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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  Love it. Did my homework and am happy! - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By jazzbank - July 8 - 10:00 am

  For starters, Im not a racerboy nor a true sports car fan. I wanted a great balance of features, fun, and practicality. I did a ton a research before landing on the GTI (3 months worth!). Fit and finish are above the competition it really feels like an Audi or other premium brand. I can haul people or cargo and still accelerate quickly into any pocket on the freeway or sneak a parking space on a crowded street. It handles really well and is silky smooth if you use a light touch. It can feel a little jerky depending on the road, but overall a great ride. I dont know if I can ever go back to a regular sedan or compact. I decided on this after a lifetime of Toyotas and Hondas, but this is fun

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  Great Commuter Car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Loki1098 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car mainly for commuting duty (90% highway driving) as I drive 65 miles daily round-trip. The DSG transmission is extremely smooth and a good investment. The ride is smooth and comfortable at highway speeds. The combined package of high mpg, comfortable ride, good handling, safety features, cargo room, resale value, and $1300 tax credit made it a no-brainer for me. The only problem was finding one. I found the exact car I wanted, but it had the DVD/Nav. I decided to buy anyway to avoid the 3- 4 month wait of a factory order. Ive only been driving the car a few days, but I really like it dont regret the purchase. Feels more Audi-like than my 2006 BMW 330i.

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  Best of the Best - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nicholas - July 7 - 6:20 pm

  I had this VR6 for 4 years now. I reviewed other reviews from other clients who owned it. Im lucky... Most have problems and being put in shop often. My VR6 has been running excellent for me with average of 35 MPG. Low profile tires (51 PSI), performace K&N air filter, full synethic oil, prenium gas, increases gas mileage. Ive pushed my RPM over 7,000 so many times and never had a problem with it. Ive topped almost 175 MPH with a radar used from a friend. All STOCK! It is a very fast car. Ive raced BMW M5 and beat him, he was an idiot, he had auto and I had stick shift and I won 500 bucks. hee hee. Best car Ive owned except for my old Dodge V10 truck.

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  Love it! - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW Guy - July 6 - 5:46 pm

  I love everything about this car except the gas mileage and the premium fuel. It handles like a dream, smooth ride, beautiful to look at, has a cabin that feels like its from a much larger vehicle and feels like its a BMW or Mercedes (for 1/2 the price). Im always been a fan of VWs and this car is no exception. Loved the 94 Golf, 00 Jetta, and 03 Golf. I kept my Golf I love it so much. I expect the Tiguan to be part of the family for many years to come - unless they sell a diesel Tiguan at a reasonable price :-) Id reccomend it and buy it again in a NY minute!

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  Bargain in a nice wrapper - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian Reed - July 6 - 4:50 am

  I have taken this car on two long trips and it has been everything I wanted and more. Everything works superbly in the car from the Monsoon system, cd changer, seats and cupholders. It gets fabulous MPG in town and on the road. I consistently get between 27-30 in town and 34-37 on the road. When the cruise is engaged, it has no problem pulling an uphill grade like the Grapevine in CA fully loaded. I love this car!!!

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  love my Beetle - 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
  By Albert - July 6 - 3:50 am

  Interior design and comfort are enjoyable.

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  The pleasures of driving a 2001 GTi VR6 - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By o2bavr6 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This the 3rd GTi Ive owned and have had the car now for about 3 years. I never tire of driving it. The VR6 has such a wondeful power band. It also handles quite well for a hatchback with a V6 in it. I havent had many troubles with the car at all, and the ones I did were covered under warranty. 2004 VW R32 here I come.

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  Great Machine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By jakesphere - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Autombile! I would recommend it to anybody if one is available to purchase!

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  Super Utility Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By woda - July 4 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of four previous SUVs, this by far is the best one I have owned (including a Range Rover)! The only beef one can have is with the gas mileage...my F150 actually gets better gas mileage! Other than that, the car is a dream in every respect.

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  Fun California Driving - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By hollysmc - July 2 - 1:53 pm

  Ive loved my Volkswagen Cabrio. Its fun, easy to park, gets good gas mileage, and has a great sound system. It has all the things you look for in a sporty convertible.