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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  Gotta love the VR6 - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick in Texas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in June of 2001. It only had 15,000 miles on it and it still smelt new! I love it, power is very impressive with the help of a K&M Supercharged Airfilter (which was tough putting in). I have had ZERO problems with it except for the ABS light that has come on about 5 times for a few minutes then goes off. Very quick for what it is and on my last trip (365 miles) I got 26.6 miles to the gallon. In town I normally just get around 18 because I do drive it a bit hard. Wish I had the electric seats because there are way to many adjustments when someone else drives it. Love it!

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  TDI forever! - 2000 Volkswagen Golf
  By thetdiman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I am very surprised at the reviews on your website. VW makes an great automobile. I love German cars and VW is the one that I could afford to buy new. A VW feels more like a BMW or Mercedes than a Honda or Toyota if you know what I mean. Drive one and then drive the other cars I mention and you will see that I know what I am talking about. My TDI is fantastic! It is a great engine. It is much quicker than one can imagine for only 90hp. With almost 60,000 miles, I have had NO problems with this auto!

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  Love my VW - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Freeway Willy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive now had my 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8t for a year. I really cant say enough good about this car. Quality has been great. The best part of this car, though, is its performance. It is a blast to drive. It is quick, nimble, graceful and smooth as silk. Save your money. Try the Jetta turbo for just as much fun as an Audi or BMW.

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  Jetta = Fun - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sonkota4 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth VW Jetta that I have owned but the first for the new body style. I Love it! This is a fun car to drive.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Simon - May 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is an outstanding machine. The European style diesel engine is fun to drive and economical. And, it is a good looking car to boot.

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  Great Car, Would recommend - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Neil - May 23 - 5:46 pm

  The ratings I base on any car thats as fuel efficient as this one. Much more fun to drive than a hybrid, yet gets nearly the same mileage. Spacious, back seat fits adults, seats comfortable on a 1400 mile, three day trip. Be wary of the hype that the car will get over 50 mpg. Trying real hard I can get 45 - 46. Around town Ive been getting much better than Id guessed, 38 - 40. I have the manual and keep the car at 1500 rpms unless going uphill. Never needs to be at more than 2000 rpms unless in top gear, passing or entering a freeway. Averaging 70 mph you will be lucky to exceed 41 mpg. Its in the constant 50s and 60s that 46+mpg is possible.

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  LUV THE BUG! - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Millie Noonan - May 22 - 11:53 pm

  I have wanted the convertible bug for 6 years. Never had a better opportunity than now to have one. Its fun to drive and I feel like a kid again. The new heavenly blue color is beautiful. Much better than the years past. Cream/Beige interior needs to be offered on all exterior colors. Thats my only gripe....other than that, I LUV THIS BUG!

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  Verry Happy With VW - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hal - May 22 - 8:46 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T is a very nice car. Prior to the VW, I owned two Honda Accords in a row. The VW offers same high quality, good fit and finish and comfortable seats as the Accord, but with a much more powerful engine (vs. Accords 4-cylinder) and better handling and braking compared to the Accord. I have owned other cars with turbos and was concerned about lag, but the Jetta has a good power band for passing, getting up hills, etc. I have really enjoyed the car from the test drive. It is more fun and less vanilla than other sedans in this category. I definitely will recommend it to friends and family considering other comparable sedans.

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  Back in the fold... - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By 40valvesgone - May 22 - 3:16 am

  This is hard for me to do because I traded in my 2004 AUDI S4. So imagine the performance & refinement that Im giving up. Having said that, if it was too much of a gap I wouldnt have gotten the GTI. The GTI is nothing short of incredible. I had a GTI in 1995, when it was equipped with the VR6. I missed that car when I traded it in & am glad to be back in the GTI fold. I have owned other VWs and have always liked them. This GTI is a cut above the rest, what a great car. Not only is it quick and fun to drive, but its well behaved too. You can cruise, you can relax, and then simply by pressing down the accelerator - the attitude changes to evil.

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  What a beautiful car this is - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By José Martínez - May 22 - 1:06 am

  Our 4th VW and 1st SUV. Weve owned 2 Jettas before; we currently own a 08 R32 alsol. This car drives quite well compared to any American rental you throw at it, SUV or not. Steering and cornering are surprisingly well- mannered. However, despite VWoAs claims to the contrary, it is no big GTI: the cars weight, geometry, and suspension setup are obvious; and the Tiptronic transmission feels a bit lazy compared to the razor-sharp DSG. But we have the R32 for that. This is the family car. Drop-dead gorgeous; it carries us and the kids very comfortably; and it has loads of features. Safety is top-notch; and 4Motion makes a huge difference in snow. And its a VW, so it feels like home to us.