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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  New to VW - pleasantly surprised - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By scope2 - June 28 - 8:54 am

  Our family of 3 needed to get out of our Saab for mileage and reliability reasons, so we leased a Tiguan as VW has some really good lease deals and I wasnt ready to be married to a VW. Weve been pleasantly surprised at how much we really like the car, even though it barely meets what we said we wanted - a SUV that gets at least 20 mpg in the city. It has much smaller cargo capacity than the others we looked at, but feels much larger in the rest of the car, especially in the back seat when extra cargo room isnt needed (most of the time) and the seats can go all the way back. Its got a nice, compliant ride and feels nimble. Has a much more premium feel than anything else in its range.

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  My Baby - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Barbara Filby - June 28 - 4:03 am

  Im in my sixties and have had a lot of cars, but in the few days having the Bug, it gives me a younger feeling. This car has the pickup, great gas mileage, and is built better then my husbands new suv (another mfg). The dealership was great and they were very concerned that I knew everything about the car before driving off, this I understand is a policy of VW. Thanks VW for a great car.

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  So much right in one car. - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Galen Gareis - June 28 - 3:35 am

  I keep my cars 15 to 20 years. So quick study isnt my thing...but thats what you go on when you buy newer and own them for decades. I looked at all the usual suspects in the mid sized / mid priced (like 30K is cheap?) segment. For the record, I drive a 2008 FORD Focus and a 1999 E320 Mercedes so Im shooting for ONE car that jams those two together into a single package. The information gathering is shown below, on this pretty remarkable and overlooked VW PASSAT; http://wardsauto.com/test-drives/vw-s-new-18l-turbo-delivers-efficiency-road-mbs http://wardsauto.com/2015/2015-winner-vw-18l-turbocharged-dohc-4-cyl http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/08/20130829-ea888.html http://vwts.ru/engine/byt/byt_bzb_1_8_tsfi_eng.pdf If your still with me after looking over the above, this car has ALSO received the top safety pick for cars in its size range. So we have safety, technological sophistication (EA888 1.8L engine and user friendly dash interface), real world economy / mileage with a true sedan shape and efficiency. It doesnt hurt the FORBES study show that the 1.8L PASSAT is a 250,000 mile capable car (http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehmk45efjfd/7-volkswagen-passat/). The 2016 PASSAT meets or exceeds my E320 in actual space and blows it away in efficiency. Its darn near what my 2008 FOCUS reaches (The FOCUS is a LIGHT 2600 pound car that gets 36-37 MPG average) in mileage!! User reports from doubting Thomass (I was, too!) report 35 MPG in real world use. So this car meets the requirement of a cost effective well built car that gets decent mileage. I didnt need more power than the E320 had, but actually wanted better economy and GOOD power. This engine delivers. Drive one, youll see. The styling is a stark RELIEF to the catfish mouthed and insect derived massive black plastic front ends of todays me too cars. Old fashioned you say? My E320 is 17 years old and still looks sharp as ever and the PASSAT will age just as well. A legacy SEDAN greenhouse shape, not coupe with four doors (see the CC model) is great to drive and live with. Four minutes into the test drive it felt like I owned the car forever. The steering is light but the car is tightly buttoned down offsetting this some. It tracks superbly, too. So it gets tighter as you speed-up but this car is intended to not be "heavy" handed. Why people insist on a sports car attribute across the board when this is a SEDAN Ill never know. Sports cars are occasion cars, this is an every day car. Quiet as my E320, wow. - The brakes are slightly odd, in that the pedal is initially soft but has a good deal of bite, then they quickly firm-up and respond to increased pedal PRESSURE, not movement. They dont droop to the floor, however, but just have some initial softness. Im used to older cars with far less brake circuitry stealing away some tactile feel. - The 6-speed torque converter trans. shifts well, but DOES go to the highest gear as you lift off the pedal. And, it will hunt for the highest gear sooner the lighter you use the pedal. SPORT mode makes it easier to keep it pulling smoothly. This isnt the touted Dual Clutch, and doesnt have problems common to DCT, either. 38 MPG and 25 MPG in town say its still efficient. - The interior of a car should be nice, and also easy to keep clean. Doors that open into the rain and snow should NOT be covered in material that stains (cloth, suede, ETC) in my book. A-pillars and B-pillars should also be easy to clean as these are natural grab handles for dirty hands. I like the PASSATs choice of high grade vinyl or TPE (it is hard to tell if it is a TEP or TPR) as it is good feeling yet easy to clean. This is a car, it will get dirty! Let me clean it please...and yes they did. - Seating is excellent minus the ability to tip the seat bottom cushion up or down. But, the angle is correct as is and few will really see need to move it. If you do, you cant. The steering wheel has more than ample up-down and in-out to suit even my 48" wifes reach. This car as a good range of fit for about any driver. - The new electronic dash is nice but better yet, the HVAC are still DIALS and BUTTONS! YA! so quick get in and go on cold mornings is easy. The secondary controls are touch screen items. There are a series of buttons on the side of the display that get you close to where you need to go, too. This is a very good "hybrid" execution. Not too much in the way of buttons (crowded dash) and not too few (clean but hard to use / navigate). My premium model has the FENDER that is well rated. - Im not a fan of the bigger wheel, that I thing are stupid on an every day car. They are heavier, more prone to damage and expensive for what? Slightly better racer boy response (seldom) and looks (mostly). Count me out, I think that the 17" 55 series wheels are far more realistic in everyday use. Far cheaper, wear longer and better riding. Oh, huge 15.9 foot cubed trunk and 18,5 gallon tank.

