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 the mileage - 2011 Volkswagen Golf
  By mered - July 8 - 10:46 am

  Had a problem the first week with a sensor that required a tow to the dealer to have replaced, ("never saw anything like this before") and a recall to replace a minor part a few weeks ago. Thus the 4 vs 5 for depedability. Otherwise, this has been a wonderful car. Bought it with gas mileage in mind, and get 38 around town, 48 - 52 on the highway, depending on how far I drive. Im a conservative driver. When needed, it has plenty of power. Fits both me (510") and my 62" husband comfortably. Only thing Id do differently is get a 4 door. So much easier for passengers.

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  A Great Value! - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By ReflexSilver - July 7 - 9:34 pm

  We cross shopped the Atlas with Mazda CX9, Ford Explorer Sport, Acura MDX and XC90. The XC90 was my first choice, however the Atlas gives you 90 percent of what the XC90 does for thousands less. In my opinion the Atlas is a tremendous value, you get more space a better warranty and arguably a more reliable powertrain then the XC90. The XC90 has a slightly nicer interior and has more power but the Atlas SEL comes with remote start, a hands free kick lift gate a pano roof and Android Auto and Apple Car Play etc. I honestly love my Atlas after 2,000 miles and its been headache free.

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  Instead of an SUV - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gary in CA - July 7 - 2:20 pm

  I was shopping for small to medium SUV to replace my BMW convertible. This 2007 Passat Wagon supplies the fun-to-drive factor that I craved, with the cargo area that I needed, in a well-fitted, comfortable, full-featured package...and it kept me under my $30,000 ceiling. Im also delighted with the 23/31 gas mileage. As a bonus, my fashion-conscious fiancee will allow herself to be seen in and to drive my new Passat Wagon. This vehicle gets lots of style points.

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  150,000+ miles and still going! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By natea - July 6 - 9:42 pm

  Overall, this has been an excellent vehicle. To me the most impressive aspect of the car is how it drives so well in snow & rain. I did have a few issues with the front end suspension around the 135,000 mile mark, but they have not come back since. Fuel economy has been as advertised averaging around 23 highway & 17 city. The exterior fit & finish is relatively decent, and the interior is so well built, it still looks almost like new. Ive never driven anything but VWs. (I also have an 04 Passat Sedan). Keep in mind, VW is not like Honda/Toyota, VWs require a little more work, but will easily surpass the 500,000 mile mark. As long as you take care of a VW, it will take care of you.

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  The Versatile Vehicle - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By TS - July 6 - 2:56 am

  This is the first time I have bought a VW. I like the driving and handling of the new Passat 2.0T. The interior of the new Passat is laid out well and with the red/blue backlights the interior looks so nice at night. I am very happy with the gas mileage. With 200 hp, I average 24-27 mpg in mix driving (mostly city). The trip computer is awesome. If youre out for shopping for a compact to midsize SUV, you should look at the new Passat Wagon. It has a smooth drive, looks nice, has ample luggage space, and will save you money on gas.

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  The Diesel Dreamcar - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carol B - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This car has been awesome. What other German car can you get 50mpg in under $20k? NONE. Its easy to drive, park, and speed in (likes to go 80-90, sometimes 100 and dont notice it). Very reliable, only in shop for oil changes.

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  I love this car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Deepclue - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is a rocket, it looks and feels solid, finishing is superb. I would buy it again, no question about it. My only complaint is a tendency to rattle: doors in warm weather, some console pieces in cold weather.

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  Great little sport sedan. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jacko - July 6 - 2:00 am

  1.8T is an exciting engine thats also easy to live with and rewarding during normal driving. Engine and ride are smooth and quiet. Sport suspension and 17" alloys betray some road noise and stiffness on bumps, but handling is precise, though a bit marred by overboosted power steering. Clutch is somewhat too soft for sport riding; clutch throw is also too long. I would give the car a 10, if I havent driven a BMW 325i. 8-9 will do just fine.

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  Silent Diesel - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doug - July 5 - 3:56 am

  This car breaks the diesel stereotype of being loud and dirty. This car is quiet and produces no black smoke. Its torque is fun, fuel mileage is great, and it is a sleek ride. I have owned this car for a week and no one I know even knows its a diesel. So far its solid. So far city driving 34 mpg during break in period.

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  Vdub - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dub the VDub - July 4 - 10:46 am

  I previously owned a 98 passat and loved it, even though it gave me nothing but problems. I Recently got the 2006 passat and all i can say is WOW. I am uber pleased with what i got. The original owner paid $32,000.00 and with only 39560 miles on it i managed to get the price from 21k to a simple 16k. By far the best car i have invested in. I love the power and performance. I suggest you use Amsoil Full synthetic oil 5w 40 European blend. It makes the power of the 225hp and turbo show through with amazing up and down shifts also helps car start immediately in cold. This will not be my last Volks. I think that this car will out last my last on. the Germans know how to engineer. Buy one!!