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 car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Leroy Zeke - July 2 - 1:30 am

  I am really happy with the fuel economy and features of this car. It is fun to drive but still gets very respectable mpg. I still have power when I need it. We also have a Honda Civic Hybrid, and the VW is getting better mileage, and is much more fun to drive.

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  Good by Minivan - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Friars6 - July 1 - 3:26 pm

  The build quality on the Tiguan is amazing for a car in this price range. The car looks fantastic and handles exceptionally well with 4motion. The 2.0 Turbo is much quicker that I expected and the car is very quite on the highway.

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  Very Happy with 2008 Jetta - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill Johnson - June 30 - 8:43 am

  My wife wanted a BMW. This car is as close as u could come without the price. Jetta is tight, quiet and quick. the 170 hp 5 cylinder is quiet, fast and fun but i can get 37 mpg on highway. Wife and I are very different is likes and dislikes. This car came as a GREAT compromise for us. It fits any occasion we have come across so far. I am very happy so far 12,000 and no hint of any problem to take it back to the dealer.

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  Great value and its like owning a "Mac" car - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By sinoproject - June 29 - 11:37 pm

  Bought this car at the beginning of July 2012 and have taken it from Vancouver, BC to SF, and back. Great gas economy: the longer I drove, the better mileage I got, at the end averaging 19 Km/liter (44.69MPG) with the AC on 70% of the time. The entire trip I filled up 4 tanks. Thats with quite a bit city driving in the Bay area. Very comfortable even for this long haul trip. My kid was in a booster with the centre arm rest down, drink in the cup older, snacks near by. Her iPad linked to the stereo via Bluetooth and got sensational sound for her games. My wife sat next to her the whole trip & neither of them complained about lack of room or comfort. Driving it gives youa lot of confidence.

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  Powerful, efficient and FUN to drive! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Zuno78 - June 29 - 7:50 am

  As an owner of an ‘84 300D Turbo Diesel Benz for over 10 years, I knew it would be worth waiting for the ’09 Jetta TDI. Two weeks after purchasing my Loyal Edition, I remain extremely satisfied. This car has amazing torque output! I can feel the quiet diesel engine purring under the hood as it speeds effortlessly down the road. The firm ride adds to the feel that Im driving a tamed beast! Months of research convinced me that no other car gives you the value the TDI offers. At an average of 44.7 mpg on the highway this past weekend, I am convinced this is an unbeatable deal that will last for years to come.

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  Platinum Gray Jetta SEL - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kevin P. - June 29 - 5:16 am

  Leasing my new Jetta was one of the best decision Ive made when it comes to choosing a vehicle. I purchased a 2016 Toyota Corolla back in November of 2015. After a few months of being an owner I realized I made a huge mistake. ( CVT transmission was intrusive, quality was terrible ( many different rattles inside the cabin, sounded like a tin can when closing the doors. etc). The Jetta has the Corolla beat in every category (technology, performance, comfort and last but not least QUALITY! Needles to say, I am very happy with Volkswagen. I would highly recommend the Jetta to anyone who is looking to purchase or lease a new car.

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By cosmo2 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This VW feels and drives differently than the nine other VW/Audi models I have owned. This rig almost feels American-made during routine driving. I really havent decided if this is a good or a bad thing. But I have decided that this is a very good automobile. I was initially put off by the diesel engine and automatic transmission. (Ive driven manuals for 43 years.) The dealer didnt have an manual GL in stock, so I test drove a 1.8T with Tip. No thanks. Felt like just another good car handicapped by a slush box. Then I tried the TDI. This engine/transmission combination is a good match.

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  Very please so far - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KNSCAR - June 27 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of research and test driving I decided on a 2004 GLI 1.8T. Very pleased I am. This car is a blast to drive, I will admit that the fuel consumption could be better but I cant help but step on it when I get the chance. I would not change much but an armrest would be a nice touch and a little more room in the back. Overall for the money this car is great.

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  This Is A Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ChrisBoston - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is to be applauded. I spent well under 20K for it and it has many perks. The interior is well-designed, especially the dashboard and sci-fi lighting. It has a stylish exterior and more than enough pep for my needs. I have had the car for 9 months with zero problems. It has been really fun to drive.

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  Volkswagen Jetta GLX - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jonathan - June 26 - 2:10 pm

  My 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 has given me no problems at all. Its my first car ever. I love the nice interior, the car drives perfectly, and I havent had any trouble with it at all. People always say that theyre having problem with this car but it depends on the person and how they take care of it such as getting the oil changes, topping off all the liquids, and things of that nature. It has great horsepower. I have nothing but respect for this car.