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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  My Best New Bet Under 20K. - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marusik - January 30 - 4:57 pm

  When my lease was up, I was again in the market for a new car. Since I had set my budget limit at 20K, I wanted to compare all my options in this highly competitive segment. After reading quite a few reviews, including the expert ones (which in some cases differed dramatically), I test drove my three runner ups with very different results. The CVT in the eye catching Honda Civic was not my favorite feature (nor was the fact that the turbo engine is only available in the higher end trims at a price that exceeded my budget). The Mazda 3 has everything I like in a car, particularly if your daily commute is as short as mine. Perhaps through back and twisty roads (which makes it a perfect weekend date), but not quite so comfortable for everyday, especially on the highway -let alone long trips... Thats why I found myself so thrilled when I drove the 2016 Jetta. The first thing that impressed me was how responsive its little 1.4 liter engine is. It seems to be on steroids and always eager to please, even the most demanding drivers. The breaks are some of the most efficient in its class, and its driving dynamics are to be highlighted. Even in the voice of some the experts: "the electric power steering is precise and direct, and the crispness and agility of this compact sedan easily exceed the standards of its class." (C&D). Which by the way, contradicts some the driving impressions of the Edmunds experts... Worth mentioning, cabin space and quietness, sensible and flawless connectivity with the technology package, which works great even with my older iPhone. It makes my life much easier... All in all, my best new bet under 20K. So, if you are no too apprehensive, and/or resentful of VW as a brand name in the news lately, go ahead and take it for a spin. Im sure you wont be disappointed...

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  First love - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cisco Cerna - January 29 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased the car the first week it was released. It was love at first sight, the changes to the front head light and rear tail light were nothing less than attractive. On the drive home day turned to night and if I thought the interior was a 7, it jumped over to a 12 once I turned of the lights. Blues radiated from the chrome accented dials and reds surrounded me at every angle.

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  Always fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vwfun - January 29 - 2:16 pm

  Touareg is really fun to drive. I do not drive very much nor do I require extreme performance and Touareg seems to fit my profile extremely well. I want a reliable drive in snow and Touareg is awesome in that respect. I have read about lots of issues on lower VIN Touaregs, but the only problem (which was easily fixed) was fast running clock. So if you are in the market for these I would recommend higher than 65k VIN as I have very positive experience.

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  Not smooth enough - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sloto - January 29 - 1:53 pm

  I am a 76 yr old that still likes performance. The acceleration is amazing. And that is the only thing that will make you realize it is a diesel. However maintaining speed in traffic is annoying. Especially when braking. It seems the auto transmission wants to help slow you down. This should make the brakes last , but a real pain trying to maintain driving distance. The cruise control must have been designed by Mr Volkswagens kid. Long over due for modernization. The wipers are backwards to every one elses. Fuel cap is on right side, real handy AARGH

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  Rattles, Rattles, Rattles - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By rcamar - January 28 - 10:56 pm

  I al extremely disapointed with the interior quality of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The day I bought it, on my way home from the dealership, I could hear rattles everywhere. What was suposed to be an exciting day (the day you take your new vehicle home) turned out to be really frustrating. I cant wait to trade it in. Other than that, it is a beautiful car that looks, drives and handles really well.

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  Love this car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gio313 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My dad bouth this jetta from a friend he was a mechanic so the engine is upgated its a pretty fast car he passed the car on to me my sophmore year of highschool im a juniour now so ive had it for a year so far i only have given it an oil change n new tires for 150 i olso changed the window motors got them at the juck yard for 50 bucks pretty cheap if u get a jetta n u noe how to fix minor details u can go to "pick n pull" and get most of the parts relly cheap. Willing to buy another one anytime very reliable never broke down since my dad had it like 4 yrs before i did

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  I love my Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By LOVE MY PASSAT!!! - January 25 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Passat. Ive had it a little over 2 years and no problem what so ever. Maintenance is the key, Keep it up and the car will live forever!

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  German feel and performance on a budget - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By glm - January 23 - 12:10 pm

  Have had several Hondas, this is much more car for less money. Having read a few of these other reviews I guess that experiences vary, but Ive had exactly 0 problems with this car after 3 1/2 years of "spirited" driving. Nothing. Nada. Oil changes, regular maintenance, and thats it. I will say that the handling is a bit disappointing, feeling a bit top heavy and with a bunch of understeer. The DSG is less amusing than I thought and its back to a stick next time around. But, overall, great motor, good all around driver. Took it from upstate NY to Outer Banks and comfortable all the way. A set of Blizzaks and snow is no issue. Finally I agree with Consumer Reports.

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  Good car overall - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Driver Wanted? - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My Jetta has been very reliable and a good daily driver since I bought it. The car has decent power once revved up. Engine space is large and easy to work in (ie oil changes, filters, fluids, etc.). The gearbox on my 5spd is somwehat stiff, moreso than other VWs Ive driven. Seats are comfortable around town, but less so on long drives. The passenger seat sits too high (Im 62" and my head hits the ceiling unless I slump down). Ergonomics are excellent inside. The tiny cupholders and lack of a center armrest are a bummer (but have changed with the newer Jetta).

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  Good car. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By a23 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This was a very reliable car. At 50,000 miles, there are absolutely no problems. It was a little short on power, and I wish it had tiptronic, but overall, it is a cheap, reliable car.