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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  Love it! - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW Guy - July 6 - 5:46 pm

  I love everything about this car except the gas mileage and the premium fuel. It handles like a dream, smooth ride, beautiful to look at, has a cabin that feels like its from a much larger vehicle and feels like its a BMW or Mercedes (for 1/2 the price). Im always been a fan of VWs and this car is no exception. Loved the 94 Golf, 00 Jetta, and 03 Golf. I kept my Golf I love it so much. I expect the Tiguan to be part of the family for many years to come - unless they sell a diesel Tiguan at a reasonable price :-) Id reccomend it and buy it again in a NY minute!

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  Bargain in a nice wrapper - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian Reed - July 6 - 4:50 am

  I have taken this car on two long trips and it has been everything I wanted and more. Everything works superbly in the car from the Monsoon system, cd changer, seats and cupholders. It gets fabulous MPG in town and on the road. I consistently get between 27-30 in town and 34-37 on the road. When the cruise is engaged, it has no problem pulling an uphill grade like the Grapevine in CA fully loaded. I love this car!!!

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  love my Beetle - 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
  By Albert - July 6 - 3:50 am

  Interior design and comfort are enjoyable.

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  Fuel Efficient Family Friendly Fun - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By soflotdi - July 5 - 6:55 pm

  I purchased a 4 door Golf TDI with automatic (DSG) transmission in late July (2011). Ive just passed the 2000 mile mark and so far I have been thrilled with the TDI. Im 65" tall and find the driving position more comfortable than that of my Honda Accord. There is plenty of room for a family trip, and the rock solid build quality and quiet interior make it a pleasure to drive long distances. It handles like a go-cart and the diesel torque provides abundant passing power. To date I am averaging 35mpg in miced City/Hwy driving. [violative content deleted]

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  Average Reliability But Fun to Drive - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By CT8799 - July 4 - 3:53 pm

  While I love the quality of the materials used both inside and out, I never know what might happen with the car, reliability-wise. Within the first month of ownership, I had at least 2 trips to the dealership as a result of smelling a burning smell from the rear brakes after driving. Since then, have had both headlights go out (within 2 days of one another), followed by another one going out again. Also have had exhaust system issues (under warranty) and car has stalled while stopped at light, but this was an exhaust issue as well and the repair seems to have fixed the issue. Not sure I would buy another one.

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  Good little car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike - July 4 - 8:36 am

  After about a year with my Rabbit, I can finally write a review. The Rabbit is a fun little car to drive, with a lot of pep. The 6 speed tiptronic transmission is a lot of fun and very unexpected in such a low price car. The interior and build quality constantly amaze me after having Fords, Pontiacs, Chevys. The 2.5 engine doesnt mind being revved, and sounds pretty good when doing it. Although, it is a fairly thirsty little car, as I average 17 in city driving. It replaced a Crown Vic which was getting 12, so I cant complain that much. Not a bad car in winter either, never got stuck once with a good set of snow tires.

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  The pleasures of driving a 2001 GTi VR6 - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By o2bavr6 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This the 3rd GTi Ive owned and have had the car now for about 3 years. I never tire of driving it. The VR6 has such a wondeful power band. It also handles quite well for a hatchback with a V6 in it. I havent had many troubles with the car at all, and the ones I did were covered under warranty. 2004 VW R32 here I come.

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  Great Machine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By jakesphere - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Autombile! I would recommend it to anybody if one is available to purchase!

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  great fun, comfort - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Robert H - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for almost a year and love it. Its daily driveability but sporty nature make this the perfect sports car for the man who wants fun but doesnt want to sacrifice comfort for it. I love the styling and how it separates this car from others on the road. the performance is great as well. Stay away from automatic transmissions - in VWs stable they are horrible. the 1.8T i test drove felt the same as the VR6, but with some lag. they say there is "almost no lag", but i felt some. the VR6 is a charm. get the VR6! price wasnt favorable compared to the competition either...

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  Super Utility Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By woda - July 4 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of four previous SUVs, this by far is the best one I have owned (including a Range Rover)! The only beef one can have is with the gas mileage...my F150 actually gets better gas mileage! Other than that, the car is a dream in every respect.