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:

• 

  Update on my May 2013 review - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By desertguy51 - November 25 - 11:53 pm

  Updating my May 2013 review Great seats for long drives. Excellent lumbar support. Id like full power seats, but at least the power seat back adjustment is a great idea. Mileage: Great. Recent trip: Palm Springs to Oakland: 35.5 mpg. Marin to Ventura counties: 37.5 Ventura to Palm Springs: 39.5 This is not the TDI, so although Id love the additional power of the turbo, the excellent mileage has compensated for the 2.5. Bluetooth works well, although I did have to have the dealer pair my phone to it. They were happy to do it and I have to say that VW service has been excellent from VW of Palm Springs.

• 

  Not Sure If Ill Get Another V-Dub - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ed - November 25 - 7:46 am

  First VW to own. 2006 manual GLI package w/leather, XM radio. Fun car to drive but already had problems with it and had it a year. Had 2 months before it started overheating - coolant hose connection problem that kept the fan running after I turned the ignition off, which was depleting the battery. Five months later, another problem with a hose that was making some heavy noise from the engine. Both were fixed by the dealer. Now all of the buttons are starting to peel off (plastic/rubber finish)!? Went to the dealer, have to come back when someone could pull out the radio, find the manufacturer, and order new radio. Dealer oil changes too $$. Took to private shop, told it was burning oil like crazy!

• 

  1st and last - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By steelcat - November 25 - 12:36 am

  For 1st several months loved it. Then radio, door handles, lock buttons replaced. Then Major repairs, fuel line changed 2x, motor taken out to be worked on, recalls, having to take time off, then air compressor and condenser out. This was after I was over warranty at 55,700 miles only 2 years old. Cost to repair in excess of $2000. I was concerned early on about problems that I was experiencing but only recourse was to let it be fixed while under warranty. After warranty is up, beware, expect problems, cost to repair is very high. VW corp. Did offer me a $1000 voucher towards the purchase of a new VW/Audi. No thanks, traded on a Toyota! Disappointed in quality of VW, loved this car but had to go.

• 

  Love this car - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By TJ - November 24 - 8:37 am

  Ive only had this car for a week but Im in love. Purchased mine with under 33k miles. For the most part she rides like butter. Its taking some adjustment after driving 2 manuals for the last 11 years. This car isnt at all my usual style as I normally choose a smaller, sportier car. In fact, I purchased this is lieu of the Mazda3 Id chosen. The power and room sold me. Pros: classic and elegant looking and VERY roomy. Feels high quality yet minimalist by design. Tech and navigation are simple and adequate. Great speakers. Cornsilk leatherette and nickel interior looks high end (mine is in minty condition 3 years later). Lots of features on my TSI SE. Fast! I leave people in the dust:) I dont see tons of these on the road unlike Kia and Hyundai. Cons: Seats lack padding and are not at all plush. MPG isnt as good as I thought it would be, though not too bad. Sport mode has choppy shifting and the tranny is quirky sometimes. Hate VW dealership customer service so far. Love this car and would recommend this non diesel version.

• 

  Mature fun - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By vincenth - November 23 - 3:40 pm

  After taking three long test drives comparing the new EVO, STI, and R32, I decided to purchase the VW. While both the EVO and STI will out perform the R32, I felt the VW was the best overall blend of performance and comfort.

• 

  2012 VW Golf TDI - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By chasda - November 23 - 12:51 am

  My previous car was a 2008 civic EXL. It was economical, dependable transportation, strictly point A to point B. I wanted to move up to something more competent, more fun to drive. I researched all the cars in the compact class. I compared power, performance and economy. Although all had something to offer, I felt the Golf TDI was a step ahead. The blend of performance, economy and build quality is unmatched in this segment. The diesel has a lot of torque and a broad power range, the DSG transmission blends perfectly, acceleration and passing are a breeze. The ride is solid, and handling is precise. Road noise is minimal, it has the feel of a much more expensive car. Sound system is awesome.

• 

  Jetta The best car ever!...and safe too! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica Lauderdale - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 Jetta and I tell ya, I refuse to buy another car. Im selling my car right now and Im upgradeing to a 2004 Jetta. I got in a car accent about a year ago. I was in my jetta and I stopped for a red light when a man in a BMW hit me from behind going 40 mph. The accent did do some damage to my car but I tell ya, It should have been a lot worse. My bumper absorbed all the accent and I didnt get hurt at all. I do have to admit, the BMW looked like it hit a tree. It did not crash well. I was not the least bit impressed. I highly recomend a jetta to anyone. I recomend a jetta to anyone who is looking for a new car.

• 

  100% love it - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By drivinitsoftly - November 21 - 12:36 pm

  this car is a wonder to drive. it has tons of pickup for its size, and a luxurious feel. the brown leather is top notch. the sound system requires some updating, but the 25+mpg driving for me has been a savings vs my cross tour. I am happy every time I drive it.

• 

  This is a disappoinment - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By ken - November 21 - 7:56 am

  I bought this vehicle as new. Great style, works fine in two years until last year when suddenly the oil light came on 4000 miles after last oil change, took to the dealership and they told me the engine is burning oil in 1 qt. per 1000 mile, which I suspect even higher, the warranty forfeited because I didnt keep all the oil change record. the maintenance is fairly expensive overall, I took the car to the same dealership recently for battery change and it cost $400. I already regret buying it and am telling my friends not to buy it.

• 

  Great car, lousy service - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By dplok1 - November 21 - 5:07 am

  It disappoints me to write a negative review since this is a great car, but, the electrical problems, dealer service, and VW of Americas poor service are genuine issues. For the first 5K miles this car was outstanding. After that it began having unusual issues -- seat belt warnings for no reason, losing Infotainment presets, cruise control switching off, instrument cluster resetting to factory settings, etc. Several trips to the dealer resulted in repeated "We just cant find the problem". Eventually, the instrument cluster began returning to zero everytime the car was turned off so I no longer know its actual mileage. VW claims it was designed to do this. Still not working.