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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  I love my passat! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By billkollector - September 14 - 3:00 pm

  I love my car. Have no doubts about this car, this is an Audi A4 with VW badging. All repair parts are completely interchangeable with an A4 of the same year. Passats are built in Germany so you know they are built correctly, not like the Jettas which are built in Mexico. You cannot go wrong with this car. Note for the consumer though, look for the 2.8L V6. The VW turbos have been known to need replacement after 100k km.

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  Compare to WHAT?? - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By 50something - September 14 - 10:23 am

  We wanted a convertible for years. We considered and drove the BMW 128i, Porsche Boxster, and Mercedes 350 CLK. On vacations we rented Sebring and Mustang Shelby convertibles. When we discovered the EOS on a trip to Arkansas, we bought it on the spot and left our Acura RDX at the dealer. We continued our vacation in our brand new EOS and had a blast. Consider it a 1200 mile test drive! The person who wrote Edmunds review saying the car could not handle the twisties must be faking his reviews in my opinion. I also own a 1985 Porsche 911; the new EOS driven in Sport mode with the DSG handled every bit as well as my Porsche. The car definitely has German DNA and was FUN, FUN, FUN!!

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  Happy - 2015 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Charles Carmosin - September 13 - 9:25 pm

  Drive it, I did and I liked it and bought it.

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  What you should know - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By ryan - September 10 - 8:33 am

  Driven this vehicle for over 10,000 miles and no problems. It is fun to drive; excellent acceleration, well mannered at high speeds (over 100 mph), handles great, and gets excellent gas mileage. Averages 27-30 miles per gallon on my commute and gets 32 or better on the highway. Interior is roomy, comfortable, instruments are well positioned, and there are many many upgrades. It does use premium gas and synthetic oil. So the maintenance costs are a little higher. Its worth it because this vehicle is fun to drive. I thought this is a great alternative to a Honda, Toyota, Infiniti, BMW, or Volvo. This has been my favorite vehicle so far for the price.

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  Awesome - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By carole1003 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my VW Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I originally thought that I wanted a Honda Accord. However, when I visited Edmunds.com and read the reviews for the Honda, it said to also check out the VW Passat. Im glad I did! I read its review and then test drove it! Ive never been happier. It rides smooth and I havent had any problems. Also, it comes with a lot of standard safety features that are not standard on an Accord, like the side curtain airbags. Im really impressed with this car! The only drawback is that it is a little more expensive for servicing than an Accord.

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  Passion and fun. Something different. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By surfsup - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We did a lot of research on this vehicle. We looked at the Honda Accord and Audi A4. For the price and the quality, we couldnt beat the Passat. The last thing we wanted was a passionless and indistinctive car. We chose the Passat for its balance of price, quality, good looks and German engineering. Its just a fun car to be in!

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  We love our Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MIchael Marks - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought a Reflex Silver Passat with gray leather interior and we love it. I shopped around and looked at the Accord, the Maxima, the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Camry and we just kept coming back to the Passat because it looked so good. We are very pleased so far with everything.

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  Love my Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By RB - September 8 - 4:43 pm

  After a few months of researching convertibles and not finding a hard top reasonably priced, there was an article on the EOS in our local paper. After going online to Edmunds and VW website for more information, I went to the dealership and bought it that day. Going from a mid-size SUV to small convertible, I thought it would take some adjustment. However, it is so much fun to drive and feels like a solid car around me. It has excellent pick up, especially getting on the freeway. The hardtop easily retracts and amazes me with the technology. I love driving with the top down, even it is chilly out, I just turn the heated seat up. Im thrilled with my purchase.

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  Wow, just wow. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Q - September 8 - 12:33 pm

  Only recently purchased used but love it, Love It, LOVE IT. It just positively screams. Car was a dealer loaner for the past 5 years, only 42k miles so at least I know the maintenance is current. I do feel like the interior is a bit small, but its a tiny price to pay for the performance and styling. Most people say get the leather but I like cloth just fine. Its scary how quiet it is also. The great part is, yeah, it takes 93 octane but who care about an extra 20 cents per when gas is $4 per gallon anyway and still gets really good mileage? Stereo is great, handling is tight. That the gearing is so close together its a bit to get used to but fun as hell off the mark.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By USCGunner - September 8 - 9:03 am

  This Jetta was my first introduction into the world of true German engineering, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. I have owned this vehicle for almost 4 years and it is an awesome car to drive. VR6 has so much potential beyond its advertised 200 bhp, power band is phenomenal, and its styling/design make it a showy car anywhere. It is good to see a car that can compete with many Japanese rivals in stock condition. Not too many problems to deal with (a couple of O2 sensors, recalls, and one broken plastic piece). I have been to VW service centers all along East coast and they have all been more than helpful. A lot of car for the money!!!