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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  Power house! - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steven G - February 4 - 3:13 am

  Bought this car used 2 years ago from rental car company with 50k on it. Because I like speed I got the car tuned with apr stage 1 with a downpipe, and let me tell you WOW. 28mpg city and 0-60 maybe in the low 6s I beat tuned focus STs all the time. Stock this car performance wise beats most others in its class with mpg to power in consideration. But after the tune it is no contest. The ride is good not great for cornering really fast but Id rather not feel every crack anyways. Seats are comfortable, taken the car on many 3+ hour trips and no issues. Although the interior quality is a bit lacking.

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  Good to go - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SDM69 - February 3 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great car. IÂ’ve had my New Jetta 2.5 for just over one month and all has been great. It is a very solid, well built car. It comes with many quality Euro-type features for its class like how the trunk and hood are self opening, all the way up. The trunk makes it great to operate with your hands full. You only need to press the key fob and it opens fully to place your stuff in. The fit and finish are excellent and the handling is very secure. So far, its been a great experience, I would recommend this car.

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  Our new Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By D. Heilbun - February 3 - 6:46 am

  After looking at many mid size cars we recently chose the new 2006 Passat sedan. We were looking for a sedan that was roomy, safe, comfortable, with good gas mileage for our family. The new Passat stood out from in a crowed market. We previously owned a nice Mercury Mountaineer but the low gas mileage and constant rise in the price of gas was killing our budget. Even though we have owned the car for only a short time we are so impressed with all the features of the 2006 Passat.

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  3 mo after driving car - my impressions. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By z0mb13 - February 3 - 12:29 am

  So I finally jumped overboard and got the car ive always wanted. It put me in the hole but I was able to get it. Perma smile when driving is not uncommon. Much undesired attention from kids. Plenty of HP/TQ as expected. I had an 02 VR and fell in love with the exhaust note, the R32 has not let me down.

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  The R-lines sleek design and handling are A+ - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Corey C. - February 2 - 7:07 pm

  The R-line has a beautiful sporty design compared to the base S model. The 19in aluminum alloy wheels are stylish and really grip the road allowing for great tight handling; and the R-lines cabin is quiet even with the larger tires. Combined MPG is higher than EPA estimates of city/hwy 23/34, Im currently getting about 31.5 (half hwy, half city). What makes the Passat R-line stand above its competitors is its technology and low price. The central info-entertainment system is far superior to its competitors including the Camry, Optima, Legacy, and Madza 6. Also, it comes in a few thousand below the base prices of several of its competitors, making it an affordable yet very reliable option. As an added plus is the size of the cabin. Its huge compared to other midsize sedans. Overall, very impressive for a vehicle in the low 20s.

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  Awesome Car, Period! - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By patrick lancaster - February 2 - 8:33 am

  I have owned this car for a month now and it was definitely worth the hassle and wait. Four doors are a must. It has awesome power and handling!

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  Passing up gas stations! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KellerJetta - February 1 - 1:30 am

  I just picked up my Jetta TDI 3 weeks ago after lurking for years on the TDI forum. Its very quiet inside while cruising and is quicker than it feels. I am constantly finding myself trying to slow down because Im going too fast! The DSG tranny is a dream and gets almost the same mileage as the 5 speed stick. The car is very roomy inside and the trunk is huge! With the rear seats folded, I was able to fit 5 very large trophies that are over 4 feet tall.

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  Great Car, Great Buy! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RobD - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to say that this is an amazing car! Theres more than enough power stock in this car, its a dream. Its got all the features I need and all the controls are very instinctual (unlike a few Japanese cars Ive driven...). Id have to give VW a lot of praise for this little wonder.

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  W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ursus43 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I really like this Passat. It is fun to drive, it has power and it is getting better gas mileage than it claims or I expected.

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  Love my new Jetta!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By snwilson - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am a first time VW owner and I will never go back!