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  Driven 11,000 miles since new. - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tappan - June 27 - 3:33 am

  Pros: Styling is a homerun. Much better looking than anything else in its segment. It looks classy and expensive even when standing still. Interior is also a homerun. Nice quality material; leatherette (fake leather) looks real, but does not require any special care or maintenance and does not age or crack like real leather. Very peppy 170 Hp 2.5L I-5 engine. Power everything, including both front seats! Cons: Engine technology dates back 30 years to old Audi 5000. Its buzzy, growly, and noisy, especially when cold. Fuel economy is just OK, not remarkable. Great in-town car.

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  passat glx v6 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By gypman - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is really fun and easyto drive, and comfortable, too. I love adjustable seats. I handles beautifully and climbs hills effortlessly.

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  good to go... - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By dmbbravo - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Although I have always owned and driven trucks and sport uts, I really enjoy this car. It handles really well and the comfort and security is best of all. Iwould recomend this car to any one friend or foe.

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  The Best car Ever!!! VWs Rule!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By slvrglf78 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive always been a VW owner, Ive gone from the Golf to the cabrio, and I love it. Everyday I like it more and more. Ive never had problems with nothing peeling, no noise, just a smooth fun ride. For those that want power, and expect power from a Cabrio, take a suggestion from me, buy the GTI...thats power...The Cabrio is to chill in not to speed in. If you speed in a cabrio you take the fun out seeing everyone admire your car. its built for looks not for speed!!!!

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  Happy Passat Owner - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Happy Passat Owner - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Test drove Maxima, Accord and other used cars. Passat was best overall- most comfortable, safety features, good performance, excellent engineering. I have 45,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. Very quiet on the highway and smooth around town.

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  Real fun car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 1.8T-Fan - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This a stunning car. The performance is phenomenal and roadholding is excellent. I bought it as a second car for my wife. I have an 2002 Audi A4 which is also awesome. The A4 has the same engine in it but the gearing in the Beetle is much better so that it is really a pocket rocket. The best thing is that 4 of us fit in the Beetle just as well as in the A4. Definite buy again.

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  Excellent - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By katall - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Well worth the money (alot of it). Drives beautifully. Everything we were promised.