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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  Fast Whip!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bigtoysa4 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Very impressive vehicle for $24K. Fast and more fun to drive than my 99 Audi A4 2.8.5spd!

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  The most practical mid-size sedan you can buy - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By David - November 2 - 9:12 am

  My decision to buy this car began in January 2016 when I went to the midlands international auto show and looked at pretty much every car they had there. When considering all factors, including price, the VW Passat was my favorite car there (granted I didnt test drive any at the time). I noticed right away the attention to detail in the design without trying to over-design like many of the competitors. Just compare, for example, the taillight on the passat to the "lego" pieces other cars are using. I thought the Passat looked very well thought out, classy, and something that will still look good in 15 years. The cabin felt roomy, seats comfortable, and outward visibility quite good. Fast forward to May, a local dealership had an offer too good to pass up so I decided to take one for a test drive and absolutely loved it. I went with the R-Line and think it looks better than my 2014 mazda6, which I traded in to get it. The ride quality is nice, even with the low profile tires. I love having dual climate control and a backup camera standard. I also love that the max torque from the engine comes at 1500 rpm and remains until 4700 rpm, so the power feels adequate for most of the driving anyone would need to do (most people keep engine under 3500 rpm the majority of the time). The transmission is programmed for economy so expect it to feel like it is 1 gear too high on occasion, however, it is very responsive when needed. I also learned from the sales guy that VW uses new metal for the body panels with wax in between seams, rather than recycled metal. This is important because it will be much less prone to rust. It is also nice that oil changes are every 10,000 miles. As far as dislikes, I wish the average fuel economy gauge tracked by the tank instead resetting each trip, however, I typically check manually each tank anyways. I also wish the remote starter was a little more affordable for lower trim levels. Otherwise, no complaints other than the fact that my wife gets to drive it instead of me :) . I cant comment on reliability, however, given the price they sell for I can afford a couple repairs along the way and still be quite pleased with it overall. I plan to keep this car a long time. **Update - I replaced the OEM tires with Pirelli Cinturato P7 All season tires and the ride quality is even better with very little road noise. Been averaging about 30 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Run Rabbit, run! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Two5 - November 2 - 7:40 am

  Car has seen all types of driving and has fared extremely well. The engine in the car is well suited to most driving situations and the abundance of power and torque plus an engine that enjoys revving provides an acceleration not found in competitors, the five speed manual has short throws and positive feel with good clutch feedback. Suspension is based on the sportier GTI, giving the Rabbit surefooted dynamics while providing a comfortable ride even over harsh roads, the standard ESP provides an added safety net. No problems while owning the vehicle, and fuel economy has averaged approximately 28 miles per gallon, while full tanks on the freeway can net up to 33 miles per gallon.

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  Excellent buy for the money! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rachelle - November 2 - 2:53 am

  I drove the Mazda 3 Touring and sport and originally wanted to purchase the VW GTI but after driving the Jetta, I loved it! The interior of the VW Jetta blows away the Mazda 3 since the Germans just pay so much more attention to detail. The gas mileage on the Jetta is about the same as the GTI so why not get the extra room? The car drives great, has room, looks great and should last forever! I LOVE IT!

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  Loved my GTI 1.8T, Realy LOVE the GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shadyant - November 1 - 12:56 pm

  I looked at the Acura TSX the Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport, but I just fell more in love with the features and comfort and feel of the Jetta GLI. I got an 06 GLI w/package 2, sirius, the navigation system, rear airbag and spoiler. Previously, I had an 02 GTI and loved it so much I didnt want to sell it but I needed more room. I get more for less money with the Jetta than with the C-Class or the TSX. They had similar features, but felt not quite as put together as the GLI. On top of that in most of the reviews I have read the GLI was put on top. I must say I agree with that end result! I love this car, driving and the feel of the car on the road are great. I would say they could lessen the wind noise, but I normaly have the radio up too loud to hear it anyway :-)

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  An Overlooked Gem - 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By allinone - October 31 - 5:33 am

  Just got my 2015 Sel 4Mo, First off I got a great deal, money interest rate, great time to buy. We looked at some new ones on the market and so old. We just could not find anything that had the handling, the simplicity of controls and the bluetooth system. We looked at some that were a total distraction when it came to using the Nav etc. Now the Nav system in the VW has not been updated and will soon however if you are not an overly techy person and want a system that works, has one of the best sound systems (fender) excellent pick-up, comfort, Car-Net instant connect for help, directions Etc. GET THIS CAR! The CarNet is excellent. You can set it so you will know if someone exceeds MPH.

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  Great car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By daveba84 - October 29 - 3:03 pm

  I bought my passat in 2008 with 140,000 miles on it. It was at a used car lot and I liked everything about it. The exterior/interior were in great shape and after the test drive i was sold. I drive 106 round trip miles per day to work so I needed a car that was good on gas and the passat fit the bill. As of today I have over 250,000 miles on the passat and drives like the day I purchased it. I have had to put minor repairs as well as regular scheduled maint. (oil changes,battery,headlight,wiper relay) but you will have this with any car. Do yourself a favor-do not get repairs done at a dealership. With any car they will charge you 3x more then what a good local mechanic would.

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  King of the GTI - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By Bryans GTI - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I must say Bravo! If you love performance, Then you have to try this wicked dream to drive. Just try to push the limits all wheel drive and Yul be left a little shaken but not stirred.

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  Good value for money! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By buachaill_og - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful little car and a lot of fun to drive. Its very responsive and very lively for a four cylinder engine. It has great build quality inside and out. I got it fully loaded with everything and it cost me $21,500. I like German Engineering, you definately are more in tune with the road and automatic is definately a waste of money. Manual is your only man:-)

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  How can you not love it? - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By StfRon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Do your self a favor- drive a Jetta TDI.