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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  Great value! - 2015 Volkswagen Golf
  By eapj - September 23 - 6:14 pm

  I have had a series of fun cars - SVT Focus, GTI, GLI, Cooper S. I purchased an Audi A4 as a compromise between what I wanted and what I thought I needed and really missed the relative simplicity of a VW and also missed a manual transmission. I picked up a silk blue launch edition and am in love. It is a fantastic value! If you want to shift your own gears and dont mind two doors, this is by far the best deal in the 2015 Golf line.

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  Ecstatic - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gary - September 22 - 8:50 pm

  Been looking for a non-hybrid fuel efficient car to replace my truck from everyday driving. Looked on line and found that the VW diesels were the most fuel efficient. I test drove a 2005 Jetta and liked it. I couldnt find a great deal in May before the new body styoe came out, so I waited. I lucked into a 2005.5 loaded automatic TDI and bought at dealer invoice. I drive about 4,200 miles each month, 90% hwy, & will save 150 gallons a month at 42 mpg. In only 2 days, I have been averaging better fuel economy every time I get in the car. Yesterday it was 48+ mpg and todfay it was 51+ mpg. I look forward to averaging between 50 & 60 mpg & have the fuel savings pay for the car!

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  RABBIT REDUX - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Phil - September 22 - 6:53 am

  We purchased a used 2008 VW Rabbit for my wife to drive. She went from a Jeep to a VW. We also own a 2001.5 VW Passat Wagon which we purchased new. Anyone who purchases a VW should be aware that owning a VW is an experience with potentially expensive upkeep and maintenance. Also, the service at some VW dealers has been horrendous at best. The Rabbit is a well thought out car with many creature comforts not found on other cars. It drives and rides like a German car should, is solidly built and has none of the "tinny" feel of other small cars. The doors feel solid and the 5 cylinder is strong. Just be prepared to pay for maintenance and upkeep.

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  Very Satisfied!!!!! - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By brunais - September 20 - 9:03 pm

  I was thinking of getting an Audi A4 when I traded my 2005 Jetta for my new 2010 VW Passat... but Im really happy with my Choice.. I read the other reviews of how people look forward to driving to work.. Well thats is how I feel.. I really enjoy the Turbo and the the car drives like a V6.. The interior is so well finished and the Audio with Sirus XM its a plus too!! Great style.. Luxurious yet still sporty!!!! Great gas mileage too!!! Really happy to own this automobile!!!

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  Joshs Review - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By moorejosh - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car. Tons of fun.

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  VW Deisel Get Good Grades - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Justiniandog - September 20 - 10:00 am

  After getting used to the auto tiptronic transmission I love the VW New Beetle TDI. Smooth, powerful, and fuel efficient. With all the traveling I do, I fill the tank every 7=8 days and thats not a complete refill mind you. Love it...its a keeper.

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  Happy driver - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By charliec - September 18 - 5:26 am

  This is the second TDI that ive owned and both have been excellent road cars. I enjoy the engine torque that gives outstanding highway performance. Yes, diesels can have performance and the enconomy is a added benifit.

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  turbo S beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wcp - September 18 - 2:00 am

  great buy for the money.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Daniel Miller - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Great Car..... Ride is pleasant and quiet. Interior is fabulous and the lights at night spectacular. Excellent build quality.

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  Sheer Driving Pleasure - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat Fan - September 17 - 9:20 pm

  One cannot help but enjoy stepping into this car and feel its comfort and great handling. The design both interior and exterior is second to none, yet it is an affordable and economic vehicle. It is quite roomy and taking luggage with me is no longer a problem. I am also fascinated by all its features and one I particularly like is Auto hold. I like to think of this car this way, when the engineers designed it, they designed it for me. It gives me sheer driving pleasure. Hats off to Volkswagen!