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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  Fun, Fast Fast! :) - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI - October 14 - 3:40 am

  After taking my car for a test drive, I was hooked. I felt like the little boy on the BMW add...I just had to have it! I was still supposed to shop around and look at all the other types of cars too, but never did. This car is very exciting stuff! Take it for a test drive, you`ll love it!

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  The "Clark Kent" of Luxury Cars - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By Marin-Tahoe Driver - October 13 - 3:10 pm

  I was a dedicated BMW 7 Series owner, until the 7 Series became tainted by cab gimmickry, a rear end so homely it appears designed piecemeal by committee, and a failure to keep up with demand for advanced AWD driving technology. The Phaeton is precisely what the BMW 7 Series should be, had BMW been doing its homework over the last four years. Phaeton is doing for the VW trade name what award-winning chardonnay did for Gallo -- it brings an air of respectability to VW. Compared, the Audi A12 is just too lightweight. The heavy Phaeton has a low center of gravity, providing a feeling of safety, luxury and control.

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  Excellent car: minor nits but overall suprised - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TonyB - October 13 - 9:02 am

  Absolutely excellent car. Purchased the 1.8T Sport with LED headlight package for $17900. An absolutely excellent deal as it looks like a much more expensive car than it actually is and goes for about the same price as a Corolla. It comes loaded with a lot of bells and whistles. Off the lot it comes with an impressive SAT/NAV/Bluetooth Infotainment system that works in all of North America, not just the lower 48. It also came with push button start and heated imitation leather seats that are quite comfortable and look great. It is quite zippy and accelerates quickly and comfortably, perfect for negotiating stop and go city traffic. The "sport tuned" exhaust is great as it gives you a little bit of throatiness when the gas is punched down but is otherwise incredibly quiet. When idle the car sounds like its off. I think it is a PZEV but it is not marketed as such. I would struggle to call this a "compact" as it actually fits four adults quite well- in another market it would likely be called a mid size. For long highway drives its perfect as the seats and climate controls keep the cabin comfy. It also gets just under 40mpg highway (I average around 39.2)- on regular gas. My only nits are- while very comfortable, the imitation leather seats do not breath well. Wet bathing suit? Sweaty? Youre going to have a hard time... This car is also very, very low to the ground. Not great if you are older or need to go on dirt roads. Finally- while not really a negative- the Infotainment Computer can be very complicated at first and extremely dangerous to fiddle with while driving. I recommend spending about an hour or so in your driveway to fiddle with it first to get used to it before driving. This car is definitely meant for a professional millennial. Someone who wants something sporty, yet responsible. I have had it for 4 months and am incredibly pleased so far.

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  Excellent car: minor nits but overall suprised - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TonyB - October 13 - 9:02 am

  Absolutely excellent car. Purchased the 1.8T Sport with LED headlight package for $17900. An absolutely excellent deal as it looks like a much more expensive car than it actually is and goes for about the same price as a Corolla. It comes loaded with a lot of bells and whistles. Off the lot it comes with an impressive SAT/NAV/Bluetooth Infotainment system that works in all of North America, not just the lower 48. It also came with push button start and heated imitation leather seats that are quite comfortable and look great. It is quite zippy and accelerates quickly and comfortably, perfect for negotiating stop and go city traffic. The "sport tuned" exhaust is great as it gives you a little bit of throatiness when the gas is punched down but is otherwise incredibly quiet. When idle the car sounds like its off. I think it is a PZEV but it is not marketed as such. I would struggle to call this a "compact" as it actually fits four adults quite well- in another market it would likely be called a mid size. For long highway drives its perfect as the seats and climate controls keep the cabin comfy. It also gets just under 40mpg highway (I average around 39.2)- on regular gas. My only nits are- while very comfortable, the imitation leather seats do not breath well. Wet bathing suit? Sweaty? Youre going to have a hard time... This car is also very, very low to the ground. Not great if you are older or need to go on dirt roads. Finally- while not really a negative- the Infotainment Computer can be very complicated at first and extremely dangerous to fiddle with while driving. I recommend spending about an hour or so in your driveway to fiddle with it first to get used to it before driving. This car is definitely meant for a professional millennial. Someone who wants something sporty, yet responsible. I have had it for 4 months and am incredibly pleased so far.

• 

  3 Year Update - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By jeff66 - October 12 - 8:33 am

  I originally wrote a review back in Nov. 2002 when the van had only 5500 miles on it. Since then I have had no problems what so ever. Overall, the performance has been excellent. Had the engine replaced after my father hit a drainage grate on a newly built section of highway and it took out the oil pan - thanks WSDOT ! Engine replace with lower mileage engine and so far so good. The fuel economy is a little less than before, but may be due to using regular unleaded and more city driving - averaging around 16.5 - 17 mpg. Had to replace tires at 25K, and babied the Dunlops to get this much out of them. Keep wheels balance and van aligned per schedule. Otherwise van has been great.

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  High Quality - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - October 12 - 3:43 am

  I have driven gas hog SUVs for a couple years and decided to go the opposite route and purchased a Jetta diesel. I was originally only considering the manual transmission until I drove the auto. What a versatle transmission. I love the "sport mode" and the manual mode. I am 63" and find the interior to be very roomy for the front seat passengers, much less for rear seat. The fit and finish is outstanding and I especially love the interior layout, except for the poorly placed cruise control. The seats take a bit to get used to. I cant quite find that perfect position. The ride is tremendous and the diesel is UNREAL. What an amazing powerplant. This car is a total winner so far.

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  i love this car - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Justin F - October 12 - 2:00 am

  this is an exciting car to drive fast i love the way it handles corners a high speeds

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Shaah - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Beetle...too small for me, husband, and 6 month old son. Traded and got the Jetta... LOVE IT!! Just enough room, my son and family love it!

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  Something you feel great to pay - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By happy buyer - October 11 - 11:16 pm

  I bougt this car as a gift to my wife. Before that we consider Toyota Echo, Collora, Scion, etc. Beetle costs several thousands more than comparison but it really worths the money. My wife is so delighted with her new car. Everything is perfect. Style is great, the function is responsive, plus a build-in mp3 player. Do not know of anything else to add to it.

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  2007 Touareg - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By spike - October 11 - 12:36 pm

  Were thrilled with Touareg. It drives like a car and is solid - nothing is loose anywhere. The doors and sunroof shut tightly and very it is quiet inside. That seems to be the VW trademark, lately. This truck is really well made. Its power delivery is smooth, but its a heavy car. So be patient. Ive had three Japanese cars - a Nissan, Infiniti, and a Lexus and four German cars - a BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW. Personally, I find German cars to be more sturdy, functional and practical. Some might say Japanese cars are more refined, sophisticated...etc. The Touareg exemplifies all these qualities without losing its German character.