (in my humble opinion). For the price, regardless of how many other brand vehicles I test drove.....I ultimately returned to the Volkswagen dealership!

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  Luck of the Irish - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Veronica - November 24 - 11:46 pm

  I have not had one days trouble with my 2001 Volks New Beetle. My only complaint is that the door handles have peeled since day one. Now they are disgustly unsightful. When I brought it into the dealership I was told to take a hard towel and rub off the remaining coating. Satisfaction - I didnt get any.......as the song goes.

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  THE Hot Hatch - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By codybrown - November 24 - 4:00 am

  I have been pleasantly surprised by this car. bought it new so I could get a warrranty as I was not sure of VW quality. I now have close to 70k on it, and havent had any problems. Its a blast to drive and gets good mileage (25 - 30+, depending on the type of driving I do). The manual transmission is fun to shift; I have tried several others since having this car, and they all seem cheap and clunky to me now. Definitely one of my all-time favorite cars.

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  I will not own another volkswagen - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bhill - November 23 - 2:26 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my car since I have had it. Since 05 I have had to have the transmission replaced and some kind of sensor replace because it wouldnt come out of park. (that was the only two things that was under warranty) then the timing belt broke which bent the valves in the head so I had to replace them the turbo went out water pump sensor the timing belt again oh and the sun roof leaked when i first got it. And I have had to replace the headlights several times. And my current problems are the brake lights, blinkers and it doesnt want to come out of park again and an oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. And by the way, it is hard to find anyone to work on them.

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  Good Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steel66 - November 23 - 9:36 am

  This is a great car,with a powerful engine.I own the 6 speed tiptronic transmission which matches great with the engine, giving me the feeling that I am driving a more expensive car

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  Perfect for Long Commutes - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Commuter - November 23 - 5:56 am

  This car makes me look forward to my hour long commute twice a day! Great sound system. I love the firm feel of the steering and the way it hugs the road. Im averaging 38 mpg with 2,000 miles in 60/40 hwy/city driving. Last night I hit 40 mpg for the first time. My husband was against the idea of a VW and wanted me to get a larger vehicle to accommodate his 63" frame. During the test drive, he couldnt believe how roomy it was, and he loved the fast acceleration. Looking forward to loading up the storage area with at least 6 flats of plants for spring planting. I traded in my beloved Honda Accord EX (loaded) for this car, and there have been no regrets!

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  Luxury on a budget - 2014 Volkswagen CC
  By vincevw329 - November 22 - 11:15 am

  Model specs and technicals are best seen at VW website so Im dispensing with that and on the my impressions of the car. I just bought a 2014 CC sport in black for a daily commuter, 9 miles 1 way, 5 days a week and 2 roadtrips a year. This is my 3rd VW, Jetta, GTI, now CC. Buying experience was typical, they use some old tricks to get the most money for the cars and I walked out happy with a fair deal. Interior and exterior design, fit, and finish are all top shelf. Seams are close and even, textures are supple and ergonomics are well thought out. Driving is a pleasure, the ride being softer than the GTI but still very firm. Engine is very responsive and driving is very easy.

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  I love my Passat! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jalli427 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has been a pleasure to drive from day one, and now at 10,000 miles it remains so. I drive a lot for my job, and I look forward to getting in my car and taking off on a cruise. Its attractive, classy and responsive. It also handles amazingly in tough situations. Nice audio system, too. Need I say more?

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  Best car ever! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbeetles2 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! have had absolutely zero problems with it! i had previously owned a 2001 NB turbo and had minor problems with that one but this one has been problem free. so much fun to drive and i refuse to let other people drive because i always have so much fun! very fast and sporty, yet comfortable and refined. feels like a more expensive car. definately buy a bra for your car because i already have seen what happened to my previous car with the bugs that dont come off, scratches, and paint chips.

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  Great looking garbage - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jjsirico - November 20 - 7:50 pm

  Same problems as many other people seem to have, power windows are junk. Windows are quite happy to fall down, but never come back up. Replacement parts should be cheap since VW knows this is a major design flaw but they arent. Exterior trim falls off. Cup holder is in such a poor spot that its comical. Radiator fan motor has burned up twice due to bad controller. $600 for a radiator fan, not including labor. Quick car, looks decent, starts every day but prohibitively expensive to repair. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! (unless of course, you would like to buy mine!)