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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  Excellent car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By pdxpdx - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought our 1999 Passat Wagon brand new and have been thoroughly satisfied with it since. The fit and finish were superb from the start, a very high quality feel and SO fun to drive! The seats are incredibly comfortable, with firm support, and easy on the driver even on long drives. After 11 years now, we have only had almost no problems, outside of normal wear and tear. Very good gas mileage as well. Very happy with this car!

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sk - July 1 - 9:16 am

  We did much research before buying our Toureg.... After looking at a lot of different SUVs this was by far the best choice for towing and a luxury vehicle. We have been so happy with this car and have recommended it to so many other people. Our friends even bought a Touareg off our recommendation and have also been very happy. Yes the gas mileage is not the best, but we didnt expect to get the best gas mileage for this car, if we wanted that, we would have looked at a high bread vehicle instead. The power in this car is great and makes a great tow vehicle. It is very comfortable and we have not had any issues with it at all expect to take it in to fix the radio, (re-boot it).

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  I wish there was a bed in here - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Adeel R. - June 30 - 5:46 am

  This my first new car since 2009 I had a Camry. With this price there are no other models that come close.

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  VW reputation intact - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By late74C - June 29 - 12:33 am

  Just purchased my new VW Routan last weekend as part of a cash for clunker deal. Have an SEL w/trim pkg 3 and navi. This will be our 3rd minivan since 90 (a 90 and 97 Dodge Gr Caravan) and so far like this one the best, lots of little extras, comfy seats, great power and ride. Only rated it an 8 on reliability as we had a no-start situation this past Monday but this is the reason for the review -- VWs roadside assistance arranged a tow to the dealer who handled it quickly -- it turned out to be loose connections in the master fuse panel. We have multiple cars so it was no bother as well as they updated the navi system once a complete check of electrical was done. Great job VW!

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  Fun Car to Drive, Lacks Performance - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By bb0029 - June 28 - 8:10 pm

  I drive this car about 50 miles a day to and from work. Comfortable ride and overall a pleasure to drive. This car makes the daily commute bearable for me.

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  Awesome Wagon ! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Variant - June 27 - 10:36 pm

  Owned the wagon for over a year now and it has been trouble free and put a smile on my face every time I get into the wagon. Great vehicle, love the style and power of 2.0T engine. Why buy an SUV when you can get the same amount of room and the handling of a sports sedan!

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  Small Wonder - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Small Wonder - June 27 - 4:46 pm

  Ours. Well, wifes but what the heck I get to drive it too when we ride together. we got the 6 speed manual, what a blast to drive. by the way we went in to buy a Tiguan but ended up buying the TDI we think its a better value. Got the multiple on dash cd changer but dont need it cause its got an ipod hook up and the rest is history. this car is well worth it, an excellent car without comparison, buy one we need to support the Diesel technology so they bring more choices for us to love.

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  Love this car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nancy - June 27 - 4:36 am

  This is the best car I ever had, and Ive had many. I traded in my Maxima after I test drove the Jetta. Its a very safe car and has a huge truck and plenty of room inside. I have been getting 47 mpg sometimes 50. What an awesome car!!

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  V6 killer - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By edyvw - June 26 - 2:41 pm

  This is probably best used car you can get it on the market if you think driving is more then going from point A to point B (if not, then get Camry). This is 2.0T 200hp four banger with 207lb/ft torque. However, what is HUGE difference is DSG (Dual-Clutch Sequential Gearbox) with 6 gears. When shifts up, it changes gears in 0.065 seconds. Now guys, manual might be a little bit more fun to drive, but it just cannot keep up with my CC. Also, if you want to use full potential, get performance tires! If you are DIY guy/girl, this is perfect car. Probably this is most friendly car for people who like to change oils on their own. However, try to use full synthetic oils like Castrol 0W30 (GC).

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  Typical German Quality - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By bikerbob - June 26 - 1:36 am

  Me and my wife chose the Passat over the Accord and Camry for value, comfort safety and performance. The Accord was underpowered and the interior was very tight for us plus 1 baby with baby seat. And the Camry has more recalls and troubles than any car should. The Passat was only a few dollars more but it is truly the superior car.