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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  In Love with My Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Liz - May 7 - 1:16 pm

  I went from having a Ford Explorer to my 2006 Volkswagen Beetle, so the change in what I was spending on gas was fantastic. I also went from having a 6-cyclinder to a 5, honestly you cant tell the difference. And dont think youre going to feel like just another person with a Beetle. The new lights and lines make it look noticeably different. It is so fun to drive, so really get the dealership to let you test drive it. If you get the harvest beige, the Mr. Clean magic erasers are awesome at getting left over adhesive and little skuff marks off the car :).

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  Volkswagens are the best cars - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By JimBo - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second VW product I have owned and it has lived up to every expectation I have. I was surprised when the right front wheel bearing went out at 50K, but that was easily replaced. A quick V6 that gets 25 mpg, an easy to read dashboard, comfortable riding car. We even took the family vacation with this car, a very large trunk and the room in the back seat is enough the kids cant kick the front seats. I wouldnt tell anyone to stay away. One more thing, I was rear ended and only the bumper cover was replaced on my car, the other car sustained much more damage. I feel very safe in this car.

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  READ THIS REVIEW!!! ONE FABULOUS CAR!!! - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By seandmc1 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I know cars, and Volkswagens build quality has greatly improved in the MKIV series. The VR6 has a great track record + torque and HP. The build quality, drivability, ergonomics and looks are excellent. The wheels tend to be a bit weak, so watch for potholes! Manual trans. is the only way to go on this car. If you are looking for a sportier, classier, and cooler alternative to a Toyota...then the GTI VR6 is definately for you. Do be prepared for mediocre dealership service. I do most of the car work myself anyway, and this car is a breeze to work on! This car epitomizes all that is great about German engineering. Japan and the U.S. cant touch it!

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  vw turbo gti - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Emilo - May 7 - 10:00 am

  every car manufacturer has its problems, the ones you will get with your volkswagen are not big enough to worry about, its a great car.

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  A typical experience - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By debug - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, its so fun. Use it as a 3rd car -about to sell it since its hard to get a car seat into the back. Window switch problem, peeling door handles (no lotion here!), badly designed cup holders, had MANY headlights and harnesses, plus electrical problem I had to go to war over...defective killed the battery within 48 hours. They told me I should "drive it more!" (how, since it was always dead?) After calling VW and causing a scene at the dealer they finally diagnosed the problem. It is cute, fun, very good pickup. I still love it after all that. Good design, German-style steering. And it fits my 64" spouse.

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  VW Moving Up The Benchmark - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By RonJCole - May 7 - 10:00 am

  The new 2002 Volkwagen Passat pushes up the benchmark for all mid-sized sedans. The interior of this car could be found in the 7 series BMW or some other upscale luxury car. Fit and Finish are above reproach. Materials are top notch and the design is very pleasing to the eyes. Especially the biege leather option. The only failings I can find are the rear windows dont roll all the way down and also do not have the auto-up and auto-down as the front windows have. Xxterior is flawless on mine. Downside is exterior design. A6 is prettier. Engine compartment of V6 models must be seen. Neatest underhood Ive seen. A little pricey, but worth it.

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  Piece o crap! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NOT happy in LA, CA - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new with 16 miles on it in November 2001. It is now July 2002. So far, it has had the wheel hub, wheel bearings, brakes, ABS sensor, gasoline cable switch inside the car and clutch readjusted. NOW Im waiting for new parts for the bad power windows that all the Beetles have. I should have stuck with Toyota. I owned them for 20 years. Im super bummed. What a terrible purchase!!!!!!!!!!!

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  9 months of ownership and still smiling - 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
  By Ben - May 7 - 2:59 am

  I was a little nervous purchasing the e-Golf given some of the issues others have reported. I test drove one and was surprised to see the range INCREASE as I drove, and I liked it a lot better than the Leaf, Fiat, or SmartTwo. I cant say I got the best deal but with the incentives, I am driving this for $200/month lease and 8¢/kWh. Basically, it costs me $1.90 to "fill the tank" and go 90-100 miles. And, yes, with mixed driving I realistically achieve that range in warm weather. Its simple math really - the battery provides about 22 kWh of use, and if you can average 4 kWh youll get 88 miles. I average between 4.5-5 kWh. While I am conscientious of the way in which I drive, Im moving along with traffic. At 75+mph, you will watch the battery drain quickly. Likewise, as soon as the temps begin to dip, youll notice range decrease by as much as 20-30%, so be prepared for that change, in part due to the impact of temps on the battery and also for the heating system. I gain about 10% of that differential back through driving in Eco+ mode with the heat off and seat warmer on. The fit, finish, drivability, and sportiness of this car puts it well above the other electrics I looked at. In fact, it looks like a normal car on the road. The only change I would make is that I wouldve opted now for the regular car with the better headlights, fake leather interior, alloy rims, and better heating system. While the LE is fine, it wouldve been worth the small amount of extra money for those items. To get the best out of this car, I highly recommend installing a Level 2 charger - it makes a huge difference for those days when you drain the battery and want to recharge and use the car again.

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  Great sport wagon - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thor Thorleifson - May 6 - 10:33 am

  After a few initial glitches (covered by used car warranty) my Passat has been great. Very solidly built, stable ride, very quick.

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  I miss my jetta already = ( - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Customer - May 6 - 5:43 am

  Just sold my jetta after 5 great years in it. bought the car w/7k miles on it. No issues until about 35k miles and the chrome strip on the right panel start to peel and had it replaced along with the catalytic converter (warranty). Around 70k the car would stall for a second and kick in under 1/4 tank gas. Never replaced the fuel pump, but Im guessing thats the problem. The remote worked half the time around 50k miles as well. Other than that, I drove this car in all weather conditions and loved every moment of it through college. Sold it at 80k to another college student Great car! Drove it hard at times and it kept up with the abuse. Never paid a dime in repairs! LOVED IT