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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  Solid. Fun. Worth Every Penny! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fistofstone - May 13 - 9:09 pm

  I have owned two VWs previously, a 1995 Golf and a 2000 Jetta, and was mostly satisfied. The 2012 Jetta TDI, however, has completely blown me away. I simply cannot say enough great things about this car. The low end torque that is referred to in most of the professional reviews, paired with the manual transmission, has to be experienced to be believed. Simply put, driving this car is pure enjoyment. The interior plastics are not as high-quality and warm as I have come to expect from VW - but they are tastefully and intellegently laid out. The stereo system is fantastic; it sounds great and it is easy to use. If you really like to DRIVE, I would highly recommend this car.

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  Love the quality - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By zenberg1 - May 13 - 9:00 pm

  Picked this car up a week ago trading in my BMW 5 series and already have over 1000 miles. Am pretty shocked to be getting over 28 mpg average with my driving split 70/30 hwy to city driving. Beautiful inside with well thought out controls and very comfortable seats. The ride is so smooth its like gliding. I really like how nav, phone, stereo and trip computer interface show up in center of console, right in front of the driver. A couple of minor complaints: for this price (almost 50k with tax) this car should have memory seats and remote key fob. I mean even mid tier cars give u this today.

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  3 years in and still happy - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By TDIFAN - May 13 - 4:06 pm

  This is an update of ownership. Still love the car, drives fantastic, engine is great. Fuel economy is outstanding, there are some little quirks and failures as described by others. All has been taken care of by my great dealership under warranty and the car runs better than new. Chaplins in Bellevue rocks. I have now driven 60,000 miles in 3 years, mixed traffic and get about 27 mpg with highs over 32 mpg on the freeway. The most expensive repair was the replacement of the rear(!) brakes with rotors for about 460$ after 55k miles. I find that acceptable. Very roomy, frugal on gas and so far, very reliable, never left me stranded.

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  This car rocks - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By robmmorris - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It came with every feature my wife and I wanted, including side air bags. The cloth seats are extremely comfortable, even on day-long rides. It handles well. It is rock solid in nasty rain. I could go on and on. Lets just say that if I were trading my Miata, I would get another Passat Wagon.

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  Huge Value - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By meross - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is an excellent value for the money. Rear disc brakes, ABS, side airbags, all standard. Theater lighting and features found in cars twice the price. Extremely solid little car. Engine durable and competent, and handling very reassuring at speed, though could be stiffened for my taste. No problems after 38,000 miles. Excellent car!

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  Its Puurrfect...almost! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ScottsVW - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Awesome Car! Ive only had this car three weeks and have managed to rake 1500 miles on it. If youre looking to get into the Audi or BMW feel, then buy it today. Everything about this car is refined and quite simply "Puurrfect", almost. The only thing Im not crazy about is the cup holders — if you can get past that then its smooth sailing. My advise, go test drive this car...its incred

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  A Happy, Classy Car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jen - May 13 - 6:46 am

  Overall I am in love with this car. The exterior styling is attractive without being excessively flashy, the interior is well thought out and welcoming. The steering is excellent, and dont be fooled by the 150 hp; the torque more than makes up for it and gives plenty of passing power. This car has a very solid feel for such a little thing. My only disappointment with the Jetta is its gas mileage. Ive observed about 21/25, which is a bit inferior to other cars like the Civic or the Accord. Overall I am more than willing to make this trade off since I see a billion Hondas on the road every day, which makes me feel a bit more unique in my happy-looking Jetta. :)

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  This car is amazing - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karrie - May 11 - 4:20 pm

  This car is amazing! When I drove it I was sold. Actually I drove a manual turbo frist, then I drove my top of the line tiptronic transmission convertable. Now I am a proud owner. Great on gas. Fun fun fun. I drive it everywhere. It can tackle any hill, mountain or weather. Dont forget it can handle California freeways.

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  Fun and high quality - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Coastal - May 11 - 1:53 pm

  After four months and 5,000 miles Im delighted with the Eos. Its quick and tight and I get 30+ mpg on the highway. Its exactly what I was looking for. The seats are comfortable and every feature seems well-thought out. The six-speed manual shifts crisply.

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  Luv the VW - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tallulah - May 11 - 3:50 am

  I love, love, love my new VW! I feel Llke I am driving an expensive car but, Im not. I went from a Ford to VW and I could not be happier. It is good on gas, its so cute, and has an awesome stereo system in it!