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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  Good value - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chris Ellzey - May 13 - 5:08 am

  I live in the mountains of So Cal this car pulls the mountain just fine it averages 28 mies per gallon overall.It has 29000 miles and has only seen the shop for oil changes.I am totaly satisfied with this car. This is no sports car so dont complain if you want more pay for it and quit complaining.

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  Best Small Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By G. Bishop - May 12 - 7:23 am

  My search was for a reliable, fuel efficient car with a ride that didnt cause its passengers pain. I demonstrated most all the small fuel efficient cars including the hybrids. While the TDI Jetta was the last one I demonstrated, it was the best in build quility, performace and ride. It abounds with lots of standard equipment. All-around air bags, four wheel disc brakes and much more. While it is not a street racer off the line, the Jettas turbo diesel runs with the best on the expressway. Best MPG is 47, Worst MPG is 38 in the city with A/C on. Insurance costs are a lot lower than the hybrids. (a savings of $400 to $800 per year)

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  The new 2006 Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tkellyd - May 11 - 10:13 pm

  For starters, I managed to get the car for $22,250; I thought that is was a good price for what it is. Ive got package one with XM. Im just coming off of a 1995 Nissan Sentra with 205,000 miles, so this is a joy to drive. The handling is great, road noise is minimal, but not perfect. Sound system is great although I havent hooked up the XM radio yet. I have not encountered any of the problems that I have read about concerning the 2005 models. The only problem that I do have is the mileage. In other cars that I have driven, the mileage was consistent regardless of the AC or heat being on. The Jettas more sensitive to these mechanisms and can eat more gas than I am used to buying.

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  Jetta TDI #2 - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW Owner - May 11 - 7:46 pm

  First Jetta TDI 2000 model was purchased used with about 40,000 Miles. Needed and automatic with good mileage for a daily 86 mile round-trip commute. Has excellent torque and good performance in traffic. After 3 years of ownership got an average of 40+ mpg. Became interested in the improved engine on the new models after 2004 which had additional torque and horsepower and also wanted an upgrade to the GLS with leather heated seats and moon roof so purchased a 2005. I have only 3,000 miles on the car but have averaged 42 MPG or better on each tank. The performance reflects the increased torque and horsepower. Am very pleased with the car.

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  Review after 3 years of ownership - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By PowerTop - May 11 - 11:10 am

  So I thought Id share my driving experience after three years of ownership. First of all, I still love this car. The build quality is excellent and the German engineering has not disappointed. I went from a BMW Z4 and the EOS is sooo much more practical and fun to drive. The passing ability at highway speeds still amazes me. Had it in the shop twice, once for a fuel sensor and software code update that controls the transmission shifts. I have not experienced any excessive engine oil usage oil or leaks. The roof leaked water in the cabin once but found that it was due to the drainpipe getting plugged up from debris.

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  Cant go wrong with this car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By csheehan - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car walks talks and acts like one that is much more expensive. From the cool night-time lighting to all the thoughful touches, to the cool trip computer, to the steering wheel controls. Did I mention the leather - not like the cheap hides on a nissan/infiniti. This car is an Audi without the dual zone climate control and four rings. 1.8 w/ five speed is great, still breaking in but it can move the car with some authority, always asked if its a 6 cyl.

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  GTI Turbo - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mandi Terry - May 10 - 4:20 pm

  This car has been great for the short time I have owned it. I plan on owning it, until it falls apart. The first day I drove the car home, I hit a huge rabbit and it broke my fog light bulb. It scared the heck out of me, my first new car and I already killed an animal. I hope I never hit another animal for as long as I own the car.

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  Great car for the money - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy - May 10 - 1:43 pm

  I got a smokin deal on my Wolfsburg. It is the only normal jetta (not GLI) that comes this model year 2009 with the 2.0T. What a fun engine. Not opened it up yet but wow half throttle and it really goes. Seats are mostly comfortable, I havent been able to get mine exactly where I want it. The only things I would change would be fuel economy readout in dash and steering wheel controls for the radio. I love it and look forward to driving it every morning. PS Dont get the Wolfsburg Jetta if you dont like to clean wheels (Look great but dirty quickly). Overall great car for the money.

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  Lotta luxury for little money - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jolene - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used as my primary vehicle. I haul a lot of furniture in my business and wanted the roomy rear section without going for an SUV. It filled the bill more than perfectly. I love the handling, German-engineering, and roomy, comfortable leather seats. We always take this car on road trips and enjoy the luxury and comfort. I have had absolutely no problems with this gem!

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  This is a VW? - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By charlie - May 10 - 4:16 am

  Ive had this pocket rocket 2 weeks. My 3 previous vehicles were luxury SUVs. Got the CC because my wife is still thrilled with her 2008 Eos. This is one fine machine. Great design, inside and out. People think its a Mercedes CLS. Tremendous acceleration from 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo. Great cornering. Excellent mileage. My choice came down to CC, Honda Crosstour and Lexus 350ES. No question, I made the right choice. Free scheduled maintenance for 3 years sealed the deal. With a different badge (Audi, BMW or Mercedes), this car would cost $10,000 to $30,000 more.