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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  Exceeding expectations - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
  By drm14 - August 8 - 12:59 am

  As a current TDI owner Ive enjoyed great performance and economy. I was skeptical of the hybrid, but I have been surprised to be getting better than EPA estimates for mpg, usually mid 40s to low 50s. The car does not need to be driven slow, but you need to maximize the time the car is driving under battery power or sailing. The power meter helps a lot with this. Aggressive driving will lower mpg considerably. The road feel is great and the DSG is very smooth. The 1.4L TSI is very torquey and the car feels quick. I have the SEL which is nicely equipped. I think the hybrids compliment the TDIs nicely. The hybrid is ideal for those driving around town and on crowded highways.

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  Excellent, Excellent, Excellent - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By grbonzo - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned(my 10th). My first German car and loving it. It has plenty of room inside for my 6 foot frame and plenty more to spare. Have never had any problems, gas milage is great. Comes with features you can only find in Cadillacs, love the design, love the comfort. Excellent car!

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  Great Family friendly Vehicle - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Anthony - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  Having 2 small kids, and the endless stuff that goes with them, i knew the days of non-mini van ownership were numbered. I drove the Grand caravan and was very impressed with the engine and transmission performance, Loved the conveniences of all the interior cubbies and storage compartments. I feel that VW addresses the ONLY downfall of chrysler, and thats its interior design. VW nailed the dash setup, the softtouch material looks and feels great. this van is HUGE! with the 3rd row seats folded, i can roll in strollers and bikes and still have room for the weeks groceries. the 3 year maintenance is a great relief. gas Mileage is outstanding!!, im getting 25.1 Highway (62mph)

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  Double Take - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Ken - August 5 - 2:43 am

  Everyone I have shown the vehicle to does a double take. They say "that is a VW." I also had the factory body kit installed (Look up Gold Coast CC and that is the body kit ,they lowered the Gold Coast version), it gives the vehicle a more aggressive look for those who still want that. I even had 2 other CC owners come up to me and say they wish they had installed the body kit. I have been pleased with the vehicle in every way Nav system, Sound System, Bluetooth, ect. Two tone seats really give it that classy euro look. Smooth ride -- drove it to S. Carolina and New Orleans from Cincy no problem got between 31-34 MPG.

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  2007 Volkswagen GTI - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By BurntGauge - August 4 - 9:20 pm

  At first I was a bit scared to get a FWD, turbo, German car. But Im convinced that this truly is the Car of the Year. Its just so well balanced, well made, fun to drive, loaded with features, and affordable. Theres nothing to hate perhaps except that you cant drift with it as easy as youd like... but I can get over that easy.

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  fun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By pjh - August 4 - 7:56 pm

  A fun and responsive ride. Handles well at all speeds. Very quiet with top up and down.

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  Happy new owner. - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettatdigreen - August 4 - 4:30 pm

  Weve been exceptionally pleased with our Jetta TDI. We got 40 mpg from the second tank of fuel. It has been surprisingly peppy and fun to drive.

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  New Jetta 1.9 TDI auto - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By grmyth - August 3 - 3:03 pm

  Had the car for less than a month. Gas mileage is awesome, lot better than my previous car. Only problem with the new Jettas so far is the rattling of the speakers in the front doors. There is a TBA out, and most dealers know about the problem. After, when the problem is fixed, the sound system sounds awesome.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Ensconced - August 2 - 3:46 pm

  This SUV really drives like a car until the weather gets bad and then it drives like a very good SUV. The good comments about how the Touareg handles are not overstating it. I use a hitch mounted bike rack to haul bikes around and the Touareg works great for that. I dont have to worry about how primitive the trailheads will be.

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  Great Jetta! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jvg2727 - August 2 - 11:07 am

  Ive had my Jetta for almost two years and close to 40,000 miles. I have yet to pay for an oil change or other maintenance and have had absolutely no problems or complaints with the vehicle. Thus far, it has been far cheaper and more fun to own than the 2007 Honda Civic it replaced. Although I have a DSG service coming up, VW has provided me with the expense in advance, as well as a maintenance/oil change schedule and pricing of every service needed. I am very very pleased with this car, the reliability, comfort, style and feel. I would definitely recommend this car to a friend.