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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  Step up from my Outback - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By D. Palmquist - December 7 - 1:36 am

  My 2001 Outback with 95,000 miles averaged 25 mpg, althought the Passat does not have all wheel drive both vehicles are esencially the same size. The Passat averages 36-37 mpg overall. The Passat just hums along, yet has plenty of accerlation with the turbo. Much better ventilation than the Outback. Seats and adjustments are way out from the Outback, especially legroom and right seat comfort. Currently at 6500 miles, will see what the next 100,000 or so tell us.

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  Wow t - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Raymond Aston - December 6 - 5:20 pm

  Strong running 1.4 liter tubo charged engine,Tiptronic automatic transmission is a perfect for Jetta TSi .

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  The Mercedes-Benz or BMW for the poor - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Corleone - December 6 - 10:00 am

  These car is the best car ther is. I previously owned a ´93 passat glx and loved it.When I bought mine two months later the 2001.5 came out. I did´t care because is the same car. Actually the old 2001 looks sportier. I put xenon lights, aluminum dash board, and german plate. Looks amazing. Problems the driver´s door lock quit on me. Cost $250.The engine light came out, but it was the recall coils , so fixed at no cost. Bottom line, buy this european sports sedan.

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  Luxurious! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cecee - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Passat for two and a half weeks now, but I am in love! I got a great deal (thanks to Edmunds.com!) and Ive got a luxurious car! Outside, you cannot find a jazzier or sportier design on a sedan. Inside...from the moment you sit in the leather seats...well, its just wonderful! Go drive one! Youll see!

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  2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By nima1 - December 6 - 4:56 am

  I just purchased my new 2006 VW Passat 2.0 and I have to say that its the most sturdy luxury-feeling car I have ever purchased. I had the dealer remove the alloy wheels and reduce the price by $300. Additionally I had them throw in free monster mats as well. I got mine with Packge 1and my out-the-door price was $25,921. I am quite happy with it thus far.

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  Extremely enjoyable - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By guyrdo - December 5 - 9:36 pm

  I used to own Toyotas only because of their reliability. So I went out on a limb and bought the Passat. Three years later, I have no regrets. The car is beautifully engineered and drives like a dream.

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  A very fun car - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By ech - December 5 - 10:50 am

  Have owned the Eos for a couple of months. It is ridiculously fun to drive and it gets better over time as you get used to the cars personality. Rear visibility is much better than most convertibles with the top up. The power seats are very comfortable, but I found the tilt of the manually operated seats was fixed in a way that was somewhat painful. The back seat and trunk are actually usable, so while the Eos doesnt scream practicality, it doesnt scream mid-life crisis either. It surprises me more people dont know about this car, but I suppose thats a good thing if you enjoy driving something unique.

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  Mr. Rabbit is a funny bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By sisterearth - December 5 - 12:40 am

  This car has a lot of pep to it! Passing is no problem, keeping it under the speed limit may be! I like the design, the interior is very comfortable. Good space even in the backseat, folded down my large dog stretches out nicely. Lots of cup holders, spots to put stuff, good air conditioner!

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  Diesel Only - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EmmitW - December 4 - 1:50 pm

  Excellent driveability and road handling is nearly sports car like in its response. The diesel engine has started without any assistance at -5F and the fuel mileage has been consistently 46 mpg. The 2001 VW, with the same engine consistently ran 50 to 55 mpg. That vehicle had 160,000 in three years with minimal problems.

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  Excellent SUV - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By krands - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handling both on and off road. Decent fuel economy for vehicle capable of towing 7000 lbs.