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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  Bland Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By happy163 - August 21 - 5:51 am

  So i got this Passat because I was upside down on my truck trade in by 12k. It was a lease and I thought the Passat would be a good car because they were so well built in the past. Well the car was extremely big for a single guy 510 180lbs. The back seat was huge. This car was for a family. The front suspension was too bouncy and the car just floated along like a Buick. The 2.5 liter engine was weirdly displaced, it only had a 5 cylinder. The power was meh, and the MPGs were nothing to brag about. Ive had a few BMWs and VWs before this car and the German Engineering was almost non existence in this vehicle. Very disappointing.

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  Best Damn Volkswagen Period - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jbmill33 - August 20 - 10:40 pm

  I never thought Id fall in love with a car, but the 06 VW Jetta TDI weve purchased come very close to a love affair. It takes corners on rain-slickened Oregon roads masterfully. The MPG has exceeded what was printed on the sticker, I get nearly 50 mpg!

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  Transmisión failure - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cleiver - August 20 - 2:56 am

  I bought this car in 2007 brand new. For my niece and she only drove about 15 miles per day. When this car had 75k the transmission broken down. I honestly dont recommend this kind of piece of garbage.

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  VW is a whole new standard of automobile - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By VW4Life - August 19 - 5:56 pm

  This is my first economic vehicle, and my first Volkswagen. You can easily fit people inside, or lay the rear seats and fit lots of stuff inside. The quality of vehicle compared to all other makes is amazing. Everything from the drive to the notice to detail interior. This car is fun, stylish, reliable, and economic. Once you get in a VW youre hooked.

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  Will never sell !! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By farfromsingle - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Love it! What else is there to say? The 1.8 liter gets the gas milage I like, but the turbo makes sure that Im not the slowest thing on the road. Handles the road just like my Porsche 944. The parts arent cheap, but you dont have to buy them often. Watch the oil changes. Dirty oil clogs the turbo.

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  European perfection. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By FelipeAG - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I own a New Jetta GLS, I drive a lot of miles per month and the car hasnt given me any troubles at all.I love my Jetta and I plan to keep until it doesnt want to run any more...(years and years from now) Fuel economy is excellent I drive from Orlando to Miami with a lot less than a tank of fuel. Styling is just pure European perfection..Europeans definatelly know how to design cars. I just love my car, it is one really good decision that I made. Volkswagen and all European cars are # 1.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VWR32 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This VW definately puts the "SPORT" in SUV. It handles like no other on the market, is luxurious, fast, and outright fun. Not many SUVs can claim that. This SUV does not seem to suffer the dreaded "soccer mom" curse that most of the competition does, thanks for not putting in a 3rd row seat! The build quality, and fit/finish are on par with the best of anything on the road today. Absolutely no regret in getting this vehicle. I have other VWs, and will continue to buy them. No other manufacturer makes anything that does all things so well. Great job VW!!

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  DO NOT BUY - LEMON - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dontbuytiguan - August 17 - 3:03 pm

  This car is the biggest lemon i have ever purchased at 44000 miles i have had to spend over 2000 dollars in non warranty computer repairs on the car is still not fixed correctly. I am giving the car back early cause i am afraid of how much more this car will cost me if i keep it the last 8 months of my lease. I would rather give the car back and pay off the eat the rest of the lease. Do not buy

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  2008 VW Passat Turbo Sedan Manual - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwenthu - August 17 - 3:03 pm

  Its been 18 months that I purchased this beauty and I am still as excited about it when I bought it. I was a bit skeptical about VWs reliability so it took me a while to post this review. I am extremely glad I made a great choice. Was tempted to buy Acura TSX but the looks, standard features (luxury options in other cars), roominess sold me completely. I couldnt believe that I have the base trim that comes with most of the luxury features you would like in your car. Not to mention the compliments you get.. You should definitely put Passat on top of your list if you want to have spirited and fun driving and euro handling.

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  Never Again - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By never again - August 17 - 5:20 am

  I have never bought a new vehicle with so many problems. When I first got my Touareg the steering wheel shook and I needed to get an alignment. I have already gotten new brakes. The speakers have constantly been rattling. Also, the radio blew out in my car and made all of the electrical components go out. VW kept my car for 29 days claiming that the part for the radio was on back order. Finally the 17 inch Pirelli tires have blown due to a MFG defect. This is my fist and last VW. Please do not buy a Touareg!