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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  2003 GL Wagon 1.8L Manual - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By philzone - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my purchase overall. Unfortuately, one wheel was unbalanced by 2.5 oz. when I drove it off the lot, but did not notice until I was on the interstate. Initial gas mileage is not quite as good as expected, perhaps more time will tell. Also was extremely difficult to find as a 5-speed manual, but I eventually got what I wanted after waiting till 2003 models. Excellent and responsive engine and tight suspension, with the cargo room I was looking for without buying an SUV or minivan.

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  50 MPG - SWEET! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaTDI - December 15 - 10:00 am

  8 airbags, seats 5 comfortably, rich interior, awesome stero, loads of standard equipment, lots of power under foot...and it gets 50 MPG. Need I say more?

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  Love the turbo! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw dude! - December 14 - 10:23 am

  Best car for the price

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  LOVE This Car - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By lesliebriar - December 14 - 10:21 am

  I absolutely love this car. Ive had 2 jettas in the past and traded my last jetta for a scion tc.....was not worth it. I had the tc for 2 years and getting that car was the worst mistake ever. It was a good car, but going from a vw jetta that had all the bells and whistles to a scion tc that had basically nothing, I couldnt do it. I went to my local VW dealership about 2 months ago and traded it in on the 2015 VW Passat TSI SE 1.8T and my life feels complete now. I wouldnt trade back to save my life. I love the power this car has. The interior is over the top. I just love everything about this car.

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  Great Van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By J - December 13 - 1:06 am

  We looked at everything and decided on the Routan because to the style and drivability. Bluetooth, dual sliders, nav, and JoyBox a plus. The engine is solid and fun to drive, from what I can tell you need to get the SEL or above to really get a good idea on the quality of the vehicle.

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  The Wow Factor - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By David Morelli - December 12 - 9:46 am

  I was not sure about buying a car known for its hippie genre. Then my wife convinced me to try it out and give it a drive since she had a VW in Argentina that she said was great. I was so impressed by the way the car handled. It seemed that the faster I went the better the drive got. I am a firm believer now and have been now for 6 years and 4 different VWs.

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  I booted my Audi A*L for this car!! I AM IN LOVE - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By trdking - December 11 - 3:12 pm

  I test drove the gauntlet looking for a replacement for my A8L looking for something that was sporty, smooth, comfortable, and would give me a more green environmental look. Face it the A8L is a gas pig at 18mpg and It did not fit with my new business model. GO GREEN. I drove the Prius, Leaf, Volt Eh not so much. I mean they are green but they just all feel tight like a smart car with a different flare. I did drive the Jetta Hybrid turbo gas electric and I really liked it! but too small felt like a sardine in a can. I am 6feet 250lbs. The Passat TDI SEL is a perfect car for someone who is used to driving a luxury car that wants to just do better things for the environment.

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  great car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By phosphoirs - December 10 - 10:00 am

  great car i love it, i used to own a 90 mustang 5.0 and i love this car way more, beter handleng better looks better all around car im so happy with this ride i cant be more happy travis

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  I love my egg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jmdpjd - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I have the V8 Egg and it has been a wonderful vehicle. I have had two minor issues thus far. A plug was missed during assembly causing water to enter the cargo area. Fixed promptly by the dealership. I also have a problem with wind noise with the sunroof open. dealer installed a deflector to correct problem.

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  Loads of fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Merrily - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Takes ten years off your age. You feel life again...Happy 50th birthday to me!