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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  3 Tiggs - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW4ever - April 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had an 09,10, and 11, Fantastic car. Very Sharp, Sporty and Comfy. Hard to find one but its early in the model year. I think it has finally caught on that it is an awsome vehicle. Did marvelous in last yrs blizzard. Its really not that bad on gas when you consider the power it has! Buy one you want regret it!

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  New to VW - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nalani - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my car this year and so far so good. We noticed the headliner coming off and the dealership fixed it under warranty. I do notice a knocking noise, sounds like its coming from the trunk. I tease my son and tell him its the other passenger trying to get out. Everytime Ive had an issue the dealership has been the best. It handles great and fun to drive. My husband drove it to work one day and he loved it. I was just looking for something simple and got more then expected.

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  Fun to drive costly to repair - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dissatisfied in SC - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive with plenty of pep for a 1,9 diesel. Rear brakes go out first not the front as with other vehicles. The design and engineering is second to none for ergonomics and style but very poor quality of parts. The driverside window motor was replaced, the wiring harness is a common point of failure and the vent grills break easily. You will like the feel of this car but not the expense to own.

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  I Like it! - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeremy - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Im not really sure why everyone was bad-mouthing this vehicle. Hearing people complain about a car they have never driven is really annoying. I was looking for a commuter vehicle. I replaced my 2004 BMW 530I with a 2011 Jetta. I bought a SEL with the sports package and automatic. It has Nav, heated seats, push button start, and a bumpin system. Im really happy with it so far. I think that VW has a winning combination here. The sport seats are very comfortable and the dash and buttons are in all the rights places.

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  Decent - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By K - April 14 - 3:50 am

  Bought this car after having a Jetta. Loved the Jetta; do NOT love the Passat. Gas mileage 23 combined at best. Recurrent problems that were "fixed" (front headlight shakes, lock/unlock button wont work, one of the locks stuck, window stuck open, screeching noise from dash when cold out and using fan, burning brakes smell) and the seat heater was burning me through the seat. (they repaired that for free though). Will not buy again!

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  Looks great, built like crap - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By njpixie - April 14 - 12:50 am

  I have owned this car since March. I live in Florida, loved the design and the way it drove. Started having problems in the first week with the wheel bearings, then the conv. top made a rattling noise, now I have water coming in from the weather stripping around the top. Also, the paint quality on volkswagens isnt good. Chips occur during driving very easily. Not very satisfied. Will not buy another volkswagen ever!!

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  Exceptional Golf - 2016 Volkswagen Golf
  By Happy buyer - April 13 - 3:20 pm

  This cars handling far exceeded my expectation. Awesome acceleration! Purchased base S automatic in white. Installed aftermarket leather and tinted windows. The car looks fantastic! Got a great deal from VW Royal in San Francisco from James!

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  Cant Beat It! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Jerry - April 12 - 1:26 pm

  This is an absolutely amazing vehicle! It has a much better ride and more interior room than the Lexus SC430. The top retracts QUICKLY! Also, it is a very quick car - surprisingly so. It has an amazing transmission with smooth power delivery. WOW!

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  VW LOVE - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Kyle - April 11 - 5:06 pm

  After driving several more expensive "luxury" hatches I drove the new GTI and it put them all to shame. It is fun and sporty and the by far the most bang for the buck!!

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  e-Golf is a fraud. - 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
  By angel bou - April 11 - 4:16 pm

  - Customer service wont help unless your attorney calls. - My e-Golf broke the 4th day and its been being repaired for a month now. Still waiting. They dont even know whats wrong... - No loaner provided. No compensation. But yeah, I keep paying the lease despite not driving my car for a month - Buy a Volt, a Leaf or a Tesla. Dont even think on a e-Golf. Dont ever consider a Volkswagen.