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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  If You Get a VW...This is the One! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By veebub_gal - October 10 - 9:23 am

  I had a New Beetle for six months before I traded it in on a Passat. It was the smartest thing I have done in a while! The Passat is a great car, it rides smooth and handles well( although not quite as well as the 06 Jetta) and is very roomy inside. My husband is a big guy who had an Explorer before this car and swore he would never get another sedan as they were difficult for him to get in and out of. Not so with this car. We both own one, and we both really enjoy its features and the fun we have driving them. I am very happy I made the switch in cars!

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  My Love Bug! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By funnymermaid - October 9 - 11:19 am

  Ive got around 80,000 miles on it. I bought it approx 5 yrs ago, when it had 50,000 miles, from my elderly Mom. Weve both took great care of it, kept it maintained. Ive had very few problems, just regular normal problems. Ive just now had to replace the AC compressor due to small leak, only $400! I still love, love, love my Bug!

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  Upscale German Car at an Affordable Price - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mark056 - October 7 - 3:56 pm

  This has been a fun car to own and drive since I purchased it on 4/30/09 with about 55K miles so far. I love the handling and performance, plus the general comfort level of the interior. After driving a Buick Century for the last seven years, it was nice to get back into something that wasnt like driving an overstuffed pillow ! I have the basic "S" model, the only upgrade belong an automatic transmission and I really love this car. Even the basic model is so well equipped that I do not feel that I am driving a basic model. I recommend this car to anyone who respects and admires German engineering whose budget precludes an Audi or BMW. This car is a winner.

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  You get out what you put in to this car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaOwner - October 7 - 10:00 am

  The thing that I have found about this car is that you get out of it what you put in to it. If you take care of it and maintain it properly, you will have a fun to drive and reliable car. If you abuse and knock around your cars and expect them to work like a Swiss watch - youll be better off with a Honda. I have had my share of annoying little problems with this car (failed sensors, broken glove box door that snapped in 10 degree weather, etc.) but nothing in the past 30,000 miles. I would highly recommend a Jetta to anyone who is a car enthusiast looking for a fun to drive small car with a German engineered feel with lots of standard features.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D.BROWN - October 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT FOR THE FUEL MILAGE. WIHT TDI WE ARE UP TO ALMOST 42 MPG

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  First 1500 miles - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By Randall - October 6 - 3:53 am

  This car is everything and more than I expected. Great fun to drive, very comfortable, excellent build quality. AWD is awesome and the sound of the engine is intoxicating. Fuel mileage is so-so but improving on every tank. Has risen steadily to about 24 mpg on last tank, mostly interstate driving at 65+ mph. DSG is very nice, smooth almost seamless shifts.

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  My first German car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By CC Rider - October 6 - 3:30 am

  I have had my CC,Lux, 2 litre for 2 weeks now. It is a blast to drive! The 2 litre engine is plenty powerful, and there is no need for more. Manumatic transmission is fun and quick. The handling is tight and responsive, and it is remarkably quiet on the highway. I am coming from 12 years of Acura RLs. The seats are extremely comfortable and supportive, the back seats are big enough for my two teenage girls. Biggest downside, so far, is that there are large blind spots over the left and right shoulders. Rear seat headrests get in the way of my wifes view out the back. Mileage, so far, has been 27 highway (averaging 80 mph) and 20 around town. Not yet broken in, though.

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  Love it - 2012 Volkswagen Routan
  By n_l_s - October 5 - 1:23 pm

  I really like this minivan. The interior is very appealing - drives very high up on the highway. Like the aluminum pentastar engine as well.

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  Its not your old VW - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By gman - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that before driving this, I was behind the wheel of everything else that is out there in this price range. The cream floated to the top and I still feel after a full year of driving that I bought a bargain basement priced A4. This car has such a quality feel that I am impressed daily. Drive this after getting out of a Camry and you will see what I mean.

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  God Bless 24Vs! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By grant - October 5 - 10:00 am

  What an improvement from the 12V platform. Car is still VERY early in its mileage as I am still breaking it in, but it is VERY fast- watch out 1.8 turbos. Engine is buttery smooth, and the new 6-speed is a million years ahead of the old rubbery, sloppy 5- speed. Torque is plentyful down low, and the car just pulls and pulls all the way to redline. An incredibly fun car to drive, and a very comfortable cruiser.