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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  TDI 6 SPEED MANUAL - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By LINAS M - January 25 - 6:11 pm

  Great value surprisingly quick Over 50 mpg highway , mid 40s in suburbs VW should offer a sunroof for manual drivers and power passenger seat.

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  So far So good - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By audiPhile - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine new and have 28K miles on it. My left headlight and the right brake light didnt work at 27 K. Had to take it to dealer and replaced it(Warranty). I havent had any engine problems at all except that it drinks a lot of oil and I keep 2 quarts in my trunk. I asked the dealer last week and he told me to bring in next time the oil shows half in the dip stick and they would do an oil consumption test. One more thing. My doors get stuck in freezing winter and have to use force to open. Recently I hear light noise from my AC grill. Got to get it done soon! But overall I like my car. Has been very reliable and fun and looks nice!

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  Two years flawless - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jay-Seattle - January 24 - 6:10 pm

  I convinced my wife we should buy new and I am glad I did. Ive been very happy with this car and have had no problems with it. It still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. If you can find a used one for a good price--go ahead and grab it. This car is a nice mix of a lot of things. Its like a small SUV (good space), handles like a fine european sport sedan, and get good (not great) gas milage. Hard to beat it!

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  Better than expected - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mulfomi - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I expected alot when I bought my Passat and it has exceeded my expectations. It has been a blast to drive with the 5 speed and I get 30+ mpg when driving on the highway. The ride is great as it provides a smooth ride (since it is a family sedan after all) yet when you want some handling, its pretty good.

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  Love the 2.0 Turbo - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Dan G. - January 22 - 9:56 pm

  I love the 2.0 Turbo in the Tiguan! Had the same engine in my 2006 Passat and love both the engine and transmission. The transmission is smooth and the turbo gives you that needed boast in passing or that extra acceleration you need when you’re entering a busy highway, and beats out all the competitors when it comes to acceleration. A little pricey, but the Tiguan S isn’t badly priced considering all the standard features and the quality of the build. The interior is nicely done and has actual aluminum trim vice the aluminum looking plastic you find in the competitors. Didn’t ever care for the color red, but the Black Cherry Metallic (which I purchased) is exceptional.

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  Great Car All the Way - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By xscoops - January 22 - 6:52 pm

  I just recently got my Jetta SE but love it! I have driven many different makes and models and for the cost the Jetta is certainly the best value. I was, like most, somewhat apprehensive after reading reviews about poor interior quality but took it upon myself to go investigate. After driving and seeing all the great features I was impressed and bought the car right after. Dont be swayed by any reviews until you have personally experienced the car for yourself!

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  People wake up! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Melon - January 21 - 10:13 pm

  Where do I start? Well,Ive owned plenty of vehicles in my life, GMs, Dodges, etc. Didnt like any of the American built vehicles. I was a lucky owner of a 1981 VW Rabbit diesel (250,000+ on it) and 1988 Cabriolet from the Karman factory (195,000). Best cars Ive ever owned absolutely were V-dubs. Only thing I can say is that the new Rabbit is awesome. Handles great. Fun to drive Fuel econ went up a bit but big deal the car handles/drives like a fairly powerful German sports car. No sissy engine here. Besides I couldnt afford the Audi A6 that Id wanted and the car is the closest my pocket would allow for me to have a completely enjoyable ride. Love it!!

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  Mini-BMW - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By WLFSBRG18T - January 21 - 10:00 am

  What an awesome car! People often underestimate the power of this little car, but on the highway, this car is unbeatable. The interior is fantastically furnished and equipped and the seats are supportive without being constrictive. The classic lines of the Jetta are perfectly accented by the subtle yet classy BBS RXIIs on which the vehicle rides. Recently, an older gentleman in a Jaguar complimented on the classiness of my car, quite the compliment coming from someone with clearly refined tastes.

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  Few drawbacks, still good purchase - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By LorisPassat - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I have been pleased with this vehicle. You can read the pros and cons under the improvements/features. Considering what I know now, I would still buy this vehicle again but would give consideration to the GLX if you are going to have many drivers using this car needing various seating adjustments.

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  ride/drive - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By caroline - January 21 - 10:00 am

  it was very comfortable, and very relaxfull.