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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  Switched from Accord - No Regrets!!! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Jim408 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I had driven Honda products for 15 years. When my 03 Accord was due for replacement, I found myself not liking the New Accord. Frustrated, looked at Audi, BMW and finally ended up driving away in a CC. The things that sold me on the CC over the others were the following items. 1. Bluetooth Intregration was perfect. Being able to see my phone book in the dash and the setup overall is the best system Ive ever used. 2. Radio. Teriffic touch screen setup. 3. Seats. Best Ive ever had. 4. Interior. Again, it made the accord look cheap. 5. Engine/Drivetrain. Fast and Effecient. 6. Build. Solid. Ive had no problems in 16k miles. My Honda had several. In short, this a GREAT car!

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  Best vw - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By paul - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned lots of vw from rabbit to jetta and passats but this car is above and beyond my expectations. smooth drive and very quiet cabin, no road noise at all . we took a road trip did about 80 mphs and got 31 mpg. used only chevron 91 octane. fit and finish is excellent and most people think its a benz. which i have to correct them.

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  Very Solid SUV - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By HowieD - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned cars, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Passat 3.6L 4Motion. The Tiguan is a very solid auto, fairly quiet for an SUV. It actually rides nicer than the 2006 Passat previously owned. Gas milage is running 26-27 on the highway, 90% highway miles so i cant comment on city mileage. The car is a little pricy compared to others in its class range but just knock on the doors of the others and youll notice the difference in build quality. Tiguan gets the best crash ratings, very important to me. Substantial power for a 2.0L. I would recommend this car if you are in the market for a small SUV. The Bluetooth works very well. The nav is acceptable, and the Ipod connect is great.

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  LOVE IT! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By NEW VW EOS owner - July 28 - 9:26 am

  Ive just got my new EOS and I absolutely love it. Coming from the VW Beetle to a hardtop convertible with sunroof is such a luxury. It handles well. I have the sport pkg. with paddle gears...nice convenience. It certainly attracts a lot of looks. This is a car for both male and female drivers. It has nice style and nice pep. It is just a great convertible!

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  Great Car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sam - July 27 - 3:16 pm

  You wont find a better car at this price. I leased a 2003 base Passat Wagon and liked that too. This time I went for the leather package. I have nothing to complain about so far. It is stylish enough for a night outing. It has good handling and decent fuel economy. Its cargo space is so spacious that you dont need an SUV.

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  You Need to Feel It! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By oates - July 26 - 7:56 pm

  I had a 2002 Toyota Camry LE that was totaled. For a replacement, I also very carefully evaluated the Honda Accord EX V6. After driving all three, the Passat was the clear choice based on feel. It has the firmest ride and best handling by far. Its interior easily supasses the Accord for quality of materials and ergonimics and surpasses the Camry on ergonimics. The 2.0T engine felt much quicker than either the Camry or Accord. Wrapped in a unique, elegant package, I was sold. Just hoping the reliability doesnt become an issue.

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  2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By irv - July 26 - 1:06 pm

  My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI has an outstanding drive and unbelievable fuel economy. I am getting over 45 mpg back and forth to work with only 1,000 miles on the car. The mileage will only get better. I cannot wait to take a trip and get 50+ mpg.

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  A Nice Ride - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Goodriver52 - July 26 - 10:16 am

  My Jetta GL has 128,000 miles on it now and still has the original front brakes, exhaust system and clutch. The 2.0 liter 4 gets excellent gas mileage and the 5 speed manual trans is fun to use. I take it to the dealer for servicing every 5000 miles. Maintenance is expensive but well worth it. This car has been trouble free and I hope to get at least 300,000 miles before letting her go. Even tho the 2.0 is not a muscular engine it is very smooth. This cars handling is tight and very maneuverable.

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  The Wolfsburg Ed. - Nice deal! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Larry$ - July 25 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased this car as an alternative to the GTI, GLI and Rabbit. The GTI and GLI were just too expensive when loaded up with the options I wanted while the Rabbit even fully loaded seemed lacking to me. The Wolfsburg Edition is a joy to drive, it handles as nicely as the others in my opinion, and even with the 2.5 has more than enough zip for me. I use it mostly for my commute to work, 25 miles one way and also to load up guitars in the trunk for repair work I do on the side. The trunk space is huge and can be expanded into the back seat area - a big plus for me, the main reason for the GTI and Rabbit was cargo space. This car gets about 30 mpg highway which accounts for most of my driving.

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  Love it - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MrBrewdude - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has always been a blast to drive. Its especially great for highway cruising. A smooth ride and plenty of power that will push you back in your seat. Back seat is cramped, only okay if youre under 58" or so. Trunk is huge. Doesnt handle quite as well as Id like. Get the performance spring kit which is a big improvement. Has had a few problems, all well-known Jetta problems (fuel door, glove box door, window regulator, MAF). Most problems fixed under warranty and most of the problems VW seems to have a handle on. Even with the past problems I love the car and Ive never had a mechanical problem, and consider it very reliable.