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 truly hate to part with my Jetta TDI! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rebecca Hewitt-Walraven - February 19 - 5:20 am

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  Just what I wanted! - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By larry bilardi - February 19 - 5:08 am

  The Tiguan is comfortable and sporty.

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  Enjoyable to drive. - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWWS - February 17 - 8:27 pm

  Great acceleration, fuel economy and extremely low road noise. Handles very well. Entertainment system is ok with very limited aftermarket options. Otherwise great vehicle!

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  Great Car and Fun To Drive - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By etothesecond - February 16 - 8:50 am

  This is a great car and the turbo is the only way to go. I have had no problems with this car and it is wonderful!

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  Beware of tire issues!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By kylekonkarne - February 15 - 3:23 pm

  The tires on the air suspension vehicles are horrible. After only 15,000 miles the cords were showing. VWOA told me to take a hike, "thats how it is with these vehicles" they said. The dealer was as compassionate with worse customer service. When you pay $54,000 for a vehicle you would think they might want to take care of you.

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  Bang for your buck - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By dsmtuner - February 15 - 3:56 am

  This car is an amazing car to get. I paid 17,325 and got a lot of excellent features. This car feels good to drive in, and when your already tired from driving, the car wont get you more tired. 10 speaker German sound, will wake you up. For a 2009, this is more likely the best car to get. Gas is the issue, but for the performance and comfort, its well worth it. I am a mechanic and it seems to that this car is excellent for every day driver. Engine temp stays at 190*f and even on 12 hour drives it does. Highest mpg was 28 so far. This car has the same concept of the VW golf. But way better

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  Problems, Turbo & Clutch - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Timsat - February 15 - 12:36 am

  It is a lemon !!! Turbo bad at 6k mi. Clutch bad at 17k mi. heated seat has a recall notice I do love driving it and the great fuel mileage !!

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  Super SUV - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By AP - February 14 - 3:50 pm

  Ive been an Audi owner for years, but opted for the VW this go round because I didnt care for the Q7 exterior and I liked the air suspension option on the Touareg. It is by far my favorite automobile to date! Even though I got a fully loaded edition, there are a few luxury items noticeably absent (no memory feature on the drivers seat?!). And it is not without its electronic bugs: the alarm goes off sometimes when locking the vehicle with the key fob or exterior keyless button...it is a VW after all. But, honestly, it is one fine vehicle and if all goes well beyond these first 3K miles, I hope to have it for 300K + (this from someone who generally trades every 2 years with < 30K.

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  No Better Car For The Money! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By grumpess - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 3.5 year & 45,000 miles and have not had a single issue. I love the way it drives, the interior is nicer than most luxury cars, and the power is just right.

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  The best and worst car you can buy - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By treploe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  My Jettas check engine light is always on, it stalls every once in a while, it eats oil and the dealer hasnt been able to pin point the problem. My car is a lemon. However, as weird as it sounds, I love everything about the car. If mine wasnt a lemon it would be the best car I have ever owned.