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:

• 

  So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By who needs a hybrid? - December 16 - 2:53 am

  Purchased new in 9/05, paid full sticker, no dealer shopped would budge on price so it came down to color/options. First diesel car ever owned and would definitely buy another one. Car seems as quiet/powerful as the 1.8 gas, mileage averages over 40mpg, 80% highway driving with the automatic. Surprising reliability as an 86 GLI I owned fell apart around 75K miles of hard driving. Gripes, I once owned a 04 Passat and was much more comfortable behind the wheel, Im only 6 tall, the center console protrudes too much into my right leg. Also, the cruise control controls belong on the steering wheel, like the Passat. Otherwise no other major complaints other than I wish diesel was cheaper!

• 

  Look at something else - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Brian - December 15 - 1:46 pm

  The car has a great look and smooth ride down the road. Thats where it stops. The 8 speed transmission feels like riding with someone the first time they drive a manual transmission. They told me thats normal for the new 8 speed transmissions....except its not. I have since driven most of the competitors and the shifting is smooth in all the rest. The biggest issue is the noise in the B pillar (support post between the front and rear drivers side doors.) Also, rattles in the front passenger door persist. They tried fixing the problems and tore out the entire interior but with no luck. They said it was a manufacturing issue with not enough tack welds between the seven layers of metal in the pillar so when the car flexes they rub. Needless to say, I dropped it off October 4th and havent seen it back. Ive been in a loaner car for 3 months. I gave them an opportunity to make it right rather than file lemon law paperwork as they said it would be quicker and they could do more for me. I should have filed. I opted not to do another Tiguan and to get into an Atlas. My latest update is my replacement its due mid January. Communication was lacking between VW corporate customer care and my dealership. I have been stuck in the middle. After over 30 emails and numerous calls over the last three months hopefully Im about 3 weeks away from being in a new vehicle. They are finally talking to each other. Hopefully the Atlas is a better build. The people are nice but the process is horrible and vehicle defective.

• 

  R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By BikeR32 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For me, the R32 is all about easy-to- drive performance. Everything about the car - the steering, clutch, gas, gearshift, and brakes - requires only a very light touch. I find myself dipping into the throttle just to hear the engine, and zipping around turns just to feel the car cling to the road. The downside of this is that gas mileage suffers as a result. The brushed aluminum look of the interior and highly bolstered seats make seattime very enjoyable. On the downside, the wheels get dirty very quickly, and the interior is small for 4. Also, the car drones when cruising above 80mph.

• 

  Phaeton tops all other luxury cars! - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By london - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Mercedes (S-Class), BMW (7 Series), Audi (A8), Range Rover and Lexus (LS400 series). As a fluke I was asked to look at the VW Phaeton. I thought, VW-no thanks. (Nothing wrong with VWs but not what I thought I wanted). Sat in it and was amazed at the incredible technology and comforts built in. Better intuitive Info Center (Navigation, Climate, Systems, Stereo, etc.) than any other lux car model. The seats are the most comfortable Ive ever sat in-better than Volvo. The room is incredible. The car is handbuilt in Germany. The fit and finish blow away everything else. The ride is outstanding. Quiet? Dual paned glass through out. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST CAR!!!

• 

  Strong German Engineering - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mikeramirez - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of thought and quite a few tests, we decided to get the Touareg (instead of the Cayenne or the Chevy Tahoe). We are really happy with it. It feels really strong on the highway (great comfort) and specially agile in city driving. Ours (2005 version) is definitely NOT short on power (240hp) as some people said about the 2004 Touareg (220hp). Of course, it responds quickly to the gas pedal, but bear in mind that you are not driving a Mini :) Fuel consumption is about 20mpg on average, much better than we initially thought. This a great SUV. Cant wait to take it off-road without kids and wife ;)

• 

  Please just get me home - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By collegefool - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Car ran great off the lot, then noticed a lot of engine vibration 2 months later. Turned out to need new cams and lifters (all covered by warranty) Replaced mass airflow sensor 3 mo. mark and window clips as well, all covered by warranty. Acceleration is great, shifting is sluggish and spongie. Great interior layout but seats are uncomfortable. I enjoy the car its just been a pain to take it in so much when ive only had it a half of a year. It seems odd to replace the lifters and cams at 35,000 miles....

• 

  NOT YOUR AVERAGE JETTA - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By belly232 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Driving is fun again. I previously owned an mk2 Jetta GLI with its recaro style seats stiffer suspension, 16" wheels and red pinstripe. This car takes it to another level with its great (and tunable) 1.8t engine, 18" BBS wheels, and 6 speed trannie. The interior and exterior styling are an added plus (red brake calipers-whoa!!). With the sport tuned suspension, i feel like im on rails going around corners (GREAT!!!!). For $22000, this car offers a great platform for a person to add his or her own upgrades. In my opinion it beats out many cars in its category

• 

  2002 VW Eurovan weekender review - 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By kimberly - December 15 - 7:36 am

  Love the power and sitting up high. Suggestions for improvement: remote control that only unlocks drivers door, not all doors at same time (this could be unsafe; a stranger could jump in other side as one enters drivers door), automatic door locking as vehicle starts to move, glovebox in front of passenger seat. would like FLAT back seat so when its turned into a bed it is not so lumpy and uneven. I was disappointed that my new 2002 did not have a standard CD player (only am/fm/cassette). Im the original owner & have owned 2 other VW vans.. the 1990 pop top was superb. Id love to see the 1990 set up, but put the engine in the front and add safety air bags and a v-6 engine.

• 

  A Definite Winner - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By loyalvwowner - December 15 - 4:30 am

  I traded in a 98 Passat w/ manual transmission. Having owned it for 10 yrs, you can imagine how much I enjoyed the drive. The 09 Passat CC is amazing. It looks great and brings a smile to your face while driving it. It has the solid VW build and all the German engineering that you would expect. The tiptronic transmission w/ "S" gear is fun but not quite as exhilarating as a true manual experience. But, wow, what a car. I bought the true Sport version without any added options offered on the Luxury version. It really has everything you need for a nice ride.

• 

  Considering an SUV? Get this Instead. - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris - December 14 - 6:30 pm

  The 2007 Passat Wagon replaced my V8 Touareg. The wagon offers more space and utility than my Touareg did, while providing a much better driving experience. Im averaging 29 mpg combined and about 34 mph hwy...roughly double what I got in the Touareg. This also turns heads more than the Touareg did new. Any stigma my wife thought shed feel with a wagon is absolutely gone. She loves the style and realizes its a smarter purchase than another SUV wouldve been. This is an Audi / Mercedes / BMW quality vehicle at a Chevy price.