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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  A Solid Ride - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Icon_Daemon - January 18 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased the 2 dr Sage Green, ABS/ESP only, w/15" steel wheels: the basic model. The ride is smooth and competent in the corners at all speeds. The engine puts out a throaty growl during accel. The pickup is superb (150 hp, 170fp of tq.), and highway cruising is excellent, with plenty of power reserve for quick escapes or conversely, with surefooted 4-wheel disk brakes to slow you down on a dime. The interior is well thought out, with drivers controls well-placed. The console lighting is especially stylish at night. Seating adjustments for a variety of driver sizes is excellent, the headroom being the most obvious. Passengers do not miss out. Folding rear seats increase cargo space.

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  Upscale features for a compact SUV - 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By mds - January 18 - 1:11 pm

  I have owned my 2015 Tiguan for about 1 month and find it quiet, smooth and nimble. My biggest complaint is the seriously under powered stereo system on the SE with Appearance model. There is an upgrade to the stereo system but only for the SEL and R line option packages. The instrument panel is also very dated. The gauges and instruments look just like the 2010 Jetta! In a world where electronics technology is constantly evolving and getting better, the stereo system and instrument panel are antiquated and need the immediate attention of the VW engineers.

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  Six letters....DSG & TDI - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Rickallen - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I was initially impressed with the amount of room in this car. Im 64" and to have the drivers seat comfortable and be able to tolerate sitting behind myself is rare. Drawbacks: One, this car needs a DSG transmission. The 6-speed auto feels elastic and "gummy". Getting back in my Jetta TDI with DSG felt like night and day. Two, the TDI engine would be the perfect combination of torque and efficiency for this size, yet its not available. With DSG and TDI combined this would be an amazing vehicle, yet VW wont sell it here. A real shame because without those the car is mediocre. Ill gladly pay the cost diff to have them. Listening, VW?

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  Passat not as good as honda or nova - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cpassat - January 17 - 10:46 pm

  1st new car ever bought, came from a Chevy Nova with 280K miles, Mazda Protege with over 225K miles, my VW has died at 142,000 miles from the dreaded oil sludge issue. Didnt have any other major problems, car stills looks good, all the interior parts work well, but not willing to spend $5K plus to fix it, admit to now being disappointed in the car. I will not buy another VW.

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  Good Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eric - January 17 - 10:03 pm

  The 06 Jetta TDI is a great car. It gets great gas milage and its very fun to drive. It comes with lots of options. I have been very impressed with the performance. I love the safety rating for my family.

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  Terrible Never Buy Again!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Amy - January 17 - 11:56 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would never buy a VW again. The electrical issues are overwhelming. With 3,218 miles I traded it on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I lost a lot of money on the deal because of all the issues with the VW Touareg.

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  still going strong - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve - January 17 - 8:40 am

  It has held up well through the years. It still looks stylish and is more attractive than the new iteration. It is heavy but very solid without rattles. The sport package with a six speed turns it into a sports sedan. No mechanical problems other than normal wear and tear. There are not many of these on the road and I suspect even fewer with a stick shift. The seats have held up well and show very little wear. The radio and cd player are still working well which is something that I couldnt say about my 91 passat. I see no reason why I cant keep this car for 10 more years since I only have 50,000 original miles on it.

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  great car w/poor reliability - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gsp - January 16 - 9:43 pm

  After 3000 miles on my tdi sedan (diesel) Im delighted w/this small car. Others have said the positive car qualities well, but also like others, Im unhappy with poor reliability. My car next week goes back to the dealership to fix leaking exhaust, twice, and now must replace 2 oxygen sensors. Both problems say my car wont pass my states rules. VW dealerships (2) have tried hard to help. Im very frustrated, of course.

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  Great German Sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ty - January 16 - 3:20 pm

  I really like this car. I purchased this car mostly for my 70 mile commute (which climbs over 2000 feet!) It handles great on the curves, climbs the 10 mile 7% grade in 5th gear (I have the 5-spd manual), goes as fast as you want, and gets great MPG for a car this size and with this much power. In comparison to the 01 Acura TL is replaced, the Passat is not quite as plush or fast, but it was about $5K cheaper (as a CPO) than comparable TLs, and is a very suitable replacement with more personality than the TL. I am a little worried about keeping it for a long time, but Ive put 22k miles in 8 months in all conditions (summer, snow, hills, ect) without any problems. So far, so good!

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  nice and tight - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jimbo - January 16 - 3:40 am

  Thats the best way I can explain the handling and ride. I just leased the Passat 2.0Twith pkg. #1, cold weather pkg. and 17" rims for $390 a mo. for 36 mo. sign and drive. Ive had a Honda Accord EX-V6 before and I thought that was an excellent car, but this VW is really what driving is about. The 17s really make the difference. Good luck to all with the vehicle!