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 It! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By atlguy34 - May 5 - 12:20 am

  I had a 2005 Passat that I swore I would never sell. Then I drove an EOS one day while I was having my Passat serviced. I was hooked. Within 3 days I had one in my driveway. The car is a blast to drive, not to mention its really cool. And since they are still relatively new, it attracts a lot of attention. The way the trunk is configured, you can not see where the car ends. Mine came with Park Distance Control which at first I thought was lame, but after driving the car for a while, its a necessity.

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  Loving my VW Tiguan Sport! - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Rich G - May 4 - 11:50 am

  Traded my VW Passat in for a 2017 VW Tiguan Sport in Black. I choose the FWD since I live in Florida and so far I have been very happy with the vehicle. My commute is 33 miles round trip which is fairly light and the Tiguan is averaging 21-22 mpg on premium fuel. I am not thrilled about the premium fuel requirement however the performance from the 2.0 TSI engine is great! If there is a downside to the vehicle I would say the ride quality with the Sport can be harsh over rough payment on the highway. Overall I am very happy with my Tiguan and I plan to keep it for many years. I think it is interesting how an 8 year old design still gets compliments from folks at the gas station etc. Great job VW and I will be back for another when the time comes!

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  this car will bug you - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mtunic - May 4 - 10:39 am

  this car has 60k I has had the water pump go out smog pump out air bag out the only thing not to go out is the check engine light now the transmission 1&2 shift fork is broke plus 3 set of ignition modules. I have never seen such poor excuse for a car ever 6ok and all this vw should be ashamed to sell a car like this the Yugo seems to be a better choice!!!!!!

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  Theyll think your rich! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By copout - May 4 - 4:33 am

  After having a 2005 PT Cruiser convertible and using it as a field vehicle, it was time for a "new car". My cruiser was mechanically sound but in pretty rough shape. With few convertible choices that a state worker can afford, I ran across a used EOS with a little over 20000 miles on the warranty left, yes the 07s had a 5000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. New ones do not. Its a silver essence with a black interior, the black interior is hard to find as most have the beige, for a less than tidy person do not get the beige. The hard roof system while opening makes the car look like a transformer and will get you lots of looks. After 1500 miles in 2 weeks, no problems. LOVE IT.

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  Dependable - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwluv - May 3 - 4:16 am

  Dependable, solid sedan that is both fun to drive yet feels safe compact

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  I love the bug! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - May 3 - 3:16 am

  I have had my VW Bug convertable for almost a year and a half and I totally love it! It drives smoothly, it looks hot, and you can get it in fun colors! I wouldnt be happier with any other car. Its fun and you will be more than happy to dirve it. Ive never had any problems with it either, never! Enjoy the car, I know you will!

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  Best for the planet and pocketbook! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PZeiger - May 2 - 12:36 pm

  Im acquainted with diesel because the last time I visted my relatives in Austria, they picked me up in a Audi A6 diesel. I previously owned a second generation VW Scirocco in the 80s and although I loved the car physically, it was a mechanical nightmare. Eventually got 140K on it but with two transmissions! This TDI is an unbelievable car! Everything is well thought out and superb quality. VWs attention to detail is unmatched. Little things like the back of the seat belt fastener has velvet backing on it so it doesnt scratch or make noise! The interior of the glove box is velvet lined like a jewelry box. The drive is true German, sporty, responsive, crisp, and joyous!

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  Wonderful when running - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By OHdriver - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Good seats. Initial quality of VW is impressive but reliability has been disappointing. I recently sent VW a problem list 1)Engine revs high on start 2)Gas gauge only goes to 5/8 3) Door handle peels 4)Loud exhaust; 1 dlr suggested we replace all due to rust through 5) Window malfunctioned 6) Chk eng light comes on freq 7) Coolant light started to blink. Although just out of warranty (26K), VW fixed most except exhaust and handle. Other than reliability - fantastic car for the money.

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  The Original Hot Hatch and It Rocks!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Erik B. - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Im at 6,000 miles on my 2003 1.8t GTI and so far its been a great ride. Fuel ecomony is good but does take a hit if you "drive" the car. But its worth the hit trust me. I get a smile on my face every time Im behind the wheel. The 1.8t engine is suberb and delivers plenty of power when needed. The car handles like a dream especially on the twisty roads here in New England. The Monsoon sound system is sounds awesome and delivers some serious bass for a factory stereo. Over all its everything I expected!!!!!!!

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  One of the Best SUVs!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JKC - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I tested and studied many SUVs before getting this one and I have to say its the best value for the money right now and probably for a while. Its not the best in all of the fields, but it is either equal or better than the others. Something only a few can claim and prove. Performs similar to a BMW X5-on road, rides similar to a Lexus RX330, and performs similar to a Range Rover- off road.