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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  Excellent all the Way Around - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By WagsVW - February 17 - 1:00 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a high quality car. The diesel is great. Dont let the horsepower fool you. It has tons of low-end torque. Its steering is tight and it corners great. Plus it has tons of VW goodies.

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  Awesome Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lou_KC - February 15 - 7:23 pm

  My 1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS Sedan has been one of the nicest cars that Ive owned. The amount of attention it will get you is unreal (other VW owners know what Im talking about). And you wont feel inferior pulling up next to other luxury sedans, except for the Volkswagen Toureg, of course. While the power of the 4-cylinder engine may seem like strapping an 80 lb. backpack on a 1st grader, especially stomping the accelaration on the open highway, theres not much this car cant do, really. Need to pass that 18-Wheeler? Punch it without thinking twice.

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  Creme of the Crop - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MM - February 15 - 6:53 pm

  This mid-size SUV is a great SUV. It is extremely well built, the fit and finish, as well as quality of materials is excellent. On par with what youd expect from any of the top German automakers. I was a bit skeptical at first. After all dropping 50k for a VW just didnt seem to make sense, ah but when you test drive it youll love it. I did and drove a V8 fully loaded home. The ride quality is outstanding and the engine is excellent in regards to accelleration and fun to drive factor. If it continue to perform in this manner Id definitely buy another VW. Let me just say its not your Grandpas VW anymore, it a modern art masterpiece.

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  Only ever owned 4x4 trucks and am wowed by a car. - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jerry - February 15 - 7:33 am

  I purchased my 2016 Jetta 1.4 S a few weeks ago. I did months of research online of new 2015-2016 fuel efficient cars. I narrowed the list with lowest cost, top highway mileage (including a hybrid), and top safety ratings. In the end the Jetta was top of my list on paper with an overall lowest monthly cost. I projected a 0% interest rate for 60 months with advertised sale prices and at the time (and still there is not much out there for real world Highway MPG results) I calculated a 37 mpg average (3 mpg lower than EPA estimate) @ 50,000 miles a year for the Jetta @ $2.10 a gallon. On the other cars I calculated all the same numbers except the mpg. On the others I went with the advertised estimated EPA highway mpg. I checked with my insurance company for quotes of similar cars and they were all in the same ballpark. Next I had to test drive my top three picks. It was a fun experience and also very clear to me what car was most comfortable, most powerful, and most fun to drive. Oh and ya the best priced. The EPA mpg is about right. The lowest mpg I have seen was driving roughly 300 miles all at speeds in excess of 80 mph and I averaged 38 mpg. Driving @ 77-78 mph I am averaging 41 mpg, and at 60 mph I am averaging 47 mpg.

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  Fun to drive, mileage is a bonus - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By homelessgdog1 - February 15 - 2:50 am

  Golf TDI handles well. We dont get much rain and we dont get any snow here in Los Angeles. In what rain I have driven in, the Golf does well with OEM Contis. Brakes are great, handles great. People talk about stiff, well my other car is a Dodge Cummns truck so Golf is an improvement. Great visibility from all windows, Bluetooth works pretty good, radio (non dyna) is good for stock. I use my Ipod and when I want directions, I use Bluetooth to hear phone Navi (non navigation head unit). Fun factor very high. Fuel mileage incredible.

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  I just love VW Passat Wagons! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kathleen - February 14 - 10:36 am

  Very pleased with long distance driving and riding in our Volkswagen Passat Wagon! The seats are very comfortable on the lower back. It has plenty of room for back seat passengers and lots of trunk space. It has a very quiet cabin and at 75 mph you feel as though youre going 45 mph. It also has a great stereo system. I love the heated front seats! City driving is equally pleasing. We had a 2002 Passat Wagon before getting a 2005. We love the product and will be getting a 2008 in the future! Go and get it....you wont be disappointed. It has a nice solid design and well made construction! I love those German cars, they have great craftmanship!

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  2007 Volkswagen GTI - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Briiga Eichstaedt - February 13 - 10:40 am

  As a German, I am very particular about my cars. Though I do not automatically dismiss non-German cars, I prefer the ride and fun of the German auto. This VW is no exception. I love how it was made in Wolfsburg, Germany. The styling is great. It is a complete blast to drive. I wish the Americans would build an Autobahn! I am short but have tall family and friends. They all fit in with no problem. The four door is great, and I can fit so much cargo in the trunk. I love the 18" wheels with the red brake callipers and adore the red stripe on the grill. If you live in a state that requires two license plates I recommend forego the front one. Looks much better!

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  Love this car!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By squirrelgirl - February 13 - 1:06 am

  This car is the best Ive had. It is luxurious, affordable, and dependable. I could not ask for more! I recommend it to all my friends.

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  Wouldnt sell it - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tom - February 12 - 7:33 pm

  I agree with the cup holder syndrome and the back seat space issue, but we still get 49+ mpg on the highway after 135k miles. One minor problem with a sensor but otherwise trouble free. Best small car we have owned in 40 years. As well as it is built, we plan to keep it for a long long time. A clear and shining example of why the US automotive industry is a failure.

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  Best vehicle I ever drove/owned - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By queennella - February 11 - 6:56 am

  Being a past employee at an automobile dealership with over 9 car lines, this is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. I purchased this vehicle in May of 04 and dread having to turn it in at the end of my drivers option lease. Not only is this vehicle reliable in all circumstances, it also is worth every penny that I spend on it a month. I wouldnt trade my Touareg for any other vehicle in on the market. Volkswagen has definitely hit a high note with this one and continues to prove that they are a company that will continue to rock the market with new and exciting merchandise in the future. I cant wait to see what they will do next to top this one.