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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  Asian Alternative - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By robdog - December 20 - 12:06 am

  The 2006 Jeetta has much improved looks and feel. It is an excellent quality car for an awesome price. You wont go wrong with this car. It has the perfect engine balance between power and economy.

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  Beautifully designed to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Peterson - December 19 - 6:26 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable, handles beautifully, and designed in such a thoughtful manner that the controls are intuitive. Despite a 6 cylinder engine and AWD I still average about 19-20 mpg around town. It goes where my 4 wheel drive truck wont go in the snow. The only downside is that the rear brakes wear rapidly and get replaced at 15-20K. Nevertheless, the other features more than compensate.

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  Playing catch up - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By RichM - December 19 - 3:20 pm

  I just traded an Expedition on a new 2006 Passat. I do NOT miss my gas guzzler one bit. The fit and finish on this car are very impressive. My wife has the Infiniti G35 coupe, and the new Passat is very close in terms of quality! This is my first German auto and will not be my last, I am hooked. American car companies should take a long hard look at this car, they have some major catching up to do.

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  I Love My Eos! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Nancy - December 18 - 4:33 am

  I am so happy with my Eos. It is fun to drive, beautiful, and has lots of power for a small car. Having the hardtop fold into the trunk is a wonderful feature. I get comments daily on the beautiful blue color. I really am happy with my car, and so is my husband!

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  What a VW!! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Dr Dan - December 18 - 3:46 am

  This is the best car we have owned. Drives great, looks great. Gave it to my wife as a birthday present. She loves the blue color and the numerous features the car has. We have taken it on two trips and it has done great. People stare at it when we stop at lights and restaurants. VW has done a great job on this one. This is our third VW. Happy Driving!!

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  Gotta Luv It - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Mickey - December 17 - 9:50 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised by the interior roominess for such a small car. Im 5 10" and like to stretch out my legs, but theres still leg room behind my drivers seat for a passenger for short distances. The hardtop roof is awesome and makes this convertible much more solid and stable than a rag top. This car is spunky, but has very good fuel economy. It has got all the toys of a pricier car. I am very pleased with it so far even though I have had it only one week. Its not my recently sold 911 Carerra Cabriolet, but it doesnt have the price tag or the maintenance costs either and its a lot more practicable. I hope it holds up.

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  Most Fun Ever - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By gwolson - December 17 - 9:53 am

  What a blast! No one beats me at the lights. This car is always tempts me to drive fast. This is my first automatic transmission in decades, the DSG with paddle shifters is the most fun. While the other guy is shifting your done and can see his frustrations in the rear view. There is nothing to not like about this car. I am sure that the poor gas mileage is my fault.

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  Is it a Auto,SUV or Beyond Title Description - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Dale R. Zaruba - December 17 - 6:46 am

  The cost vs quality of materials. Seems VW could of done better with interior on doors. Counsel box very small. Engine compartment solid. Still have concerns being made in Mexico vs Atlas built in USA. ** Could you please help me receive your $250 incentive coupon Edmunds e mailed to me? I would be very grateful to you. That was one of my reasons Why I decided on purchase. Every dollar helps. I have been a devoted reader of Your Edmunds Price guide book since the 1970s. Still have many Today I saved. Hope to hear from You soon. Best Regards. Dale Zaruba

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  A TRUE WINNER - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By VWDRIVERSTEVE - December 17 - 2:00 am

  BUY THE VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON!! WITH A V12, MINE IS AMAZING!! I KNOW YOU WILL LOVE IT. JUST TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, YOU WILL DEFINATELY WANT IT AFTER THE TEST!

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  Simply The Best - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By sapphirexae - December 16 - 5:30 pm

  I sure have read my fair share of scathing EOS reviews here. I am happy to report that for three years, my EOS hasnt had one single issue! No oil issues, no power window issues, not one leak. It has been flawless! It is dead quiet (no rattles or squeaks). The design is stunning and the interior trumps my BMW! Every day my love grows and grows for this amazing car. I dont even know if the word "car" is appropriate. Perhaps heaven on wheels works better.