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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  Cutest Little Thing! - 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By lovemycabrio8 - June 15 - 9:46 am

  Before I bought my 2000 Cabrio 4 years ago, I looked up consumer reviews and was horrified. Fortunately, I ignored the postings and went ahead and bought one. omg! The best thing I could have done! Not only do you get great gas mileage, it fits everywhere. The check engine light came on twice in 4 years and both times all I did was open the hood and take a look. The first time, a thick rubber tube got old and had a whole in it. Cost me $2.00 & 15 minutes to change. This last time, a small rubber tube disconnected. I put it in its place, and 15 miles later, check engine light turned off. Im a female musician, not a mechanic and I figured it out! Use common sense, and you will be just fine!

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  2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 5-speed PK2 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MPGeez! - June 15 - 7:13 am

  First, Im disappointed VW removed most of the convenience features found on the 2005.5 Jettas. The car is reasonably fun to drive and handles better than my former car (03 Maxima SE). Its not a speedster and performs about the same as my last Jetta (85 GL gasser). Oddly enough from the inside it sounds a bit like my old 66 Bug. This is a decent mid-level commuter car with European demeanor. Im getting 45 mpg with a 5-speed. Its a Volkswagen through and through. Theres minimal clatter, smoke and diesel odor, but the car does require a bit more user maintenance and attention than a 4-cyl. gasser: special oil, diesel additives, driving habits, etc. Its really a mileage geeks car.

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  Drives Great...When Not in the Shop - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tony - June 15 - 3:30 am

  I like the way this car drives, but even though the engine works fine, everything else is breaking. My car has a cracked sunroof frame, problems with its door locks, and water is leaking into it, etc... My car has had more waranty work done on it than all my other cars combined, after only three years (I bought it new). I am ready to get rid of it before the waranty expires.

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  New to VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mel - June 15 - 12:26 am

  It handles good, feels good. Owners manual does not say much at all about Transmission or maintenance of tranny. i cant even find type oil to use or how to check it.

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  Nice, thanks for but somewhat expensive. - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John Keck - June 14 - 11:29 pm

  The Jetta GLI is a fairy sporty sedan. Its not the most economical of the Jetta trim levels, but offers great acceleration, braking, and handling. The interior is nice with a good infotainment system, parking assistance and blind spot monitoring. I havent had the car long enough to comment on reliability.

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  TDI is a great engine - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DD - June 14 - 7:50 pm

  Ive now had the Jetta wagon with the diesel engine for about two months. Assuming it lasts (the engine assuredly will, time will tell about the rest of the car)it is a wonderful car. Comfortable, road-friendly, intelligently designed (they even have a sunglasses holder), this is a great car. And, Im getting 40 mpg. It loves to cruise at 80 mph. Great car.

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  Joyces TDI - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jross - June 14 - 6:26 pm

  Traded in a 2001 Jetta VRX with 5- speed manual and VR6 engine. A decent - well equipped car with excellent reliability history. The new TDI is a MUCH nicer car; significantly better ride and handling. Zero problems at 8500 miles. Excellent fuel economy - not unusual to see 38mpg in the city.

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  Loving This Car So Far - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By onthevirg - June 14 - 5:16 pm

  I shopped around, and the Volkswagen GTI seemed to offer the best bang for the buck as far as features and options are concerned. I had a 2002 Turbo Beetle, but this car is much more fun to drive and more comfortable to boot. It has no turbo lag, tons of torque, handles well, and interior is very nice. I like having the 6 speed transmission to run on the freeway at much lower RPMs. I only have 250 miles on it so far, so my initial impressions are all positive, except for the stereo, which lacks bass on the low end. The Monsoon sound system in my Bug sounded much better. The steering wheel they threw in this car is nice too.

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  Love my Jetta - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anthony - June 14 - 4:21 pm

  I bought my 16 Jetta TSI about 6 weeks, and 2,000 Miles ago (I do love driving it.) You may ask, why didnt I rate it 100% in everything? Heres why: -Shifting: clutch feels very springy to me, drive by wire accelerator is hard to get used to, constantly over revving during shifts. -Getting in/out: Transitioning from a pick up truck, Im just not used to it yet. -Instrumentation: I could use a voltmeter. -Outward visibility: Horrible blind spot around the rear quarter panel/ C Pillar -Fuel economy: youre going to get good milage (30-35MPG Average) but as with any turbo charged gas engine, you want to put 91-93 octane in, it runs so much smoother. you can expect to spend about the same if youre transitioning from a 3.6 liter V6 engine (or similar) like myself. WHY I STILL LOVE IT -Fun to drive (I defiantly recommend the 1.8T) -sporty, modern AND luxurious (amazing seats, for any average sized guy like myself. There are so many seat adjustments though, Ill bet almost everybody would be able to get comfortable) -still affordable

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  cute but dont buy - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cheer Chick - June 14 - 12:10 pm

  I loved this car when i first bought it, but then after I had it for a week it was back in the shop. Ive had the transmission replaced twice on this thing. The light bulbs keep goin out and the window buttons always break. My window broke while it was down which was horrible. The dealer always is really expensive too. My brake light switch went out too and I couldnt move my car. This car spends more time in the shop then it does on the road! VW seriously needs to rethink some ideas on the Bug. My interior door handles are pealing and the cup holders stink. I cant even put any drink besides a can in there. It also needs more horspower. It has horrible acceleration! Dont buy a new Beetle.