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:

• 

  My First Toureg TDI w/lux package - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By aakdeniz - May 8 - 2:51 am

  I have been driving BMWs for the last 25 years including an X5, I was on my way to get a 2012 X5 and decided to checkout the Toureg on my way to BMW dealership. I am well aware of the latest technologies especially on BMWs. Well guess what? I was so impressed with the Diesel Toureg with Lux package that I ended up buying one that day. Gas milage, technology options, safety features, interior room and the feel of driving is impressive (i am getting 30mph highway, 24 city and 26.7 combined). Make no mistake- for almost $18k less than a comparative BMW X5, this car is the best buy from every perspective. Dealer experience was as good as a BMW dealership. The car is perfect after 2k of driving

• 

  2003 Volkswagen GLX Turbo Coupe (Betty) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stephanie - May 7 - 11:33 am

  We bought this car when a car of ours was stolen. It has been a really fun and reliable form of transportation. We are planning on keeping it in the family, since it has been so reliable. I would recommend this car and would make the same purchase again.

• 

  10X better than the Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By redsox13 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Passat is a lot nicer car than the Jetta- roomier, comfortable, and a lot more trunk space. I will probably purchase another one but maybe th GLX V6.

• 

  Test drive before you buy a competitor - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Aexcorp - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car, even with its not so impressive specs (115hp and not an amazing amount of torque) is quite amazing to drive. I have the 5 speed manual, and I can tell you, its sportive if you drive it right (downshifts...). The build quality is excellent, all comes standard, its near perfection. I have read the reviews on this site, and most people say its not powerful enough, but most (editor and users) have an auto box. What in Gods name do you expect from that... Take a spin in a 5speed manual and you will realize the hidden potential.

• 

  Go for it. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Machilles - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has grown on me everyday that Ive had it for the first week. Even with just the base model v6, its more vehicle than you could ask for. Quite the nice ride... inside and out! VW has put its mark on this one.

• 

  AWESOME - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By LARRY - May 6 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED

• 

  06 MKV GTI is Terrific - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Mike Harmon - May 6 - 9:16 am

  I love the MKV GTI. After driving Hondas for twenty years I feel like Ive really gotten lucky. I commute about 60 miles a day at typical California speeds and get about 30 MPG. I havent had any serious problems with this car either. The turbo on the GTI is really amazing and gets it going fast with the DSG transmission.

• 

  No test drive needed - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sixiron - May 5 - 6:40 pm

  I dont know how they can improve on this car wagon rocket...The 1.8L turbo puts it in a class by itself...The tiptronic automatic gives the feeling of zoom when there is nobody around...Mine is kept outdoors and the reflex silver hides the dust real well...No rattles, the interior reeks of quality not found in $20k cars...Ill keep it forever...God loves you,Volkswagen...

• 

  Im Happy - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike Sachs - May 4 - 10:53 pm

  Great Value for money. MPG: Best-52.1, Worst-42.3, AVG-47.4; maintenance costs acceptable.

• 

  Excellent - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jared - May 3 - 12:42 pm

  Bought this new as my 1st car. I use it to commute. This car is absolutely wonderful. The turbo engine is so lively and wants to move. The car is comfortable and smooth. The fact that it gets me 41mpg on the highway and is SO fun is a HUGE. Im 6"5 and dont even put my chair all the way back. Im definitely going to remain Volkswagen loyal.