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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  A Great Sleeper - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fred F. Stone - February 8 - 4:50 pm

  I traded a Lincoln Continental for this. I think it was a good move. It was time for something smaller. Gas mileage is great. Pick-up is amazing. I got the drivetrain of a GTI with a more comfortable suspension. Seats are a good fit, driving position is near perfect. Brake pedal is a little too close to the gas pedal. Wide shoes become a problem. Radio sounds great. I like the MP3 jack. Should have had a recess in the glove box lid to allow cable to pass out without crimping it. The AC power outlet in rear of console was a pleasant surprise.

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  Awsome - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Steve75219 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a FANTASTIC SUV!!!

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  I love it so far! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jopafa - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I have found this car to drive very nicely with excellent external noise reduction and a smooth ride. It accelerates smoothly. The stereo is great. The seat comfort is great. Looks are very appealing. Electronic perks are great. So far I think this car is as good as many cars priced more such as the lexus-330 and bmw 325i. A great buy-near luxury car.

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  VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By kittylala - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is car is pretty nice however, un reliable, and I found Japanese made to be a better value and beter quality.

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  VOLKSWAGON LOVER - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alice Gourdine-Jones - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I received my Passat for my birthday from my husband, ive wanted one for over 10 years. it is one of the best driving autos I have had the experience of driving.

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  An Amazing Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Roxieebd1195 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I leased a Jetta before going into my Passat and I love it... It is very comfortable with a touch of luxury specially for the price.. I would not trade my car for anything.

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  Love my Bug!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CHRISTIE - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for the NBC since the New Beetle came out years ago. This is a peppy little car! Does it handle like a sports car? No. However, it handles great, its comfortable to drive and has plenty of front seat leg room.

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  Amazing handling, pick-up, and interiors - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sunil - February 7 - 6:03 pm

  We are expecting our first baby and wanted something more spacious and safe than our old sedan. However, we also wanted something with good mileage that was also powerful (that ruled out the Prius). This car fit the bill perfectly. We are averaging about 35 mpg after 2000 miles (city+hwy) and the car has some serious pick-up. It handles beautifully and has some serious pick-up.The interiors are very stylish and the controls are very practical. We had the power sunroof added on and it is well worth the money, makes us feel like we are in a convertible. We paid MSRP.

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  Fantastic Car - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - February 7 - 10:39 am

  I echo everyone elses review of this car. It is a tremendous value and youd be hard pressed to find any other car in this class that can offer you the drive, tech, looks and sheer German performance. I came from an Audi A4 and was about to lease another but then I test drove the Jetta 1.8T Sport. It was fantastic. It is fully loaded with tech (including Android Auto) and the dual-tone leatherette seats, 17" wheels, push button start, navigation, Bluetooth, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano-black trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights and the bi-xenon headlight push it over the edge. And all for $23K. Not to mention the speed-proportional power steering. Go test drive one. You wont be disappointed.

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  Beautiful but very unreliable car. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eddy - February 7 - 2:56 am

  I was attracted by the interior and exterior design of the Passat. Very beautiful car, feel like luxury compare to a Camry or Accord. But the biggest problem is reliability. There has been too many recalls on this car. I have had all kind of problems with this car. Oil pump, Vacuum hoses, Water pump, OIL SLUDGE...etc This car was apparently not built to last long. Even the mechanic at my VW Dealership recommended that I get rid of the car. I am very happy I did. Buy this car only if you love to visit the mechanic every month and spend a lot of money on costly repairs. If you choose to buy it, sell it before the warranty expires.