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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  Love it - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWforLife - December 17 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car used with 70,000 miles on it and so far its been a joy to drive. As a college student, I enjoy having a unique car because noone my age has the same car as me. My friends are always surprised when they get in my car and find out how comfortable and spacious it is, not to mention how fast this car can go. I do have issues with the check engine light coming on but it goes away. I got the extended warranty so its not a big deal to me. Ive driven many different cars because I used to work at a car rental company and this is one of the best cars in its class. Also a great deal for a used car because of its depreciation. Im probably buying another VW after this.

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  Best New Car I have Ever Purchased - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By N.J. Dad - December 15 - 9:13 pm

  My 2006 Volkswagen Passat Value Edition has a great ride. It has a lot of rear leg room. Its quality is great inside and out. This is my first Volkswagen and I love it.

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  I LOVE MY BUG!!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By drkim - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Bug used over a year ago and I just love it. I have had NO mechiancal problems with it. It has a lot more room than I thought it would have. The car is a fun car to drive! I would buy another one in the future Im having so much fun with this one.

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  Fun to Drive But........ - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Emil - December 14 - 11:16 pm

  Very fun to drive. Wish they upped the HP in 2001 instead of 2002, but 175 is still pretty peppy. I regularly get 30pmg at highway speeds.

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  Im glad I did - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stee - December 14 - 10:33 pm

  This is our second Passat Wagon, out first was a 2001 GLS 5-speed. We had many of the same complaints as have been voiced here about the options available on the 2.0T, but we got a call from the dealership telling us we could get all the options we wanted with the new configuration! So we did. We got bi xenon headlights, memory electric seats, Homelink, etc. We have had it for almost three months and 4,000 miles and we love it. My suggestion to other Passat lovers, tell the dealer what you want! This is a great car. Basically, we have got a Audi A4 in VW clothing (or maybe a BMW 5er)! Oh yeah, we are getting about 34 MPG highway and 25 in town..

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  Solid car with extraordinary mileage - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anonymous - December 13 - 2:06 pm

  What car gets better than the posted EPA averages in both city and hwy mileage? Jetta TDI, of course. I had a diesel Rabbit back in the late 70s but this car is light years ahead of that. Solid, peppy, quiet and fast. We constantly play "beat the mgps" and post our success to the web. You can get in the high 60s for mpgs if you go easy on the gas pedal but when you need acceleration even up a hill you got it.

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  MPG & Fun to Drive - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hudld - December 13 - 1:04 pm

  Bought a White/tan Jetta TDI 4-door, w/DSG transmission, sunroof, 17" wheels & iPod int. kit. Paid $24,853 inclg destination (& free matts!). Traded-in a (German-made) 2-seater convertible, 6 cyl, that took prem fuel. First fill-up (combined hwy/city driving) yielded 38mpg and price of fuel was $2.69. Thought Id miss my 6cyl vehicle, but havent noticed; great acceleration with this vehicle, plenty of room, and a great touch- screen radio! Ive also owned an Audi A-4 and this is as nice/nicer and a lot cheaper & quicker.

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  Best Wagon for the Money - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anonymous - December 13 - 9:26 am

  My wife and I looked at every car with a wagon or hatch rear end and this is the best car by far. We both loved the fit and feel of the interior. Exterior wont win any speed races, but is respectable none the less. For the record the bluetooth system works great and does stream from internet radio with an iphone. No diesel smell at all, and from the cabin you cant really tell its a diesel engine by sound. Rear defroster is almost instantaneous. Love the feel of the steering on long trips, very solid feeling in the wind and no sort of wandering feel you get with a lighter car.

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  Really good car, but............ - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By abeall - December 13 - 7:03 am

  We love our car, but..... We have not reached 40 MPG yet and we live in a rural area (very little city driving) - maybe will improve with warmer weather. Our biggest complainant is that the "ERG filter gasket" has twice needed to be replaced. No big deal expect for inconvenience of two service appointments in the first 2000 miles. Its not a quick fix either and the part had to be ordered both times for a total of 4 trips to dealership. Our Service Manager stated that this has happened on other Jetta TDI wagons - So why not stock the part??? Otherwise a great car

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  hybrid killer - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anonymous - December 13 - 2:45 am

  Remarkable, comfortable, economical and extremely competent vehicle. We have over 4000 miles on it and always get about 41+mpg per tank. On individual trips the mileage will vary. Last week commuting to school my wife got 47.3 mpg on her 120 mile round trip. The car is very comfortable with typical supportive German seats. The car feels a lot like the older Mercedes we have owned in the past. So far there have been no maintenance issues at all. Very reliable and fun to drive. The trunk is huge and square shaped so packing is easy and convenient. There is nothing negative about this vehicle at all. For 26,116 dollars you can get one great ride and it does not have a 300 Pound toxic waste dump battery