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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  Tdi tremendous - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger Heaton - August 22 - 11:56 pm

  What a waste. This car is being recalled. I love driving it. Vw has nothing close to replacing it.

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  American made with German design - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matthew LaChance - August 22 - 8:45 pm

  I really enjoy driving this car, very precise. Not the flashiest car in the segment but to me it is about function and feel not fashion.

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  I Love the Volkswagen Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kenneth - August 22 - 8:30 am

  I Love this Volkswagen Passat based on its performance style and appearance. Some people have even said that my car look so sophicated for the road.

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  First-time Volkswagen owner - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Liz - August 20 - 7:16 pm

  I bought this car certified pre-owned as a leased car someone had turned in. So far, Im very satisfied with it. One issue would be with the engine -- my previous car was a Toyota Corolla and its 2.0L engine seemed to have much more zip than this Jetta, especially going up hills. This Jetta is a manual shift and it is very smooth going from one gear to another and now that I have a new set of tires on it, my gas mileage is much better, in the 33-36 mpg range, rather than 29-31 mpg with my old tires. The interior is appointed nicely -- the controls are easy to read and accessible while driving. There are lots of options for seat adjustment, in both the nearness to the steering wheel but also seat height. Since Im an audiophile, the sound system is important to me and it doesnt disappoint. Those controls are also easy to navigate and program. Another thing Id suggest is for Volkswagen to include a couple USB ports on the lower trim models. Right now, I have an external port plugged into my cigarette lighter (not a problem since Im a non-smoker), but even it seems to integrate well with the sound system. This car is a daily driver for me, but occasionally, I have passengers and they have all commented on the roominess not only in the passenger seat, but in the rear seats. The last suggestion Id have is that there should be a daytime/nighttime function on the drivers side and passenger side mirrors to alleviate glare on all the trim models. Otherwise, as I said, Im relatively happy with this car and I intend to keep it as long as possible.

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  Nice but hard to please - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hardcore Driver - August 20 - 6:30 pm

  My Passat is really nice, inside and out. I have 6M. People who write reviews and think an automatic with tiptronic is a six speed Manual please put your review in the 6A for Automatic. Its acceleration is OK if the AC is off. The engine is too loud in second gear when holding the gear for acceleration. The stock tires are GoodYear Eagles LS and are horrible above 80 mph (read loud) and on rough roads. If you buy at a dealership with the Eagles insist on swapping for Continentals. In hardcore driving manuvers the car will wiggle and lean a bit on the highway when doing quick lane changes, but stays composed. I wish the car would lay flat more, thicker antiroll bars might be the trick. Its fit and Finish are superb. The seats and room are amazing.

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  Best Car Under 30k - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By jingorm - August 19 - 12:06 pm

  I was cross-shopping the Jetta TDI & Audi A3 TDI due to their fuel economy. But at the VW dealership I was drawn to the CC, as most people are. I have owned a BMW 325xi and X3 and prefer "drivers cars." The CC is definitely a joy to drive. The power delivery is smooth, yet it is fuel efficient. The steering is a touch light compared to my BMWs. Highway mileage 32- 36 and 27.1 overall after 2000 mi. The interior cabin is roomy and drowns out the exterior noise. The rear seat also feels spacious (although may be a little low for taller people). Touchscreen radio is fun to play around with. A great commuting/daily driver. Would be perfect as an "only car" if it could fit 5.

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  From Odyssey to Routan - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By newvwfan - August 19 - 10:30 am

  We previously had a 07 Odyssey. We got the 09 Routan for the 0% financing, but have been blown away with how much we like it over the Honda. Driving down the road, it is far quieter. The drive feel is awesome, they nailed the suspension. This is a small thing, but the buttons for everything are in the right places, easy to find and use in comparison. We started out with a Voyager, Montana, Uplander, Odyssey, now Routan. The only negative thing I can find in reviews is that people resent that its a partnership with Chrysler and not pure VW. Get over it, this is an awesome minivan.

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  Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Logan - August 19 - 8:13 am

  I purchased a Aquarius Blue Beetle Convertible. It is the best car in the world. Im in High school and this car is perfect for running around and doing errands. Youll look super hott cruising around town in one of these. All my friends think my car is the cutest car ever. When i first got the car i was very worried that the backseat wouldnt be big enough for anything but i found out that is bigger than i thought. I love all the safety features this car has. If i were to somehow flip, the backseats headrests are actually titanium bars that deploy and keep the car steady so it wouldnt squish anyone and wouldnt have an ugly rollover bar over the top. This car is the cutest and greatest car!

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  my senior moment - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By funbug - August 18 - 11:10 pm

  I bought this car for my final years to enjoy the feel of my youth once again. It was all it crack up to be. I received it in June 09 and have had nothing but 3 months of sheer pleasure with the top down & the wind in my hair. It has plenty of pep with 6 speed tranny plus sport shift. The leather seats are very comfortable, there is plenty of room up front. A/c is great and the heater & heated seats very toasty.

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  GREAT CAR! Quick for a 4cyl - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Tom, Virginia - August 18 - 6:30 am

  Bought the car yesterday, fast fun and a REALLY cool exterior design. Only issues are interior storage, the door storage area is a joke. Rear seat middle area would be better served to seat a 5th person, also the rear could have easily had dual exhaust like on the 6cyl instead of one side on the 4cyl. But oh well, love the car through and through! Out the door price was $28k. Same car as the Audi a4 for the most part except its $5k cheaper...