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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  This Car Rocks! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By GLee - April 19 - 2:53 am

  I just traded in my 2004 Passat GLS for a new 2006 Passat. Just when you think VW has topped what it can do, it pulls this one out. This Passat is the BEST one yet. It has kick but power in the 4-cylinder motor! The new design is AWESOME and the interior is roomier and the design Kicks. I drove the Audi, Honda, and Altima before this car. The only car that comes close is the Audi and you pay much less for the Passat. Go test drive the car and I guarantee you will leave the lot with one.

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  Wolfsburg VW 1.8 Turbo - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Surfinstro - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. It handles perfectly with no drawbacks at all.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By TIM - April 18 - 7:36 pm

  My GTI is still fun to drive! I look forawrd to driving it everyday. it is the most reliable car I have ever owned!

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  Cute, Peppy Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Derek Sutherland - April 17 - 4:30 pm

  The new Jettas engine is more peppy than the previous one, but could always use more power. With the transmission in "sport" mode, or in Tiptronic, the power was fine. Interior design is genius, and the outside is attractive, especially in black with that chrome grill.

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  2005 and One-half Is Superb! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - April 17 - 5:06 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive! It has that solid, self-assured feel of German automotive engineering that exudes quality and performance. The only reason that I didnt give it all "10s" across the board is that there are cars out there with better performance, design, and comfort...but they cost more than twice as much! Interior features, fit and finish is outstanding. Ride and cornering are excellent. Get-up-and-go...it has plenty! The multi-function display, digital climate control, and the premium sound system with XM radio all contribute to a great driving experience. I will be a loyal VW customer after this.

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  Luxury Sedan at Family Car Price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JLMoran - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Camry, Accord, and Lexus ES300 as well as the Passat. The VW won hands down. Im 6 3", and headroom was critical for me. Out of all the cars, the Passat and Camry were tied. Factor in that a Camry with all the features of the GLX was only about $1,800 less, with a shorter warranty and slightly lower crash scores, and the Passat was a no-brainer. The ride is silky smooth, and the engine gives me plenty of power when I need it without having to really punch the accelerator. In fact, I have to be careful as I find myself doing 80mph on the highway without even trying! Yet so far Im averaging 23.6mpg.

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  Big Car in Little Car Body - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By gaveedub - April 13 - 8:45 pm

  Our family was looking to add a 3rd car(teenage driver) and we wanted an economical and versatile small car. After searching all over we discovered VW through consumer reports and a great, patient salesman. I am a big man(64") and the Golf appears to be the smallest car we drove but it is a magic car, more interior room than it appears. Our family of 4 fits comfortably, even with the dog. Completed a 6 hour road trip with minimal complaining from the family. It is great fun to drive. Great handling with great power on the highway. In fact it is the highway/autobahn driving that separates this car from others in the size class.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By FDCapt2 - April 11 - 4:00 pm

  I checked out the 3.6 Passat this week. I was floored at how nice this car is. It handles like nothing Ive ever driven before. The car Im getting out of is a 2003 Acura TL, which is pretty nice also, but the Passat is something special. The layout of the guages and controls on the dash, and with many controls on the steering wheel, makes it easy to adjust things on the move. At night the red and blue interior lighting is breathtaking. The lighting on all switches, knobs, etc., and the ambient red lighting bathes the console and dash in a soothing, red glow. I signed the papers today for a 3.6 with the Luxury Package 2, in United Grey, with black leather. Just Mud Guards are the only extras.

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  The Touareg is Awesome! - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By KeithB - April 10 - 2:00 pm

  We really love our Touareg. The build quality is top notch from the first class interior to the 3.6L FSI V6 which really feels like a V8 and is more economical. This vehicle is a nice ride. I really like how comfortable the car is and that you do not hear any road noise at all. I have owned a lot of BMWs and one Audi and you just cant beat the German car feel here. I also like the idea that the Touareg is somewhat unique in that you dont really see many of them on the road. Everybody has a X5, MDX or whatever. The Touareg stands out from the rest. This vehicle is a keeper!

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  Cant go wrong with vr6 - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ro10 - April 10 - 12:39 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years now bought it with 100k miles on with nothing being done to the car guy was being honest i guess. After getting the car had to get a cat and a ecu about 1,000 dollars than two raditor house the radiator, mass air flow sensor and the control arms about 2,500 in repairs in 2 years not to bad. Now it has 140,000 still runs like a dream turn off the traction control and burn some tires. Clutch still is perfect, original alternator, original starter, original water pump really reliable. Just change the oil and watch for the belt had to change it twice but its only 90 bucks if u do it ur self. And the car will threat u well.