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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  VW Passat with Lifetime Warranty!! Seriously - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Art - January 8 - 3:28 am

  I am finishing up the process of owning a Passat. First time for me. Weve been a Honda family but after I drove this car, I was sold. Smooth ride, excellent acceleration and handling around turns. I was going to buy a Jetta but after the rebates and trade in I went for the Passat. I traded in my GMC pickup truck. This is mainly a commuter car since my roundtrip is 120 miles. The mileage will pay for the car. What really sold me is that the dealer, Lunde Volkswagen in Peoria, AZ, is giving, yes I said giving, lifetime warranties on the car. Since repair bills are at the top of peoples mind when they purchase a vehicle, I couldnt pass up the deal. I by no means overpaid for the car. It was a great buy. If you live out of state, it is worth the trip just for the warranty and peace of mind

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  Worth every penny! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nicole - January 8 - 2:40 am

  After much research of different makes and models, which didnt include VW, I test drove one, on a whim. I was sold! It made me lose the desire to have another SUV like my Ford Escape. It had all the bells and whistles I wanted moonroof, cruise control, 6 CD changer, great gas mileage, sporty, safe and fun to drive. Not to mention, a HUGE trunk! The seats are very comfy, front and back. Even my arthritic 76 yr old dad loves the fit of the seats. For him to say that means a lot! The sport mode is fun but drains gas. Also, the manual transmission mode is a fun diversion. Id buy again, in a heartbeat!

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  Not Perfect, but Still Going Strong! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Elly - January 7 - 10:36 pm

  My Passat 4Motion is a "mystery wrapped in an enigma" when it comes to the panels and sensors. However, Ive had the (used) car for three years now, and aside from a few electrical issues, its been pretty reliable. And I love the combination of driving pleasure and practicality. The engine is still quite peppy, it handles very well and has a great turning radius. It was more comfortable than any other midsize wagon/small SUV I test-drove, and can carry everything from a 9 ft. long 2x4, to three kids in car seats, to a fully constructed hutch from Ikea. As a mother, investment property owner, and part-time teacher, Im very happy with my all-purpose wagon.

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  Lots of Fun - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By TonyMontana - January 7 - 10:23 pm

  I just traded in my 02 Passat GLS for a GTI, and oh man, is this bad boy fun to drive. The gear box seems a bit smaller than the Passat, so shifiting is a quicker. The car just boogies right from the get go. I can feel the power. It has lots of room up front, and doesnt feel as small as you would think looking at the outside of it. Its seats are nice and comfy. I dont think that Id have a problem driving for long distances. I cant wait to get off work and drive some more.

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  Catch a Star... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MTHOM - January 7 - 8:27 pm

  Diesels produce great torque, seemingly indifferent to payload, notably maintaining cruising speeds on Californias I-5 Grapevine mountain section to within a micron of set point. Consistently maintains high 40s mpg in urban settings, lower 50s at posted legal speeds, including Utah 80mph section of I-80. Smooth riding with the typical firm VW suspension. A very roomy and comfortable cabin, front and back.

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  My first VW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike - January 7 - 5:10 pm

  After suffering through poor gas mileage and equally poor reliability and service I finally decided to hang up the "it must be American" and purchase a foreign made vehicle. I was in the marked for a European sedan and after thinking my mind was made up on the BMW 3-Series I am thankful that I wandered into my local VW dealership and test drove the Passat. This vehicle is not only fun to drive but performs just as well in my opnion as the BMW. The best part about it was I got so much more for my money as far as "extras" that drove up the price of the BMW but were considered standards on the VW. Between the gas mileage, style, comfort and dependability I couldnt be happier.

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  Best Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Monstruo - January 6 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! I love the design and the interior. It is beautyful, roomy and very comfortable. I recommend it to all.

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  Brake Problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tball01 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Beware--2000 Jetta brakes do not have noise indicators when brake pads are worn. My brake pads were at less than 5% at 36000 miles.

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  TDI Rocks - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Clay Brechter - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I work at Bob Lewis VW. In March I bought a Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed. I love it. It gets about 47.88 miles per gallon and I drive about 80 miles per hour. The torque is 155 meaning I usually dont even have to down shift when going up hills. The car is a diesel so I wont have to get it smogged every 2 years and I smile everytime I pass a gas station. I am getting about 600 miles per tank. If you would like to contact me you can e- mail me at ClayAtBobLewisVW@aol.com.

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  WoW - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kacie - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love it! It makes my day.