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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  Loaded with most options, sad about MPG - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By smallbej - January 16 - 3:26 am

  We traded in our 2007 Passat wagon for this 2010 Jetta we are leasing because the MPG was better and ran on cheap, 87 octane for the 2.5 liter instead of the 2.0Ts recommended 92 Octane. Sadly, we have been averaging just over 19mpg with mixed city/highway driving. Huge disappointment. Interior is nice, plenty of trunk room. Love the heated seats. Have a smell from the washer fluid coming into the cabin despite all windows and sunroof closed. Only smells when you use the wiper/washer and VW doesnt know why. Im 6 ft and have kids in car seats in the rear, it leaves little room for the kids feet to dangle. some things to think about. I should have looked at more than just VWs.

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  My Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Spongebob - January 16 - 12:46 am

  This is the third Beetle I have owned since 1998. The improvements are obvious from the styling to the dropped outside mirrors for better visibility. This car isnt for everyone. Its for fun loving people who like a car that looks like no other, handles great, and performs flawlessly. it fits me to a T and I wouldnt even consider another car on the road today. It is unique.

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  Fun To Drive and To Own! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heart Of Living - January 16 - 12:10 am

  I have had a few problems with the VW, but most were covered by VW. They replace the window clip, the trunk latch and I replaced the timing belt, brakes, and regular scheduled maintenance. I cant complain. In 5 years and 80K I have spent maybe 2K. That is in line with the cost of car repairs today.

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  With Huge 2017 Discount- Great Deal - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John S - January 15 - 8:05 pm

  Just drive 1000+ miles on road triip. Got 41+ mpg. Awesome! Also took advantage of VW clearance sale for end of August. Over $4,000 discount under MSRP of $20,800. Solid tight car. Quiet interior. Cant beat this car as a commuter.

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  Still loving my GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By On the go girl - January 15 - 7:00 pm

  I have 52,000 miles on my car, and its still doing great. I had never owned a VW before this one, and Ive been very pleased so far.

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  Best bang for the buck by far - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By juanchankane - January 15 - 8:46 am

  Checked all small SUVs and most sedans out there. With my home minister we settled down for this peppy, refined wagon. An SUV would be more comfortable but no way near as sportier and fun to drive, and Im not willing to give that up. Obviously fuel economy is also better for a wagon. However I didnt go for the Diesel everybodys favouring, as I like more this well known 5 cyls one. Rattles, wind, noises & road & insulation are a big concern to me and this wagon is up there with the best about this. Known issues are very few in comparison with other options. Quality and attention to details is abundant. The sound is pretty good, VW has gone crazy with stock speakers in ammount and quality.

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  No Doubt about it! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By No Doubt about it - January 15 - 7:56 am

  I was looking to buy a new car and liked the Nissian Maxima, However i decided to shop around and look around. While online i came across the Volkswagen site and saw the new CC. The Car looked great on the web. I decided to take a look in person and WOW the car looked better up close. I was sold, the only thing left was to test drive it. The dealer was closed so i came back the next day and the test drive was perfect i could not believe the power this car has. I called me wife and told her this car is bought. The dealer added the Nav system and that put it over the top. I get nothing but compliments about the car and you dont see this car at every stop light, like some cars.

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  Most unreliable car ever!! - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By usavp1 - January 14 - 11:00 am

  We have owned more than 5 cars over the last 10 years - a mix of German and Japanese makes. This 2010 vw Tiguan has been the most unreliable car we have ever owned or driven. This includes the notoriously unreliable Italian cars I grew up driving in the 1980s. We bought this car new. Over the last 6 months (out of warranty of course), we have had the following issues 1. Water pump failure 2. Fuel pump failure 3. Turbo repair 4. A variety of electrical faults 5. Turbo replacement, costing a total $5000 in repairs. Now the 6. EPC light and check engine light just came on - headed to dealer. LAST VW WE EVER BUY. WOULD HIGHLY DISCOURAGE ANYONE FROM PURCHASING THIS CAR. We were helping some friends with car shopping this weekend. Steered them clear of the vw Tiguan, their top choice before we talked to them.

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  So far, excellent - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By smcgee - January 13 - 6:49 pm

  Just purchased 4 door Golf TDI, 750 miles driven. Avg 44 MPG on daily 20 mile commute in mixed hwy/city driving. Love the DSG transmission. Car feels very solid. It reminds me of a more refined, better version of my well-loved but long gone 83 GTI, similar feel in the seats and suspension. Very comfortable for a small car. You pay a bit of a premium for the Golf because it is still made in Germany, but I think will prove to be a long term good value. Diesels have come a long way. Car is quiet, and while not a racecar, has good acceleration and great torque.

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  POOR DESIGN - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By ANTI VWS - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 60k miles on it, BIG mistake! I looked everywhere for this car Why??? I loved the car for some reason. Today, this is the WORST car I have ever owned, high repairs all the way. I have spent over 4000k in repairs in the past 3 years. $1500 was out of my pocket.Check engine light has comes on every month sometimes every week. Water pump exploded in a drive through. Belts snapped. A/C went out. Door handle on drivers side is crazy glues on. Interior light is glued on in back seat passanger area. Power Mirrors are alomst done Power Windows are off track and have been repaired. Fog Lights cracked with rocks hitting them. Car was leaking coolant.