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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  amazing - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By dardson1 - July 26 - 10:18 pm

  Although Ive only had this car a week I am amazed. I drove several vehicles but fell in love after I drove the Sportswagen TDI. It is extremely quick (the HP numbers seem meaningless with this Turbo Diesel). It is way fun-to-drive and the ride is smooth as "butta". Im used to truck based and Crossover SUVs (07 Murano last and 3 Tahoes before that). My job changed and I no longer need a full-sized vehicle. The Sportwagen will be perfect if......it holds up well. VW has had a questionable reliability history, but for now Im very happy. Absolutely LOVE this car and the sound system is tip-top

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  Really a good car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BlueTDIowner - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have 103,000 miles on my 2001 VW Jetta TDI since I bought it new. Ive followed all the maintenance recommendations, and only use Delvac 1 oil in it, which I change myself every 10,000 miles. Lifetime fuel economy is 46.8 mpg, and I drive it pretty hard. Ive owned a lot of cars in my life, and this is the most reliable car Ive had yet. As long as you buy the diesel fuel where the big rigs buy theirs, you will be OK in the winter.

• 

  Best SUV out there............. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jeff Smith - July 26 - 2:00 am

  i have driven most of the midsize suvs and this vehicle is bar none I would recommend it to everyone. I fish in the Everglades of Florida alot and I thought I would have a problem with the swamps I drive through. It goes places my jeep Wrangler never would. Still it has the look of a luxury suv I can go play in the mud and still go to dinner that evening (after a bath).

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  Good to go - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By salut - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Perfect so far. Loaded with just about every option. Great in snow and late winter roads in the northeast. I like the fact that you can disable many of the (over the top) features in the interior. Mileage is not great but no worse than the Suburban it replaced. Throttle and brakes are a little touchy, though the brakes work very well. Arrived with front end out of allignment. Waited forever to get a car with OnStar.

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  Jetta 1.8 T - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joejetta04 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Solidly built with attention to detail. This car is a lot of fun to drive, and you are seated in a first class cabin. The interior is of Audi quality and comfort. Safety features such as 6 airbags, and traction control are standard. If you are shopping for a small sedan, take this one for a test drive.

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  Jetta tires in snow - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By susankha - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Got the Jetta TDI to "help the environment" because of its great fuel economy, and I drive SO much. I loved it the whole eleven days I got to drive it. The stock tires (all season tires) CANNOT handle any snow. There was a light snow and I was travelling on a road that hadnt seen much traffic when the back end whipped out on a slight curve. Ended up in a head-on collision. I give the car a fantastic rating for safety, and I recommend the car hightly, but for heavens sake, get snow tires immediately!!!!!

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  Sweet ride - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LOLjeta - July 25 - 9:13 pm

  I have had this car for almost 3 years it has taken me all over california. We love this car. It is zippy, roomy and comfortable for long drives. The car heats up in no time, so taking it to the snow is awesome. It can also fit 3 full bicycles in the rear.

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  Great car - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By wc - July 25 - 6:52 am

  I have not had any problems as I have seen others report . Makes me think they bought a used one that has been in a wreck. The Tiquan Handles very well. I have the 6 speed manual transmission and it makes it more fun for me. I think they have quit making the Tiguan with a manual transmiision in newer models now.

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  Buy one, youl love it! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By DwightC - July 25 - 1:26 am

  This 2003 Golf TDI is without a doubt THE most fun car to drive of all the cars that Ive owned. (Actually, this is car #21). The diesel engine has tons of torque and really runs great matched with the manual transmission. The gears are smooth and shift even better than the Hondas Ive owned. This TDI has a nice little wheeze when the turbo is heard, but that is only when the windows are open. I love the moon roof and the Monsoon radio- the best stock radio in any vehicle Ive had. I like the visibility, too. The seats are very comfortable. I get a reliable 45 mpg, and I drive 80 mph. The maintenance has been super low and Ive done most of it myself. I would buy another TDI without a doubt.

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  Stunned - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Brian - July 24 - 10:20 pm

  If youre in the market for a sleek, classy & sporty sedan without the high $30K price tag - this is undeniably the only choice. A comparably equipped Altima, Accord or Camry costs more, yet this car easily matches the A4, 3 Series and IS in quality and style. I pulled up to my bank the day after I bought this and this gal pulled in beside me in her new 3 series. Her buyers remorse gaze at my new ride as was unmistakable. This car wants for nothing in style or performance. If I wanted a monster fast sports performer, Id buy a GTR. This car has everything and then some - all for $10K less than the usual suspects.