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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  Love this car!! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By sparky1962 - January 16 - 5:21 am

  Love my 2015 TDI SEL Passat. The gas mileage is so good I wonder why people even consider hybrids. I average 40MPH and consistently get 49 highway. Comfort, performance,build quality. This car has all the bases covered.The Fender Sound system is really nice. The back seat is extremely roomy for a car this size. If there is a gripe it is the lag of the rearview camera when the car is started. But being a diesel the car should idle a bit before leaving anyways. Perhaps that is why it does that. But that is being really picky. Some say the styling isnt in your face enough, I say class doesnt need to be in your face.This cars looks are timeless & will look as good in 10 years as it does now.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By tj8576 - January 16 - 3:30 am

  After hearing my wife go on and on about wanting to upgrade her Jetta to a Touareg, I finally purchased her a used 2004 model with only 14,000 miles on it. I have to say this is by far the neatest vehicle on the road. It feels lke a Sherman tank, but is nimble, fun to drive, and gets a lot of attention. I would honestly say there is not another vehicle on the road that I would prefer, even if spending twice as much. VW did a phenominal job with their entry into the SUV market.

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  Love-Bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JerseyShore524 - January 14 - 8:53 pm

  Love my car! I can fit 3 adults (me included) and a car seat quite comfortably. It hugs turns and is quick as a bunny. German cars are really made better!!

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  Love it!! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dianix - January 14 - 4:43 pm

  I wanted to buy an suv for the longest time, but with current gas prices... not too much of a chance UNTIL the TIGUAN... great on gas, super comfortable. Pretty quick, lots and lots of space... I couldnt be any happier with my purchase, worth the wait! =)

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  Volkswagen has a winner again... - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Miker - January 13 - 10:00 am

  With this car VW has finally listened to its customers who wanted a performance car. The 3.2 liter engine has been suprisingly good on gas mileage as I am getting 24 mpg.

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Monteballz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had waited almost 2 years for this car to come across the "Pond". Now that its here and I have it im amazed evertime i sit behind the wheel! Best car ive ever driven. And ive driven a lot of nice cars! This is the car of a Volkswagen Enthusiasts dreams! Test drove an Subaru STI and it was Cheezy! The .:R32 BLOWS IT AWAY!

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  Thsi car rocks! - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By guysR32 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had my BMW in for service and was checking out the new cars. There sat a Black R32... one test ride later, I was sold. There is nothing to not like, plus Ill probably never see another one in town.

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  we love our phaeton - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By meillier - January 13 - 10:00 am

  we were looking for a new mercedes s430 when we saw the phaeton we quit looking

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  Best small car on the market. - 2004 Volkswagen Golf
  By kaknbbolls - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Most of the utility of a mini-SUV (the part youll utilize anyway). Three times cheaper gas bill (Ive calculated it). Really intelligent standard features and options. Great looks. More fun to drive than youd ever expect - as long as you opt for standard trans. (The automatic kills the fun!) Superior crash test results and safety features. Sweet little engine thatll make you question why all cars dont have a turbodiesel option, and never again want to buy one that doesnt.

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  Sweet Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By boiselifer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this Car! Was looking at a Honda Accord or Passat and very glad we went with the Passat. Just as dependable as a Honda but with that great European style!!