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:

• 

  A great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By hawk - September 2 - 9:20 pm

  Still love the truck after 5 years owning it. Only 2nd set of tires with a lot of tread left after 75000 mi. 1st set of tired was replaced at 48000mi. Still original brake. Replaced battery at 70000mi. One annoying issue was airbag light lit after my wife adjusted driver seat. Check engine light was lit once for no reason but cleared after a visit to the dealer. didnt come back for 2yr but lit again last week. beautiful interior (better than my BMW 5 and MB E class), fit and finish is top notch. gas mileage is poor but not so bad for a performance SUV. feel very safe driving it, great road manner, very solid, no rattling, no loose parts. took to the beach played sand, a very fun SUV.

• 

  After 6 years, I still adore this car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By cayugaduck - September 1 - 5:56 pm

  I love this car. The exterior style still looks as good as the day I got it. I have only ever had to have minor repairs done. It has to have the most comfortable and roomy interior -- for front and rear passengers -- as any car Ive experienced. Not to mention how fun to drive it is.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jenniferow16 - September 1 - 12:52 pm

  I have owned my Jetta for almost 4 years now. I have almost 70,000 miles, and have had very few problems. My gas milage averages 23 city and 31 hwy. Car is fast, handles well, and is SUPER comfortable. The trunk is very large, I can fit a bike with the seats down. Down Side: maintenance is expensive at least 500.00 every 5,000 miles. I have had a problem with my brakes, which was not discovered in the scheduled maintenance and cost over 600.00 with the extended warranty. My air/vent dial currently does not work and air only blow on high. Who knows how much that will cost. The ipod jack should be in the arm rest and not the glove box. Next car will be a Jetta Wagon TDI, or Audi A4 wagon.

• 

  Stylish, Practical, Loads of Fun - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By miran - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the first wagon Ive owned after over 20 years of driving Japanese sedans. Many years ago, a station wagon purchase was unthinkable because of the image; now, the requirements of job and family make it necessary. But whod have thought that this would be one of the most enjoyable vehicles Ive ever driven? Its fast, extremely stylish, the interior has loads of helpful automation, and drives so beautifully that even my practical wife ditches her Toyota Sienna and sneaks out with the VW when Im not driving it. And though Ive never associated wagons with a stylish exterior look, Im surprised at how many strangers have made favorable comments.

• 

  Great Value for $$$ - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mio - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Car exceeds expectations. This is my fifth VW, first wagon, and I have never been disappointed with the quality or performance of VWs. Do like the wagon - smaller than an SUV, plenty of back storage area. Rear seat room a little limited, but for my use is fine.

• 

  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By nadia - August 31 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars, but the 2002 Volkswagen Passat is the best I have ever had. Its comfort, handling, and safty are great. I never knew how well these cars handled the road until I took it to the Redwood coast to get a feel of it. It drives like a dream. The turbo engine is awesome. It just gets up and takes off. I know now it will be the car I will ever buy again.

• 

  Badge Snob Beater - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By N. Hansen - August 31 - 12:56 pm

  Having had four Audis in a row, the last being a TT, I considered the A3 as my next car. After test driving the A3, then the GTI, the GTI won me over. I should explain that I do not need four doors. As you know, the engines are exactly the same HP and torque. However, the GTI is much sportier, seems faster, and the exhaust growl above 3,000 RPMs is pure music. It is not loud or obnoxious, just powerful sounding (sort of like a VW R32). Lastly, I saved about $5,000 over by going with the VW.

• 

  Awesome value, stylish sport - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By enrikk - August 31 - 12:25 pm

  As others have said here, both the interior and exterior are of luxury-line quality, and the 4-cylinder performance is a dream. Cornering ability is outstanding, and the ride is very smooth. A definite bonus, also, is that the CC model is a rare gem on the road (almost makes me want to give the CC a bad review so it stays that way). Professional reviews are a little misleading - they widely pan the 6-cylinder model and complain that theres little room in the back. Just get the 4-cylinder and dont shop for coupes when you really need a minivan (duh?).

• 

  Lots of Fun - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Sandi - August 30 - 8:16 pm

  I looked at a lot of convertibles to replace my 2001 Eclipse Spyder but once I test drove the Eos I was hooked. It is a fun little car that has more get up and go than you would think. The top is also great fun and attracts a lot of attention when going up or down. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a mid priced convertible.

• 

  2006 Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stephanie - August 29 - 7:43 pm

  Ive owned my Jetta TDI now for two months and love it! Im getting outstanding mileage, 42-46+ mpg, over 600 miles per tank, and the engine still is not broken in yet. Im 6 tall and this car has plenty of head and leg room for me. It runs smoothly and quietly, is very easy to drive, has a nice tight turning radius, and very quick acceleration when you step on it. The color is the new 2006 green, which is very sharp looking against the chrome. The trunk is enormous, and the fold down seats are wonderful for cargo - maybe too big. I very much like the standard airbags in the front and back. The back seats are a little tight for leg room if the driver has the seat back though.