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 Serious 4-Banger! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hank - June 6 - 3:30 am

  The Passat 2.0T is a blast to drive, particularly when you pass all the gas stations. You get the best of two worlds, economy and performance. I leased a 2001 GLS V6 and a 2004 GLX V 6 before. The 2.0T is MUCH roomier and has much more "git up" than my previous V6s! I cant see any need to go to the new 276 HP V6 in this country. If I had some Autobahns, I would be changing my mind! Get Package 2 and the navigation system. Enjoy!

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  Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Knight - June 6 - 3:00 am

  I owned just over a week now and love driving my Rabbit everywhere. I drove a variety of cars before I bought this one and I am very happy. I have a wide back and the seats fit excellent for that. The power decline is great, and love the sunroof. Also came with heated seats and windshield washer nozzles which will be great for Minnesota winters. Traction control for 2008 is an option and I read 2009 will be a standard in all VWs. The manual transmission will not be available for 4 door next year. I am very happy with my new car and will drive it for many years. Thank you.

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  Update to Hope it lasts forever! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW4Life - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Well, were headed towards 2011, and my trusty Passat now has 138,000 miles. This car STILL drives like the day I bought it over ten years and 100,000 miles ago. Im bored and want something newer, as the plastic trim pieces are falling off and the door handles / window regulators continue to be flaky. However, from an economic AND enjoyment standpoint, I simply cannot beat this car.

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  In a class all its own. - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By Denster2u - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive read many reviews about this car and price keeps coming in to play regarding the market this car competes in. Id have to say this is a truly premium, upscale compact car with engineering and sophistication unmatched by the likes of the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and others not worth mentioning. The execution of the VW Golf from top to bottom, including materials and build quality, refinement, comfort, and ride and handling is in a class all its own. I thinks its worth every penny extra over its competitors. This is truly a driving enthusiasts car, with fuel efficiency that rivals many hybrids.

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  good for the money - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By ironmj - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought the R-Line special edition of the sport CC. I highly recommend it. My last car was a 2004 Audi S4 which I loved but service costs were killing me. Not to mention driving a stick in chicago commute traffic was tough on my left leg. My father bought the luxury edition when they first came out and spent close to $40,000 for a 4cylinder. So I was amazed to see the Rline was available for $28,500. It has the leatherette which seems just as good as the leather, if not better. You just cant tell the difference. Standard heated power seats,blue tooth. Only diff between luxury is nav,sunroof(which only tilts anyways),auto temp. Still has large touch screen radio.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By garyswims - June 4 - 8:10 am

  so far so great - this little car is great fun to drive and it feels safe and secure

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  Best Volkswagen Yet - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By erikn206 - June 4 - 12:39 am

  This is my third and favorite Volkswagen. My first was a 95 Jetta, then a 07 4Motion Passat Wagon, and now this 2013 Tiguan. The interior is well laid out and comfy. The giant sunroof is just cool. This small crossover SUV has some trade-offs with my previous wagon. Its tallness makes it easier to maneuver in the city, but its smallness means it doesnt feel as solid and smooth over the studded tire ruts on the freeway. After two longer highway trips Im used to it and wouldnt go back. The transmission holds a low gear when you crest steep hills. Its a little noisy and strange at first, but works well to keep the car from accelerating rapidly at the crest of the hill.

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  my year and a half with my passat B5 glx - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By e.s. edwards - June 3 - 6:56 pm

  Quiet, comfortable, luxurious, understated elegance. Drives like an audi a6, only livelier because its not contending with power draining four wheel drive. Fit and finish are excellent. Have had only to replace a tail light in 20 thousand miles. Only complaint: seat heaters are only effective at the top setting (5).

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  Das auto - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By mikmuk - June 3 - 2:49 pm

  Bought my 2008 CPO Passat with 30k miles about 6 months ago. Other then the headlight being replaced by dealer (under warranty) car is great. Luxury at an affordable price. People often look and say what kind of car is that. Very nice! The difference in the Passat is it is built in Deutchland (Germany) not Mexico like several other VWs. Now the 2012 Passat is manufactured in VWs new Tennessee plant. I am sure the folks from Tenn. will do just fine. Love the car and the 33 MPG we get.

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  Much Better than the 07 Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JimS - June 3 - 2:36 am

  I purchased an 07 Passat 3.6 fully loaded with every bell and whistle and had problems from day one and couldnt wait to trade it. I was reluctant to buy another VW but have always loved the Touareg and got a great deal on mine! It is 10 times the vehicle and I love the comfort, safety and performance of my V6, I had wanted the V8 but they didnt have any in Atlanta and none with the 350 HP engine. I had heard terrible reliable ratings for this SUV but so far I am completely pleased, it has no squeaks or rattles and very solid feel. It has horrible gas mileage, but I knew that when I bought it. I have always owned BMWs and Mercedes, the standard features on my Touareg are options on these other two. All in all, I am very pleased!