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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  vw got it right - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By txtdivw - July 12 - 1:34 am

  All I can say at this point is every works perfectly. This has not always been the case with previous VWs. Fuel mileage excellent!

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  Get in the Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ag - July 11 - 10:16 am

  I bought my 06 Jetta in January of 2006 and have had only one problem with it. Early on, the wiring harness went out, but luckily, it was covered under the warranty. Other than that, NOTHING has gone wrong (of course, now that I own it, I may have jinxed myself). It loves ice and snow, stops on a dime, and handles speeds up to 105 without vibration. Love it. Everyone should get one!

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  Enjoying Our New Tiguan in Calgary - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Barry Pendergast - July 10 - 10:06 am

  We have had the Tiguan for 2 weeks but already feeling we made the right decision after an agonizing review period and test drives in the competition - the RAV4, Fusion, CR-V etc. Originally set on a diesel Golf Wagon but did not find it comfortable. The Tiguan replaced a very old Nissan 300ZX but this feels like driving a sports car. Im little worried about the 4 cylinders over 6 but time will tell if thats a problem. Its our first VW having had Toyotas for a long period

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  5000 miles later - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By dlunny - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After 5000 miles and one 1500 mile trip ( three 10 hour driving days)I still enjoy every minute of being behind the wheel. Its comfortable, responsive, stabil and solid. The six cylinder engine has plenty of power.

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  Surprisingly Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By n1128q - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for less than 2 months and 2100 miles but it is one of the best cars Ive ever had. Peppy engine, great handling, lots of room inside, clean outside style, lots of safety features. Ive been very surprised about how much I like driving this car...I never expected to. Much more fun than my wifes 2003 Accord EX, although less features for the money. The Accord has more "toys" but the Passat has more "heart"...Ill take heart every time!

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  My TDI Eats Hybrids For Lunch - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pgallagh - July 9 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car!! Been driving a 94 Honda Accord forever (231K miles), and finally decided to treat myself to a newer car. Love my TDI Loyal edition. Bought it one week ago used w/31K miles and it has been fantastic. First day on my 120 roundrip commute got 46mpg and have avg. 41.6 since owning it. Youd never know it was a Diesel. Too bad USA automakers are too stupid to realize the DIESEL is the future!!! When I see Toyota, Ford, Honda advertise their cars get 32mpg (which is good), I shake my head knowing that I consistently beat that by 10mpg regardless of where I am driving. And no darn haz-mat battery to replace with a Hybrid. GO GET ONE WHILE THEY ARE STILL AROUND!!!!

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  Luv my Phaeton - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Richard - July 9 - 1:13 pm

  Have 31,000 miles on auto. Have not had one thing which I could ask the dealer to fix. NOTHING. Service has been beyond excellent. They say VW dealers dont know how to sell or provide customer service to luxury buyers. My buying and customer service from my dealer has been better than my previous Mercedes, Lexus and BMW dealers. Last two cars were 740-ils several small problems with each. Loved my 740s but my Phaeton will be remembered more than my first car. If I can ever part with this W12 my next car would be another one. It is too bad that other luxury car owners are afraid or maybe embarrassed of saying I own a VW. They are missing a great driving experience.

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  GTI vs. 325i? No Contest - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By dgb - July 7 - 10:23 am

  The VW GTI is more fun to drive than the BMW 325i and it holds four comfortably with room for the dog in the hatch. It even costs about $15,000 less than a similarly-equipped BMW. It is larger and cheaper than the Audi A3. It is almost as much fun to drive as the Mini Cooper S, but sized for non-hobbits. It has the best transmission available - period. I have had it for only one month and 800 miles, but it has no rattles, squeaks, or problems of any kind. Its gas mileage has been 27 mpg combined using manual shift/sport mode and a heavy foot. It gets 30+ on the highway.

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  Best all-around car....period... - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By BigBob - July 6 - 5:23 pm

  After owning SUVs, sports cars, economy cars, this is THE best all-around car that combines features of each of the above-listed automobiles. Fuel economy is excellent when compared to the performance. Sure you can get 40 mgg in a prius but the drive is boring, Ill take the 31-34 mpg in a fun-to-drive GTI any day. Ive owned the car for 2.5 years and have had absolutely no problems with it, besides a small rattle in the rear drivers-side door panel that the dealership was able to fix at no charge. I usually get bored with cars after a year or two but this GTI is the only car Ive owned that I am seriously considering buying after my lease is up.

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  Nice way to enter the driving world :) - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWfan93 - July 5 - 7:53 pm

  Im a sixteen year old, and recently got my Volkswagen jetta, tdi, wolfsberg edition. This car is soooo Nice, I love it. The handling, the power, the diesel, the seats, everything! You name it my car, has it. I have loved this cars sense they came out and Im so glad I got one. Sure, it has its down falls. One being when I slow down the steering gets harder. But, as I go faster its sooo easy, which is better :). I love the diesel engine getting about 45-50, Im pretty happy. I could not ask for a better car, cant wait for 200k :)