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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  I leased it based only on price, then fell in love - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lars Bogard - July 17 - 6:45 am

  I leased this because it was the absolutely cheapest lease I could work out on any car that wasnt bottom-barrel. I never thought Id buy or lease a VW. Amazing economy. Gets 500miles on a 12-gal fill-up. At 75mph avg, it gets 41mpg, at 55-65mph its 45mpg. Combined with 25/75 city/hwy is around 38 mpg. Acceleration is like a big rubber slingshot - amazing for a 1.4. Feels much faster than any other 4cyl and most 6cyl Ive driven. Transmission is fantastic - manual downshift reminds me of my brothers BMW 135 - shift from 5th-4th gear at 70mph and all you notice is the tach jumps and the note changes, but no lurch or discernible transmission shift friction. Can take 25-mph curves at twice the speed with NO drama, as if its yawning and laughing at the guy that made the speed-sign. Sport mode actually makes a difference, but it is mostly unneeded unless you intentionally want to drive like a moron - or have fun up the interstate entrance ramp. Transmission disengages at stop-light to save gas but doesnt stop engine (smart). You can feel it gently and immediately re-engage the instant you let go of the brake causing no take-off delay. I added the Helix sub-woofer/amp (about $900 installed) and it has completely changed the character of the entertainment system. iPhone integration is fantastic, especially map integration. Speakerphone is so good that I hold hour-long conference calls in my car and nobody knows Im in a car. The longer I have this car, the more I realize all the things it does correctly, and all the things the other guys, including Toyota and Honda havent figured out yet. Cruise control, gas gauge, speedometer, odometer, and MPG calculations in the trip computer are actually accurate - especially not over-stating the MPG like just about every other trip computer Ive used (and Ive rented a LOT of cars). If the car does not have any major issues by the time my 3-yr lease is up, I may actually buy it out.

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  Golf TDI (DSG auto) - 2013 Volkswagen Golf
  By thedude12 - July 17 - 5:16 am

  I purchased this car strictly for fuel savings and putting a lots of miles. The car far surpasses the rated 30mpg/city, I get routinely over 35mpg city. This is a heck of a car, well built, quiet and quick, very well equipped as well. I got the 3 year free maintenance. and a 0% finance for up to 72 months through Volkswagen financing. I also got the car for $500 below invoice so I know I scored. I am currently saving about $150.month just on gas alone(diesel), I am doing over 1000 miles/month and like I said the savings are significant.

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  The Money Pit - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Diana - July 16 - 8:40 pm

  All my daughter wanted after she turned 16 was a VW Bug. We found one in Albuquerque, New Mexico where we are originally from and my husband drove it back to Texas. The night he arrived the clutch went out. ($2000) Repairs were delayed due to the engine hood latch broke and couldnt open it. It is now in the repair shop again with a busted oil pan which we are finding is very hard to find without the sensor hole in it. These are the major expenses that have incurred in the very short time of ownership. The little expenses are endless. I am so disappointed in VW I thought they were better car manufactures than this.

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  Rabbit is Right - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By 2intwenty - July 16 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased the Rabbit a week ago, and am enjoying the well-designed interior and great drive very much. I find the car very well-named as it feels very much like a quick and nimble little rabbit. My only caution is the engine noise, and I feel the 2.5 to be quite thrashy-rattling around 2,000-2,500 RPM under acceleration. I am sincerely hoping that this is not due to a developing engine problem. Time will tell and I will update periodically.

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  A TON of Fun! - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By travelingman - July 16 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my blue R32 (with nav) in April and drive 85 miles a day to work. This car is a great commuting car; fun to drive, comfortable ride but a ton of torque at any speed. I have had an Audi S4 and S6 and neither is as fun as this car. The only two things that I have added to the car is a clear bra and a Parrot blue tooth system that integrates directly to to the phone button on the steering wheel. It works wonderfully with my iphone 3G.

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  Great German Car - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By mbehn - July 16 - 1:19 pm

  Have had this 09 since 8/09. It runs flawlessly and is a very enjoyable family sedan. Storage is HUGE, performance is tight and torque is excellent. High end smooth comfortable ride with great control. Most of the benefits of Audi w/o price tag. Great bargains to be had (this one was $5K off sticker). No, not as cheap as a Camry or Honda, but much more style, class and fun to drive. This car is a sleeper and soon to be changed and produced in Mexico - its a buy.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Boiler Bob - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car for the money in my opinion. Engine, after 139,000 miles is still strong but is noiser. It has comfort, fuel economy, reliability and style, what more can one ask. Last TDI in the Passat VW brought over and it was not a wise decision. I would buy another after 3 years of driving and is the reason I still have this one. The car is like family. Radio is not in tune to distant station as when new. Power windows and door handles are biggest problems with the car.

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  Not that great of a car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anthony15 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I am sick of spending so much time in there service department. More powerful engine is needed, To many electrical problems. Better service department is needed. Build the cars with less flaws, So far my car took in water from the engine 4 times, the back brakes went after 4000 miles...the check engine light goes on every other month...and the list keeps going.... Build better cars, and to VW take more pride in your work!!!!!

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  smart/creative enginerin-deficient qual. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dont buy; get Civic - July 16 - 10:00 am

  bought this car a year ago with radio/speakers stolen. shortly after,exhaust broke loose and paid $450 for new dual-muffler system (excluding catalytic converter, fixed everything from there back. touchy trunk opener latch but fixed. fixed front/rear alignment 1 month ago; needs rear again;no big bumps.brakes glazed over.check engine lit;sensor near fuel tank dealing with economy.replaced pwr steering reservoir & 2 hoses costing an excessive $520.transmission giving out? (jerk during accel).gas not bad, but could be better.gets 29hwy but Civic more power and runs 38hwy

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  a new gem - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By keiththrasher - July 16 - 10:00 am

  my only disapointment is that they dont make a diesel version.