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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  Awesome Car! - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By rod_r - June 20 - 2:54 pm

  I have only had this car a week but so far it really has exceeded my expectations. It took a few weeks before one of my local dealers had a manual model but the wait was worth it. I drove one with a DSG transmission and it was fine but with the manual it is just a more engaging car to drive. The torque from this little turbo diesel is amazing. It pulled up a big hill in 4th gear at 1500rpm at 40mph with no problem. Great interior with lots of room. I am getting right at 40mpg with mixed driving. The car is not fast but it feels quick with great handling. It really is a "SPORT"wagen. This car feels like it could cost a lot more than $25,000.

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  For mpg/power mix theres nothing better - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By rickallen - June 20 - 2:37 pm

  I traded in an Audi A4 which was costing $$$ at the pump w only 22 mpg. I previously had a VW diesel and longed for its combo of power and efficiency that the Audi was unblanced on. VW makes a great car. Design is well above the rest of the class with clean lines and a very plush interior for the price. Puzzling, though, is VW"s decision to disable features in the software that were previously there such as comfort closing windows, coming home lights, etc that just take a check of a box in the system. How much $$ can you save by just not checking a box? That said, mpgs are great, passing power is there, utility is there, and it looks nice. Hard to complain.

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  Smooth and comfortable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By fcarre2 - June 20 - 10:36 am

  I came across a used W8 with low miles and decided to make the purchase. I have been very impressed with the smoothness of the engine, the rock solid feel (far better than my wifes Lexus or my old g35) and the overall comfort of the vehicle. I have the sport package which tightens up the suspension a bit. After 10,000 miles I dont think I could go back to Lexus or Infiniti - they just dont have the so-solid feel. I have had no problems to date and on the highway I run 24 mpg. Mixed city driving gives me 19.5 mpg. Lastly, the sport suspension with the BBS wheels certainly draws plenty of nice comments from others.

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  German Quality - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By rzrbck1 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 97 Jetta GLX-VR6 and was very skeptical about the 1.8t GTI. While it does not have the torque and power of the 97 Jetta GLX-VR6, I am please with the overall quality of this vehicle. VW has made great improvements in the fit and finish, primarily in the interior. I test drove, and was considering the Nissan Sentra Spec-V, but the fit and finish of the GTI brought me back to Volkswagen.

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  My 20th anniversary - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Formulaz8 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is my baby! I love the six speed tranny with the turbo, what other car under $24,000 does 80 mph at 3 grand in sixth gear. The Recaro seats keep you down and the 18" Pilots keep the car huggin the ground. Every where i go people always turn to look. I have yet to see another one in town. Highway on ramps are heaven!

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  X5 and ML beater - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 32teeth - June 20 - 10:00 am

  After 1000 miles, the Treg is just awesome. Quick, quiet, comfortable, and much better overall than the X5 we had for 3 years. Am thrilled with the v8s power. No need for the air suspension. Xenons are bright. Was going to get a Landcruiser for 60 large, but for 42 Gs, this has all we need. Look out BMW and Benz. You must test drive it to understand how good this ride is!

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  Worth a look - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rhino - June 20 - 10:00 am

  The wife always wanted a new beetle and now she has one. I made her get a black Turbo S.(LOL) Ok, now the review. Smooth shifting 6sp. Power band on the turbo S is great, no big bang just a good stream of power. Interior leather is great. Exterior is nice. I wish it was more different than the other beetles. I do like the exhaust tips. Dash seems way to big but you get use to it. Cup holders are a big problem. I like the route 44s from sonic and they will not fit right. We have a three year old and getting him in and out is not as bad as one might think. MPG could be better but my wife drives the car like she stole it.

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  Electrical Faults - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mark wheeler - June 20 - 2:53 am

  My 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is fun to drive, but has had multiple electrical problems. The gas cap release failed at 250 miles followed by the drivers window motor at 12 months, 6 days and 7,500 miles, followed by the battery at 23 months, the speaker wiring at three years and the radio at four years. The dealer tried to make me cover the window motor because I was six days out of warranty but I shamed him into doing it gratis. I plan on replacing the VW with a more reliable Japanese car.

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  Great car to own/drive - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - June 19 - 11:23 pm

  The TDI wagon has been a great car - few problem, great mileage, comfortable, and it can carry all of the things you need. I installed a tow hitch on mine to drag a GTX 4TEC Sea Doo and it has no problems getting it out of the water. We do get some funny looks as the PWC is almost as big as the car. Our golden retriever has not offered any complaints about riding in it. It performs well for a diesel - no sluggishness from this car. You step on the gas and go!

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  Love my Jetta! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Renee - June 17 - 3:06 am

  We drive our car really hard, and I am impressed by how well it stands up to our driving habits. I drove it from PA to NY two times weekly during the school year. The interior on my Jetta is black so it shows hair (mostly dog), but aside from that I love the way the car is set up. Its comfortable and wonderful to drive. Ive had no serious mechanical or cosmetic issues with the car thus far (I need to replace a side mirror due to rust and a piece on the undercarriage due to how low the car is). I really love this car and would recommend it to anyone who does lots of driving and wants to be comfortable and sporty at the same time.