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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  What a suprise! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Chris - October 3 - 8:16 pm

  I have to say, when considering our first minivan, VW wasnt at the top of my list. However after reading thhe reviews here we decided to look. The first impression was shocking, WHAT A VAN! Great features for the price. Very fun and comfortable to drive. My wife who was resisting falling into the minivan crowd actually was so happy with this van she demanded we purchase it. We chose the SE w/RSE and there was an additional package that included the power rear lift gate and sunroof.

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  5 years later... tuned, fun and smiles - 2011 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTIGR - October 2 - 10:36 am

  Its been already 5 years with the GTI (6M, Autobahn). It is my daily commuter. And I take it to short, fun trips with the entire family (wife+2 kids). I thought of trading it for a BMW 2 series or an mk7 GTI (or golf R). But this car has aged like a good red wine. After everything shes done for me, I couldnt give her away. Instead, I added the upgraded APR flash files (v2.1)... fell in love all over again. The car surprises me so much that I giggle every time I put my foot down. Overall, the interior is in outstanding condition with absolutely no squeaks (and germanic fit and finish). Also, Ive had ZERO issues with the only thing being ill changes every 7,000 miles. Do I do preventative maintenance before things brake? Yes, I replaced the water pump at 40k (weak link of this car), diverter valve and coil pack (the latter two updates are more related to the tune). In conclusion, take care of her and youll be fine (true for most German cars).

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  Quantum in a different world! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By TRH - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling and road feel. Solid bodywork and trim. Involved in minor wreck with Toyota 4runner and Toyota mangled. Passat bruised but still driveable and operable. V-6 has more power than you can realistically use on US roads.

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  Great Little Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vance - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just traded way down from my Porsche Targa to my new 03 Beetle Turbo S. We LOVE it! Goes like the dickens and I feel like a better citizen as well. Nobody hates Beetle drivers...EVERYBODY hates Porsche drivers.

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  The only car for me - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jay L - September 30 - 7:23 pm

  I looked for a new car off and on for over 2 years and have never been a "VW guy". In fact, everything Ive owned previously has been Japanese. When I test drove this car, the drive won me over. It is not the fastest or best handling car I considered, but it is the only one that made me grin uncontrollably every time I test drove it. I love the way the car looks inside and out. I love the way the controls feel at hand/feet. It sounds good. It gets good gas mileage (averaged nearly 32 on a 3 hr interstate trip with less than 1k miles on the odo). It has fantastic legroom front and back. Even with the 18" wheels, I dont mind the ride quality. Theres simply no other car like it.

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  Fun loving car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tigger - September 29 - 5:03 pm

  Great car. Love to drive it and enjoy all of the smiles I get from people on the streets. Very reliable and very comfy.

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  Bentley With VW Badges - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By imon_2nd - September 27 - 11:04 pm

  Ive always wondered what it would be like to own a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. However, the price of a decent used one, currently around $65K is out of my budget. I knew the VW Phaeton was basically the same car minus the turbochargers. After shopping for a few months, I won the bid on eBay for a low mileage V8 model Phaeton at $11,800. My previous daily driver was a 1993 Mercedes 300CE cabriolet. The Phaeton is equal in build quality, more comfortable, has better audio, and handles better despite weighing 1,000 pounds more. The only drawback is gas mileage, which is about 4 MPG less than the Benz. The only modification Ive made is adding Bluetooth capability.

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  One of the best cars out there for the money! - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff - September 27 - 1:32 pm

  I have owned many makes and models this is one of the best buys out there.

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  The ultimate girl car!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By alyson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 cabrio GLX is my first girly car, I have always had boy type cars, but I have always love the way the cabrio looked!! Now that I have had her for over 2 years, I love her even more. She is fun to drive, very reliable and everyone comments on her. My boyfreind also loves to drive her because even though she has a 4 cylinder, she has lots of giddy-up!! He is 6ft 5" and fits quite nicely in her. Thanks VW for making such a fun car to drive and yes I am a very satisfied DRIVER!!!

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  love that car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By eurocat - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream car...from the time first came out Ive always wanted one. And let me tell you...there have been NO dissapointments at all. The car offers a smooth quiet ride, it hugs the street and the turbo allows you to feel a little power despite the economical 4 cylinder engine. I love the look of the car and the comfort. It seems like youre driving a more expensive car than you actually are. Reliability has been good, except for a couple of minor quirks in the beginning. 5 stars!!!