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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  Most reliable friend I have! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Devin Christiansen - February 11 - 1:23 am

  This is MY first VW, and my familys twelfth, so I am a little biased on my love for the car. The fit and finish is luxury level, the ride quality is (for me) close enough to my old 3- series BMW that I cant justify the added expense of the BMW anymore. The only complaint I have is the rear brakes which seems to be a common complaint here. I will say this though, having had to replace the pads nearly every oil change, I will continue to pay for that hydraulic braking system. That braking system has saved my life on LA freeways more times that I care to admit! This is one of those cases of parts bin engineering but when your parts bin is "hand-me-downs" from Porsche...

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  For the Love of Torque - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By linderov - February 10 - 6:50 am

  This has been a terrific car, very durable and reliable and looking good doing it. My kids dont ever complain about being cramped although I think they probably are. Its cozy and all their friends love it. With the sunroof and windows open, its like a convertible, too, fun and loud, and like a party ready to go. Even though the car is now 6 + years old, it still attracts attention, and not just from kids, although kids really love it. It gets 45 mpg in mixed use, typically. Ive never had problems here in Detroit with the cold weather and diesel. The diesel is quiet and pleasant sounding in normal use, and has a higher pitch singing sound when you hammer it to kick in the turbo.

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  I love driving!! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By crzyrbt - February 7 - 7:33 am

  My fiance and I stumbled upon this great car by pure luck. The first time I drove this car I was completely surprised and wanted more. With a tap of the pedal your off to wherever you may go. Everyday I drive it I find myself saying " I love this car! " It is the funnest thing to drive!! I have a lead foot and its great right off the line. I do have to be careful though, all the sudden I find myself at 80 mph not even knowing it. The car could get better gas mileage all around but its really not too bad. With the way I drive sometimes it doesnt quite matter.I love this car!!

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  Love it... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mtbikercs18 - February 5 - 9:00 pm

  The new jetta is such a great car... I just traded in a 2001 1.8t Beatle for it. And i LOVED that car as well. The new style takes a little getting uesd to but the interior is sooo worth it. Over all i give ths car a 9.2... i love it....

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  Bang for your Buck - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stuart - February 5 - 4:28 pm

  If you judge a car for what it is designed for, the Jetta is tough to beat. I got the 1.4 SE with a manual. Acceleration is more than adequate if not peppy. Handling is the same. It is quiet on the inside. I drove this back to back with a 2015 Camry SE thinking the Camry would be better, but actually liked the Jetta better. The Jetta had less road noise, smoother engine, and better ride. I also drove this with other competitors and still found this a cut above. This is not a sports car, but sportier than most in its category and is engaging to drive. The new infotainment for 2016 is great. I would bet that Apple Play/Android auto will be on most cars soon. The sound system is better than I anticipated. The only real cost cutting I see is the interior door panels. People talk about the dash, but to me that is a non issue since I never come in contact with it. In the end this is still basically an economy car. Gas Mileage is spot on with the sticker, maybe a little better on the highway. Back seat room is good. Trunk room is generous, but the trunk opening could be a little larger. So far no regrets. VWs can be had for significant discounts to sticker with diesel scandal going on. You can probably get at least $3k knocked off pretty easily. I also have kids who will be driving in the next few years. It will make a great car to learn in. It is a good size and easy to get used to.

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  happy to drive! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laurie Deadrick - February 5 - 10:50 am

  So far, so good. This car is fun to drive (turbo gives extra power) and is great on gas.

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  GTI VR6...Love at first sight! :-) - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By William Braddock, II - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I honestly think this is a great car. Truthfully the 20th Anniversary Edition Rabbit has the best sport-tuned suspension out of the three: Rabbit, 1.8T, and the VR6. However the VR6 delivers the most bang for your buck and is only around a thoughsand more U.S. dollars than the 4-cyclinder model. With a supercharger and a chip and maybe a custom grill this car is definately holds a spot in the "Fast and Furious" sequil. I love it and wouldnt trade mine for the world. I got rid of my 1999 BMW 328i to drive this car, I figured what the heck, they are made by Audi right?

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  Expected Results - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bensim - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have to say that I love my car. I owned an 89 Jetta GLI and then a Subaru Outback before my current Jetta. The 89 Jetta had incredible problems, but it was always fun to drive. The Outback had no problem, but it wasnt fun to drive. I went back to VW because I wanted to enjoy driving again, and my Jetta has delivered. It is manual, and I would only get manual with such a great engine! But, of course, my Jetta has had its share of problems. They are the same as everyone elses: electrical, windows, O2 sensor, glove box, sunroof, etc. Perhaps because of my first Jettas many issues, I dont seem to mind as much as others.

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  Passat GLX 2000 Review - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fanfare - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives sweet and is powerful. Nice styling in and out. Kids love it. Seat warmers are butt- savers in the winter. Not ostentatious like a Beemer or Benz, but feels like one and offers same amenities. Fold down back seats can be used as bed when going camping!! LOL

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  00 GLS review - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By passatdude - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We like our Passat, the only exceptions are maintenance costs inc. engine timing belt replacement is recomended at 65k at a cost of around $600.00 Yikes! Why should the owner have to pay such a big price for this shortlived engine item? If you dont get this done as maintenance it could cost you a fatal engine breakdown.