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 Silver Cabbie! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Beachgirl - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I think overall this was the car for me. After test-driving and researching what seems like a million types of compact convertibles. This one was the most practical for me! I wanted to be able to drive my friends to the beach not just another person. This is my 3rd German car...my first was an Audi and my last car was a BMW. VWs are so cute and so much fun!!!

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  Fantastic car with minor flaws - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike p - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a VW! Fun to drive. Many first- time passengers comment on what a nice car it is. Huge trunk (wagon) and passenger space. Love the sunroof and interior. Noisy auxiliary air pump (?) when engine is cold. Kids broke fragile rear cup holders several times. Dont try the windshield washers with the windows/sunroof open. Bought new for under invoice. Most enjoyable two hours of shopping in my life.

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  VRoooooom - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 2002GLIowner - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only put on about 1500 miles on my new GLI and so far the only annoyance is putting it away for the night--this thing is FUN to drive. Its engine pulls very well below 3000, and above that I defy anyone to not wind up with a big fat grin on their face. The 6 speed feels great with short, precise, shifts. The ride is sporty-smooth: you feel the road, but without being jarring in the least. The recaro seats are both supportive and comfortable, even after an entire day behind the wheel. The ergos are very impressive, right down to the slope on the armrest which leaves your hand aligned with the shift knob. I think Im in love.

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  Its a keeper. - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By BanjoRay - December 28 - 7:01 pm

  I bought this car on Sept. 16 2015, two days before the crap hit the fan with the emission scandal. I traded in a 2013 Passat TDI SE, which I thought was a great car. My 2015 Passat TDI SEL has been trouble free, I average 37mpg around town and have had it get 52-54mpg on the highway. Its comfy, handles better than my old Mustang SVO, and has pretty decent performance out of engine. I dont find turbo lag to be a problem and the DSG gearbox is quick shifting and I like the downshift feature when braking going downhill. After the emission settlement is final, Im going to keep the car, take the bribe money, and let them upgrade the emissions.

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  Good for the long haul. - 2005 Volkswagen Golf
  By scvcampdavis - December 28 - 4:36 am

  I drive about 115 miles round trip to work. All I have ever done is change the oil (about every 12-15k miles), replace a couple head lights, and change the tires. My car has yet to need brakes or any major repair. The perfect stylish, fun to drive, daily commuter!

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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Chris - December 27 - 3:06 am

  First, I didnt give any "10s" because something has to be literally perfect. That said, for the money, a great car. Its broken in and the last 3 fill ups have been right around the 30 mpg combined mark. I drive very conservatively and about 60/40 hwy/cty. 5 spd manual allows low rpm shifting as well. 5th gear could be taller for the highway, or a 6th gear would help out too. Car comes standard with a good number of things like remote entry. Fun to drive and well made. Im coming from a 2006 C-Class MB, so I had high expectations. Seems to have met them so far.

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  Best Ever - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By sunsetswan - December 26 - 5:26 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years now. This has been, overall, the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned a lot of vehicles over the last 40 yrs of driving. The quality is exceptional and the driving puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. The fun factor and mileage make it a "10".

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  Great fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By redbug04 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the fun car! im 16 and it is just an awesome car to have. I always feel safe and just am always laid back.

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  VW has hit a homerun with the new Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RDW South Carolina - December 25 - 2:36 pm

  We have driven Mercedes diesel autos for fifteen years. my wife got us interested in the Jetta diesel and we made a good decision to buy the VW. it is a pleasure to drive.

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  Best Audi for the money.... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By The Car Expert - December 25 - 2:16 pm

  I had test driven the new BMW 5-Series, the Audi A6 and S4 before leasing this vehicle. The new 06 Passat is completely redesigned and it is quite simply, the most affordable "Made in Germany", luxury sedan in the world! The spacious interior and powerful 200 bhp turbo engine make this Passat the best offering VW has ever made to a thirsty American consumer, unable to wait for Alfa Romeos return, or unable to afford their flagship Audi branded sedans. It was almost identical in drive, ride, handling and braking as the new 06 Audi A6 sedan...but for exactly HALF the price! Why would anyone buy an Accord or Camry, when this fine German made vehicle is available?