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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  VW Moving Up The Benchmark - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By RonJCole - May 7 - 10:00 am

  The new 2002 Volkwagen Passat pushes up the benchmark for all mid-sized sedans. The interior of this car could be found in the 7 series BMW or some other upscale luxury car. Fit and Finish are above reproach. Materials are top notch and the design is very pleasing to the eyes. Especially the biege leather option. The only failings I can find are the rear windows dont roll all the way down and also do not have the auto-up and auto-down as the front windows have. Xxterior is flawless on mine. Downside is exterior design. A6 is prettier. Engine compartment of V6 models must be seen. Neatest underhood Ive seen. A little pricey, but worth it.

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  9 months of ownership and still smiling - 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
  By Ben - May 7 - 2:59 am

  I was a little nervous purchasing the e-Golf given some of the issues others have reported. I test drove one and was surprised to see the range INCREASE as I drove, and I liked it a lot better than the Leaf, Fiat, or SmartTwo. I cant say I got the best deal but with the incentives, I am driving this for $200/month lease and 8¢/kWh. Basically, it costs me $1.90 to "fill the tank" and go 90-100 miles. And, yes, with mixed driving I realistically achieve that range in warm weather. Its simple math really - the battery provides about 22 kWh of use, and if you can average 4 kWh youll get 88 miles. I average between 4.5-5 kWh. While I am conscientious of the way in which I drive, Im moving along with traffic. At 75+mph, you will watch the battery drain quickly. Likewise, as soon as the temps begin to dip, youll notice range decrease by as much as 20-30%, so be prepared for that change, in part due to the impact of temps on the battery and also for the heating system. I gain about 10% of that differential back through driving in Eco+ mode with the heat off and seat warmer on. The fit, finish, drivability, and sportiness of this car puts it well above the other electrics I looked at. In fact, it looks like a normal car on the road. The only change I would make is that I wouldve opted now for the regular car with the better headlights, fake leather interior, alloy rims, and better heating system. While the LE is fine, it wouldve been worth the small amount of extra money for those items. To get the best out of this car, I highly recommend installing a Level 2 charger - it makes a huge difference for those days when you drain the battery and want to recharge and use the car again.

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  Great sport wagon - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thor Thorleifson - May 6 - 10:33 am

  After a few initial glitches (covered by used car warranty) my Passat has been great. Very solidly built, stable ride, very quick.

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  I miss my jetta already = ( - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Customer - May 6 - 5:43 am

  Just sold my jetta after 5 great years in it. bought the car w/7k miles on it. No issues until about 35k miles and the chrome strip on the right panel start to peel and had it replaced along with the catalytic converter (warranty). Around 70k the car would stall for a second and kick in under 1/4 tank gas. Never replaced the fuel pump, but Im guessing thats the problem. The remote worked half the time around 50k miles as well. Other than that, I drove this car in all weather conditions and loved every moment of it through college. Sold it at 80k to another college student Great car! Drove it hard at times and it kept up with the abuse. Never paid a dime in repairs! LOVED IT

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  Solid Quality Craftsmanship - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By ChuckP - May 5 - 8:11 am

  Of course, youve heard of the dieselgate scandal. Perhaps you have not heard about the failure of the high pressure fuel pump that had been under federal investigation. Regardless, Im caught in the middle of accepting the buyback of $15,000+ OR keeping the car, getting it fixed on VWs dollar, and pocketing the settlement of $5,000. I bought the vehicle because of its mix of performance and fuel efficiency and because I have an affinity towards hatchbacks. Why a hatchback? Because I frequently transport stuff: lawn mower, weed wacker, leaf blower, furniture, etc. If I sold it back, what would I buy that met these needs? A Prius? Someone online commented that the Prius performance is similar to pushing a grocery shopping cart; however, fuel efficiency is great. A Mazda 3? Theres a slight chance but probably not. I have 128K miles on this VW with only minor issues to report: horn wouldnt work early on. Thats been fixed. Lately and very rarely, Ive noticed Ill be driving down the road and the sunroof will open. Its a little freaky but its happened about 3 times total and it doesnt open all the way, just to the first level. The Bi-Xenon / adaptive headlights are powerful. Dynaudio is a pleasure to listen to. I use the navigation all of the time and its ok. The leather wrap-around steering wheel is comfortable to hold. My biggest complaint would be that the front seat could be more comfortable since theres little lumbar support and the headrest is in an awkward position. However, the front seats sort of wrap around your sides keeping you in place. This car is awesome and Im worried that any car I buy to replace it will be a disappointment. Besides, I can see this car going way over 250K miles. What car would I buy could do that? My fuel efficiency is less than most other TDI drivers because I admit, there are times when I "need" to pass or get through or by drivers that are "in my way". This car moves quickly when needed and its truly what makes it a joy to drive. At excessively high speeds it handles like a charm - no shaking, no rattling, and tight steering.

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  Fun so far!!! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Ricky Roadracer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Just got it this past week. Getting it out on some back twisty roads, Im impressed with the handling and most responsive motor. Big time fun. Way cool! WAY COOL!!!

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  Solid all the way around - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ricardo775 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great craftsmanship. Fantasic road manners. Good power. Tight, tight tight. Great price. Wonderful car.

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  Awesome Buy - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jcmoore5 - May 3 - 4:37 pm

  Best Bang for your buck! I dont know why reviewers slam the VW Jetta TDI so bad. I have driven all the others that this site has ranked with it. I recomend driving them all for your self. Find what car fits you. Do the math for your self. I think that you would be surprised.

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  GTIs are great - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By reeo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is extremely fast, extremely cool, and extremely fast.. what else can i say besides that it is also extremely fast.

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  Best Money Can Buy - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By yulsa - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 2 older VW in the past I can say, that the new ones a greatly improved machines. They comprise a perfect combination of style, performance, reliability and value. You have the agility and fun of a German autobahn cruiser without having to pay through the nose for maintenance and repairs. Reliability is excellent!