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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  My VW Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gabby424 - August 23 - 2:10 pm

  I love my Jetta GLS!! It is everything the dealership told me, and this by far is the best car I have owned so far! The warranty package is acceptional!

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  Awesome - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By whitea2 - August 23 - 8:55 am

  This is an awesome car to drive. I have previously owned a saab sports, bmw 535, bmw 330 and this cc lux out classes them in all categories to include handling, ride comfort, audio controls, navigation, mpg (26-33). Well designed exterior and interior. Ergonomically friendly. My only issue has been entry and exit since I am a senior citizen and need to bend a little extra. Well worth the extra effort. I thoroughly enjoy some of the subtle features ie mute, media, usb, touchscreen, navigation, sensor wipers, storage, etc. A great car and have been driving it for over 5 months.

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  Could use more oomph!, but still GREAT! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Flanders_Ned - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I am overall very satisfied with the vehicle and given the choice again I would buy the same car. I especially love the heated leather seats. The car looks great in black leather with every feature covered in materials that make you feel like you are in a much more expensive car. My only gripe is the lack of power for a V6. The car feels like it could use about 40-50 more horses, especially in the low end. Also, it is a little too soft in the suspension, i.e. body roll, squat and dive. It is the closest feeling you can get to driving a BMW or Mercedes for about half the price.

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  Oh My Gawd - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dpak4eva - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of a kind. Its fast, comfortable, Luxuriioosss... One improvement tho can be the suspension. Kinda boggy and has lotta Body Roll.

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  03 Passat GLX (5A) - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don Bush - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I believe that the Passat is the best 4 door family sedan for the money (compared to Honda (didnt care for the 03 Accord redesign), Toyota, and Acura (TL Type-S didnt do it for me)- it DOESNT compare to domestic products). A quality German-engineered and built car, many features for the money (interior design and fit and finish alone make this a wonderful car), safety (side curtain air bags, etc.), and good looks to boot. May be a few $K more than Japanese cars, but once you drive one, youll understand why. I came out of a BMW and wanted to stay with German quality, reliability, etc. and feel that this is a good compromise.

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  I love my new car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By acazero - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new passat...I had considered buying an Altima but I am very glad that I chose the passat instead. I absolutely love my car...and the price cannot be matched!!

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  Update to Review Below - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Joe - August 21 - 6:53 am

  I had posted a partially negative review below, in which I complained about my new CCs steering feel and response. (I loved everything else about the car.) I finally decided something HAD to be wrong. I took the car in for service, and the dealer found it needed a new electronic power steering controller and a new steering rack. The car drives very differently now. The steering is tight and responsive -- no complaints whatsoever. In fairness to VW, I wanted to update my review. I am a very satisfied customer and strongly recommend the CC to anyone and everyone looking for a top quality, fun-to-drive, great looking sedan.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By trichard - August 21 - 4:23 am

  I have found this car to be of excellent quality and ride. The V8 is a powerful bonus, but fuel economy suffers (though I find to be getting better milage than the milage posted). The ride is comfortable, with the my only complaint of the interior is air conditioning flow to the back seat. The tires out of the dealership lasted about 15000 miles, so be prepared to buy new then. I do not have the nav system, and found it to be too difficult to use, as it was CD based and not touch screen. Other than that, this is a excellent car for one who wants 4 wheel capability (I live in CO, and it handles rugged roads outstandingly well) or a sporty car for in town.

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  a tree retired my Honda Pilot, now a Jetta SE fits - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chuck On Cars - August 19 - 7:10 pm

  I combined the Pilot insurance money with selling my Miata and now Im set with a 2017 Jetta SE. Jus the right size and great gas mileage. Sanibel white with a sunroof and heat seats. 6-speed automatic gets me from point A to B in plenty of style.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fho2008 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Less than six months and less than 6K on the car but wow. What a fun car. Talk about bang for the buck, I drove a GLI the day before, knew I wasnt getting that, and also drove the 5 cyl. When I go back the next day, all they have, in Jettas, are Wolfs. Wow GLI performance for the SE price! I love the fact that this car costs less than my two year old car did when it was new, and has way more features. This wont be my last VW.