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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  hot hatchback fun, very well put together car! - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By tzo - September 21 - 3:53 pm

  I sold off my 2005 Prius due to excessive road noise and it being the most boring car ever in the world to drive. What to get instead? I had rented a TDI Golf in Italy early in Dec 2010 and absolutely loved its performance on the autostrada. By end of Dec I had found my Golf 4dr auto TDI with all the right options. Drove it from Phoenix dealer to our San Jose home, 13 hours straight. Never had so much fun driving. The Golf is smooth at 100mph as it is at 55mph. The seats are comfy with lots of lateral support. The stereo with six months of free Sirius kept us company on the I40. The diesel engines torque and DSG tranny couple nicely at all speeds, city or highway. Torque is plenty!

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  The Peoples Car - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Emily - September 20 - 5:02 pm

  The 2018 VW Tiguan is an easy SUV to drive. It is comfortable - it turns on a dime.... and it looks good. The visibility is the best of any SUV I tried. There is not a blind spot in the car - and it has the safety feature of a car to the left or right - with light up cars on the side mirror. I havent learned all the features yet - but the Navigation System is the easiest I have ever used - and this car has a compass built in. So far - it ranks as one of my favorite cars I have driven.

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  Fun & reliable car with water issues - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Hello - September 20 - 3:43 am

  I have already put over 10,000 miles on my new VW. I searched for awhile before purchasing it. I looked at new Honda Accord, new Nissan Altima, a used BMW 3 series and many more, but decided to go with the VW CC. This is the first VW I have ever owned. I have had it in the shop a couple of times already. The first problem was the speedometer was fluctuating. They replaced it with a new one, but I do notice it is off by one mile from the electronic display. The second and major issue is the doors are holding water. The back right side door especially is holding water. They are not sure how to fix it, but I did hear a service bulletin is coming out on this issue.

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  1.8T GTi - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By ABarr412 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The VW GTi is an exciting car for a daily driver. The stock GTi gives you decent handling and a good amount of ponies under the hood, which makes it the fun car it is.

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  Original hatch is still hot - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Auggie6 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  No other hatch performs or feels as good to drive as the Gti. Even after 25 years VW still knows how to get it done with the styling, performance and the quality of craftmanship. No other hatch can compete with the power of the Gti VR6 nor can they compare to the big car comfort of this small hatch. R32 with its AWD and bigger 240hp engine will compete with subarus WRX STI and Mitsubishis new AWD lancer

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  My 3rd - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Sammyyou - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I havent had a single problem with my golfs,owened 3 of them and all i had to do is normal oil change and brakes. the only thing is the rear seat space,im sure itll be better in the 2004 new style, MY 4th Golf..

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  I love this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jotorre - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great times in my car. The only place where i would purchase another VW is at Valenti in Watertown CT. Great people honest, Excellent service and they really go the extra mile for you. As far as Im concerned they are the best dealership in this area.

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  Simply Fabulous and Then Some! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By LuLu - September 18 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my CC in Jan. 2009. I have nothing but great things to say about it other than I do have a few interior rattles. The car is fun to drive and is quick to respond. The seats are ultra comfortable. And the best part...its a super hot and sporty looking car. The other day I received three compliments within 1 hour! That says it all - way to go VW for creating such a beauty! Oh, I researched cars for over 2 years and nothing wowed me until I discovered the CC.

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  it rocks! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dc - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Best car purchase Ive ever made. Fit & finish are excellent. Buttery smooth power and acceleration. Quiet, firm ride - very German.

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  Well Kept Secret - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By cncman - September 18 - 10:00 am

  As a first time Volkswagon and diesel owner, this car gets two thumbs up. Zero problems, all fun. Incredible mileage(45-50mpg), surprising power, quiet and no smoke. Everyone who has ridden in it is completely surprised when I announce its a diesel. The car handles well, smart interior design, firm but comfortable seats, 6 air bags, roomy for cargo and elegant hatch-back styling. Exterior fit and finish is supurb. Doors thunk, not clink. This car is designed to a very fine increment. After a year, if asked what the downside to owning a diesel is, I would have to say NONE. Total surprise. This is a great car and I love it.