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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  I want to drive this car every where!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ctay122 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car 3 weeks, and I am enjoying the heck out of it! I wanted Ink Blue, which the dealer told me was being discontinued, and as a result was a little difficult to find, but the dealer located one for me in NC (I live near DC). I wanted the grey interior with the luxury package and monsoon stereo, which I got. I also ended up with homelink (guess Ill get a garage door opener now). The car rides great and handles well. I have received alot of compliments on the look of the car. It has chrome trim, and with the bright blue, it looks sweet! My only complaint is Im short, and have to have the seat up all the way, so the arm rest is useless.

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  gti? - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Arthur Melkonian - July 13 - 10:00 am

  even if it is the cheapest bavarian car out there, it still does it for me!

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  ROCKET SPORT SEDAN - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JASON - July 13 - 10:00 am

  IF YOU ARE LOKING FOR A FAST,SPORTS SEDAN YOU SHOULD LOOK HERE.FEATURES TO RIVAL MORE EXPENSIVE VEHICLES.COMPARABLE TO A BMW 3 SERIS,AND LEXUS IS300 AT $10,000.00 LESS.LEATHER INTERIOR,200 HP,6 SPD TRANS,SUNROOF & TRACTION CONTROL OR ABOUT $25,000.BEST QUALITY IN ITS CLASS.

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  Amazed at Jetta TDI power & speed - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By plaaaaane - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Had it for a week now. Was worried about the speed/power thing for a small engine. (I had a 4 cyl Ranger that couldnt keep up speed at top of Sunshine Skyway bridge). This TDI accelerates in 5th gear from 80 mph nearing the top of the bridge with no sign of slowing down! The dealer had Hondas so I checked them out- the 51 mpg one. I thought the plastic felt as cheap as my Subaru 76 DL which I loved at the time. The Honda sure wasnt worth a "MARKET ADJUSTMENT" the dealer put on all the Hondas. (What kind of nut would pay a market adjustment?) Anyhow, the Jetta TDI is built solid, runs like a roadster and is comfortable. I love it. Dave

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  Get the 2008 - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Get the 2008 - July 12 - 9:10 pm

  This is an awesome car! Test drove many many cars before ending up with a Jetta. The 170hp is awesome for this class of car. I enjoy all the standard safety and upscale options at such a low starting price.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By aikiman - July 12 - 8:07 pm

  This car is one of the best cars in its class, in my opinion. Ive owned it for several weeks now and I have nothing but positive things to say about the design, engineering, and sophisticated feel of the car. I am coming from a Volvo S60 so I have something good to compare it with. While the Passat does not have the same power and feel as the Volvo, it can give it a run for its money for less. A lot of thought went into this car in terms of its engineering and driver experience, and it shows. This car was engineered with the driver in mind. If a Camry is your idea of the perfect car, then dont bother with the Passat because it is truly a drivers car. Ive read the few negative reviews here and all I can say is that I really dont know what they are talking about. (One of the most negative reviews posted on this site so far has been posted in its identical form on at least one other car review website.) Power is adequate and, in my opinion, peppy. It has more than enough power to merge on a busy highway and I feel like I am driving a car that is much more expensive. While there is some drop off in power coming from a 5 cyl turbo S60, it really is not all that noticeable of a change to. I also believe that the ergonomics are just fine. I am 58" and had no problem finding a comfortable seat position. The seat comfort is good enough (nothing compares to a Volvo, though) and the cabin is spacious. This is a lot of car for the money. The workers in Chattanooga who make this car should feel proud that they are making such a thoughtful product for US consumers. I am proud to own this car and love every minute of my daily commute.

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  vw got it right - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By txtdivw - July 12 - 1:34 am

  All I can say at this point is every works perfectly. This has not always been the case with previous VWs. Fuel mileage excellent!

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  Get in the Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ag - July 11 - 10:16 am

  I bought my 06 Jetta in January of 2006 and have had only one problem with it. Early on, the wiring harness went out, but luckily, it was covered under the warranty. Other than that, NOTHING has gone wrong (of course, now that I own it, I may have jinxed myself). It loves ice and snow, stops on a dime, and handles speeds up to 105 without vibration. Love it. Everyone should get one!

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  Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By alicat715@aol.com - July 11 - 5:16 am

  I thought this would be a fun, cool car and I hate it!! I cant wait to get out of my lease. Its cute...and thats about it. Every perk about the car is cosmetic. It looks nice. Thats about the only thing I like about it. The cup holders are small...only can use one. The engine is small--NO power. I had an 8 yr old ask me, "Bugs are slow, huh?" b/c there is no power. I should have got the turbo engine...I might have been a little more satisfied.

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  Enjoying Our New Tiguan in Calgary - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Barry Pendergast - July 10 - 10:06 am

  We have had the Tiguan for 2 weeks but already feeling we made the right decision after an agonizing review period and test drives in the competition - the RAV4, Fusion, CR-V etc. Originally set on a diesel Golf Wagon but did not find it comfortable. The Tiguan replaced a very old Nissan 300ZX but this feels like driving a sports car. Im little worried about the 4 cylinders over 6 but time will tell if thats a problem. Its our first VW having had Toyotas for a long period