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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  Better than a 5 Series - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Fmr BMW Owner - October 19 - 10:16 am

  Just found this car when I was about to turn in my 530xi, and by every measure, it is MUCH more refined and luxurious than that car, at about 35% less cost. Styling inside and out is superb, and just about every time I get out of the car someone is asking what it is -- no one can believe it is a VW. Absolutely stellar for the price, or even several thousand more. Anyone considering any of the German/Japan luxury marks should take a look at this, you will be utterly amazed.

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  Our First Volkswagon - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rey - October 19 - 1:03 am

  The car has 1400 miles and has been a hoot to go through city driving. We average about 35-36 mpg. We have yet to really put it on the highway for a long haul, but we will next week. We have gotten as high as 38mpg, but hope to see some 40+mpg. The car had marks in the paint due to shipping, but was corrected by the dealer. The radio sound is great and the seats are most comfortable. I love coming to a light and leading the traffic with this little jewel. This is really the wifes car, but I drive it when I am with her. The mileage does drop 1-2 mpg when using the air conditioner. The panoramic moon roof is really neat and does not feel hot inside with the sun screen shade covering.

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  A winner - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By fahrfromgroovin - October 18 - 9:13 pm

  Ive had the tig for a week. What a joy to drive! Tiguan just won the highest safety rating in crash tests. Amazing acceleration for a small SUV. If you like German styling, engineering. Dont wait. This vehicle delivers

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  2008 Jetta SE - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - October 16 - 10:33 pm

  Only had car a couple of weeks, but I really like it. Everything seems to be well put together. Car handles great for a sedan. Trunk is super huge and interior has quite a bit of room for a compact car. Through first 3 tanks of fuel, I have averaged 31 MPG. Engine has more than enough power for my driving style. All controls seem to be laid out very well.

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  a very well car by VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By andre thursby - October 15 - 2:00 am

  i own a 2002 vw passat and i am just in love. i bought it last november and i already have 24,000 miles on it and it doing well.

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  Love my VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jshanley - October 14 - 7:10 pm

  This car is truly an amazing vehicle, from the comfort and control to the stability and the safety you feel driving such a powerful vehicle. I purchased my car with 31,000 miles and have since put 9,000 on in less than one year because I simply love driving it!

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  A Good Choice After All - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By a.ferrari - October 14 - 12:20 pm

  This Is my first car purchased for me by my father. We went to Westloop Mitsubishi looking to buy a 2008 Lancer like my sisters but when I saw this I was whoa! I was surprised that my father had any interest in it but he did. We test drove and he loved it. It being a standard was the only set back. I knew how to drive standard but it had been a while. The salesman told us that it was a 1.8t but it said GLI. Not really knowing the difference we were okay with it. The problem arose when trying to insure it, the VIN number did not match anything. It turned out to be a VR6 shock made my insurance more than double. I have to pay for insurance but this car is definitely worth it.

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  Luxury Sport Model - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - October 13 - 3:16 am

  Sport package #2 with this vehicle. Great motor and 6 speed tranny with paddles. Super passing acceleration. Must say she puts a smile on my face. Great interior and seating position. Have had this vehicle for almost 6 months now and she is getting more fun to drive. AWD bites right off the line and also when rounding bends coming onto a highway or leaving one to get on another. A real sleeper, this Passat 3.6L. Older V-8 performance with a very modern V-6. Sport mode and tiptronic adds to the excitement when you want.

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  My R32 - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By volksgolf - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Alot of people buy cars based on 0-60 times.They dont think about comfort,reliability,or practicality.Usually when you buy a car you need to commute in it.Which means you need a certain amount of luxury.I test drove the EVO and STi and they very well may have faster 0-60 times,they have nowhere near the comfort,reliability,or practicallity that the R32 has.All in all this car just plain out performes the competition.

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  Great car with an amazing engine! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jay Pichardo - October 11 - 3:33 am

  I love driving the car, I went to look at a GLI but The wolfsburg is a better bang for the buck. even with the body kit I came $4K cheaper than the GLI. car is a looker and I get lots of compliments. The Nav system is amazing also