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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  Happy New Owner - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By german_car_guy - October 29 - 6:13 am

  I bought my 2014 Tiguan SE only about 10 days ago but first impressions overall are favorable. The car feels much bigger on the inside while driving it than it does from the outside. It is quiet, smooth, has plenty of power, and handles well.

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  Basic Wheels - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By tomato - October 28 - 10:13 am

  Ok, little set of wheels. People comment its "cute". Nothing special, a bit noisy, some interior design/ergonomic issues. Centre console lacks lid or armrest, stereo terrible, front seats uncomfortable (no lumbar), A/C and defrost controls too small/awkward location, sunroof rattles, wipers stop when vehicle is stopped (very dangerous as you need to see at all times), wiper controls cumbersome, front seats get stuck in forward position (have to pull hard to move back), standard wheels ugly, rear wiper makes sticks to window, ventilation poor (windows steam up quickly), no cargo net.

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  I really wish I could say I like it - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By marvinmartian - October 26 - 9:20 am

  This is my 4th VW. Its my 2nd TDI. I loved my previous TDI. This one, not so much. I am the 2nd owner having bought it 7/13 with ~17K miles. I have put almost 40K miles on it. It is far more powerful than my previous TDI but fuel economy does not match it either. I have not really had any mechanical issues. Just routine maintenence. I should really like this car but I am just not happy with it. There is a resonance (buzz) in the dash between 1500 & 1800rpm which is where I end up running most of the time. The sunroof shade also rattles. The seats are just not comfortable to me. Im not a slender person but Im not morbidly obese either. The side bolsters on the seats make them too narrow.

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  Not a typical Minivan - 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By Pennsylvania - October 24 - 10:00 am

  With little interest in a van that has 16 cup holders the Eurovan wasthe perfect match for our clan.The seats are a pain.I now have my mechanic remove,storeandinstall the rear seat when needed.A/Cis powerful.The engine never lacksneeded speed.When you first drive this car,you sit up high like a bus driveran experience that takes getting useto. Never do I feel thattipping/rollingis an issue.The middle seats and the A/Ccompressor have broke.This oversized beast is missing the bells and whistles Soccer Moms demand. However,my van can haul 7 adults comfortably, a dog, groceries and luggage for a week and never feel under powered.

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  the worst car I have ever had - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By funkykat - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The first 1.5 years were great but now,I have replaced exhaust 3 times, clutch rod broke, tried to use hazzard lites, didnt work, have replaced both front and rear brakes and rotors, car now does not like to start in wet weather. horn is malfunctioning and had to pull the fuse to stop it. window washer feature comes out in a small stream of fluid. coolant needs to be purchased at the dealer so it is inconvenient and unsafe. it is not the car to have if you dont have one to rely on while it is in the garage. and it will be, all the time. I will never own another VW

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  Electronic hell - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Winnipeg - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The "master computer brain" died and the car refused to start. Part had to be flown in. Then an air flow sensor malfunctioned and required replacing. Now theres another sensor malfuntion that my dealership told me to ignore. I guess theyre designed not to work.

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  Lint Trap!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Uphappy Car Owner:-( - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I came on this to see if everyone with this car had the same problems and they sure did. My oil is gone literally every 1000 miles...and they tell me thats normal...ya ok. my passenger windown just fell into the side door shattering...that was common so they fixed both windows no problem but still inconvenience...the seats are embarrassing since it looks like i got into a fight with a cat and it won (winter sweaters) lint all over the car and vacuum doesnt pick it up (stuck)...on a positive note it is excellent on gas and no major mechanical problems:-)oh almost forgot within a yr of having the car i need new rotters and pads!

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  W8 Passat Review - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rob Kerian - October 23 - 9:26 am

  I would only take the time to write a review if a car was exceptionally good or a piece of junk. Well, the Passat W8 is by far the best car I have ever owned. The 8 cylinder engine is silky smooth, as is the 5sp tranny - all wheel drive. I believe the interior build quality and materials is better than a new Lexus I bought for my wife (she picked it out!). I bought it because I refuse to drive a Statement Car. You know the car makes Im talking about. Admittedly, this was a relatively expensive car new, but it has been a wonderful car that I intend to keep for some time.

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  2009 Passat Wagon - Komfort - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan P - October 21 - 1:46 pm

  Came out of a Volvo XC70. This car has personality and is much more fun to drive. Comfort is good. Good acceleration. Mileage is better then sticker. Easily get 30-32 at 70 mph. 33-34 at 60 mph. Average fuel mileage is 26mpg. Kids love the rear door window shade. I am 61" and like the front seats. Live in area that doesnt have may Passat Wagons and get many looks.

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  If you like oil... - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Oildrinker - October 19 - 11:53 am

  I have owned my 2000 Volkswagen Passat since it was new and in general enjoy its speed and agility. The Monsoon system is unparalled for a factory system. Ive now got 82,000 miles on it and its the biggest pile of garbage in existence. While the engine runs well, it mysteriously uses one quart of oil every 800 miles. VW thinks this is acceptable! It has front suspension problems with the tie-rods and bearings wearing, and needs a water pump replacement. All in all, this has been a rapidly declining ownership experience