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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  Reliable, Accurate handling, Economical! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mobiliare - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great performer! I will never sell this car especially its my 1st car. I have put a ton of things (even a whole drumset in the trunk) and I have taken care of it really special: K&N filters, new imported brakes (not dealer brake) and its still running perfectly fine at 115000 miles. Its fast - I can beat anyone on highway and its slick looking. As long as you maintain it just right, its a very special car. GT is really rare - get one if you can!!

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  Great Van - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By BRM - November 1 - 10:00 am

  You are going to love this van, there is nothing like it!

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  our first Mini-Van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By First Minivan - November 1 - 5:23 am

  I was impressed with the introduction of the Routan, as my wife and I love VW and we own a Jetta we went for the routan to be our family car. we never thought we would ever get a minivan but we did as the routan is very stylish inside and out. we got the 4,0 V6 engin and it is worth it as the 3.8 had slugish acceleration. the van is fun to drive, lots of room, sun roof but no Entertaiment system.. it was worth it to get the bigger engein as that can not be changed once bought.

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  tornado red tdi - 2015 Volkswagen Golf
  By derekleeo - October 31 - 1:55 pm

  This is an outstanding car. I drive it like [non-permissible content removed] and my average mpg is 40.6. I thought the suspension change would be a negative, but it handles great.The only issues I have are the stereo being on 87.7 when I start it(sometimes) and the rear washer leaking. Oh, and the passenger door is hard to close... your door isnt shut...your door isnt shut....nope, nope, there you go.

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  As good as a BMW - but half the price - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Max - October 31 - 12:42 pm

  I am used to driving BMWs and Jaguars for the last 25 years. I bought this car after having a Jetta for a year and I loved it but wanted a bigger, heavier car with more bells and whistles so I traded it for this PASSAT. I LOVE THIS CAR! I am tall and long legged and Its extremely comfortable, has all I could ask for except leather and a sunroof, but with rear camera, bluetooth, MP3 and iPod, heated seats and it performs beautifully and extremely reliably EVERY DAY and gets great gas mileage and needs NOTHING and the warranty and included service at the dealerships are great. This car just works flawlessly and is a great performer on the road. Its never needed to go into the dealership for anything except scheduled maintenance and I have several dealerships to go to and they are all EXCELLENT AND TAKE FANTASTIC CARE OF YOU. Update: My car was subject to the Takara airbag recall. 11 deaths and hundreds of severe injuries as metal schrapnel could explode into your neck or face. VW said 6 - 9 months wait for replacements. I was NOT going to allow myself to be the next death or injury. VW would not take my car in on trade on a brand new. Tried emailing the VW CEO in Europe for a solution - none offered. I traded it in at the local BMW dealership for a preowned 328i and very happy. VW is a great car but I was not going to drive a death trap and they offered no help.

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  This little car stole my heart - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By GeorgiaRose - October 30 - 9:26 pm

  I am no stranger to European cars- I grew up on BMWs and Audis, and I drove a Volvo for many years- but the little VW Rabbit has stolen my heart and converted me to Vdubs. First of all, it is an incredible value and has a lot of the same features Ive seen in more expensive cars. The interior is top notch and surprisingly roomy for a compact car. Its also extremely comfortable on long trips; Ive taken many road trips in it and its just a pleasure to drive. This little Rabbit has a lot of get up and go- maybe its not as fast as a GTI but it has plenty of power- not to mention the great fuel mileage too!

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  Poor Mans M3... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By the car guru - October 29 - 11:46 pm

  I used to own a 99 M3...so I know what I am talking about when I say this new GLI from VW is "a poor mans M3"! What I mean is, a new BMW M3 retails for over $50,000. The GLI can be bought (well equipped) for around $25,000! This car performs as well as most would expect for the price. Its powerful 2.0T engine gets you going fast right off the line every time. The spectacular DSG transmission is state of the art. (why hasnt Porsche stolen it from VW yet...Ill never figure out?) When you want to haul four adults economically, but in style and with a sporty nature to your ride...consider a GLI. Its the best Jetta of the bunch by a long shot! And a great overall bargain sports sedan.

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  Used car test: 2002 VW Passat GLS Wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By carb5 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a CPO 2002 Passat GLS 1. 8T Wagon in April of 2004 for a cross-Canada trip heading west from Ottawa to Vancouver Island then North through Dawson Creek B.C. (mile 0 of the Alaska Highway) and further north to Great Slave Lake (above the 60th Parallel) and back. The trip totalled 17000km and took 205 hours according to the trip computer. The Passat swallowed all of our gear and never complained through a daily average of 6 hours on the road at speeds anywhere from 30 to 75 mph. We averaged 36mpg over the full distance in 32 days. Nothing went wrong. A flawless trip in a car that left me extremely impressed. Id buy a new one in a heartbeat.

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  Ahhhh! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bakwalker - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This will be a very short happy review: After 6 months driving this vehicle I am still in love. Simple, elegant, fun to drive, solid as a rock, comfortable. I am looking forward to an ongoing affair with this car.

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  Nice Execution VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mlsadvis - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 97 BMW 540i 6-speed for this car and am very impressed. The BMW was fantastic, no question, but heavier and less tossable. Was looking for a smaller, more nimble car. Looked at the BMW 330i, Audi A4, Acura TL. 330i was $40K, the Audi $39K and the Acura a bargain at $33K. So...not enough bang for the buck with the BMW and Audi. Horrible torque steer with the Acura. For $24K I have a vehicle with great perfomance, ergonomics, space and visual appeal. Time will tell regarding reliablity and build quality. For VW enthusiasts, this Jetta is a 337 GTI. You will love it. Also, if interested, a new chip will make this a 225 hp, 250 lb/ft rocket.