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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  this car rocks - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By pamela dickens - August 17 - 3:16 pm

  The Volkswagen Passat 3.6 is so fast so fast and quick. I love that the most about this car. Its maneuverabiltiy is superior to the Acura TL, that I used to own. The sound system rocks, for sure it is the best out there. All of the little details are also very important. I also like the headlights that follow your route. The sleek sexy design is also one of my favorites and its a hip car since I have tinted out the windows, lowered it and added 18 inch rims and tires. This car is one of a kind and should be showcased to give VW a new market for the younger generation.

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  Fun, Fast & Good Lookin - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Lauri - August 16 - 8:40 am

  I have had my Tiguan for just under 2 months and I have put over 8k miles on it. It rides great, has get up and go power when needed. After test driving every crossover/suv in this size I couldnt find one that I was willing to into debt for until I drove this car. Love at first drive.

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  Room for the Linebacker - 2013 Volkswagen Golf
  By rbthatcherjr - August 15 - 8:06 am

  I purchased this VW Golf TDI in Jacksonville, FL in May 2013 after driving it and inspecting it on a hydraulic rack in dealers garage. It drives exceptionally well as it exudes this rock-solid feel of German build-quality as well as the odd diesel clatter. The comforts are spartan, but there is more than enough head and leg room for me and my friends. After driving it 11k and experiencing the good dealer support for the car at Osteen VW, I would highly recommend the VW Golf TDI based upon its performance, price, and apparent quality.

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  Fun Reliable Ride - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By DubJC - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive been in the market for a new 6speed performace 2-door since I got a full time position offer out of college this past month... Granted Ive done my fair share of research, but out of 10 cars i test drove, the R32 offered the most complete package anyone could ask for in a sports coupe... and all 5000 of this limited edition hatchback are imported straight from Germany, even the tires are made in Germany... a nice touch. The interior design is in another class compared to any japanese import or domestic brands have to offer...

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  great ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By carol mccann - August 14 - 10:00 am

  great ride luxart looks eye catcher

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  My Dream BUGGIE!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By esmeraldamd - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently earned my bachelors degree in elementary education. I was hired as a 4th grade teacher in May, and I new my first major purchase was going to be a bettle. I was going to go with the regular hatchback, but once I got to the dealership, I fell in love with the convertible. I love everything about my galactic blue baby! Oh, my convertible has a Tiptronic transmission that allows me to drive my buggie as an automatic or standard. It is fun to drive and it causes a great comotion as I drive by with the top down.

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  Love the Mileage - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C-Bird - August 13 - 5:50 pm

  I love this car. I am routinely getting 44 mpg in all-around driving, and have exceeded 50 mpg twice on highway driving. The manual transmission version is a must... when I test-drove the automatic it was a slug. I had a problem with the drivers side seat heater, which subsequently became a recall. One of the instrument panel lights doesnt work. Aside from that, the Jetta has been flawless. At 550-620 miles per tank, you can pass gas stations a whole lot!

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  Fomer SUV owner - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By trailmower - August 13 - 4:20 am

  Chose the Passat Wagon over several mid-SUVs and Accord. Ride is crisp and lots of road feel without being harsh. The Komfort level trim is good value, at least for me, for the money as I like a sunroof and this is not available on the Turbo level car. The sound system is outstanding. Like the exhaust note as well, especially at highway speed when you push the accelerator a bit. This car has plenty of power without being a gas hog. The rear of the car has enough room to haul a full assortment of baseball gear without putting the rear seats down. I find myself looking for reasons to run errands so I can drive the car.

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  Awesome Disc brakes saved my car from crashing - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By aviamar - August 12 - 9:48 pm

  I am proud of the brakes on my 2012 VW Passat. It not only saved me from any injuries but also from causing any damage to the car. I was driving down at 45mph towards a traffic signal. Slowed down a bit but picked up my speed back to 45 as soon as i saw it turn green from a distance. There was a vehicle, in front of me, which had started moving too. I then took the eyes of the road and before I realized the vehicle in front had come to a unexpected halt. I was at a distance of 25-30 ft, I guess, before I hit the brakes hard. I was almost certain that I was going to crash (used to driving cars in India) But the ABS kicked in and made a perfect stop. Passat - totally worth the money.

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  Luxury for little $$$ - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vince120 - August 12 - 1:16 pm

  After looking around at many of the comparable vehicles, none could compare and I bought the Jetta. I see a lot of this is great, that is great here so Ill focus on a couple of real quirks Ive noticed, but dont get me wrong, I love everything everyone else loves about this car. First off is the visors/rear view mirror. How cheap! While the interior has THE nicest materials in this economy class, the visors are cheap plastic non-sense. The mini- vanity mirrors, with the quirky sliding door and the 1/2 matchstick light bulb are worthless. Center console room front and center is very tight. The rolling knobs for the seats and dash lights are difficult to adjust while driving.