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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  Fantastic car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jim Patrick - July 17 - 5:43 am

  So far the best new vehicle I have ever purchased. well over 50 mpg on highway and over 36 in town. A real hot rod that gets great mileage.

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  Eurovan is fabulous for family of 5 - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
  By WAeurovanowner - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I can not imagine why VW does not sell more Eurovans. As configured with the 201 hp VR6 and the lower price it is less expensive and more usefully equiped than any true minivans. At the same time it is big enough to handle every need without having to endure a Econline-type full size van. As a 40 year old father of three I have to admit I get a kick out of the fact that the young VW crowd thinks my family hauler is cool. Ive received accepting nods and other positive gestures from 20 year olds driving Golfs and Passats. Not too many minivans owners can claim they get positive gestures from these younger drivers.

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  I Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By LoveMyVW - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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  I Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lovemyVW - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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  In love with my 03 Silverblue beauty! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Maiden - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in August and I love to drive it! Many standard features that are optional on other competitors cars, ultra safe, dig the German touches-first aid kit cabinet in the trunk, chrome tie downs, etc. Fabulous car, I will do it again!

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  One drive and youll buy it! - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By Randy - July 16 - 8:50 am

  My wife and I bought our GTI as a compromise since she hates manual transmissions. Get the SMG option and this car is PERFECT. I have been converted. The clutch pedal is now a dinosaur. This thing shifts faster and MUCH smoother than a standard shifter (note 0-60 is faster too with SMG). There is a fully automatic mode too. The car is very fast, has a buttery smooth engine and tranny, and is extremely comfortable (I have a bad back). Its handling is crisp and precise, great steering wheel feel. My previous car was a Mazda Miata, and this thing is even more tossable in corners and fun to drive.

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  Love my 2013 Jetta Turbo Diesel 6 speed Manual - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mr_chosenone - July 15 - 5:17 pm

  I bought a 2011 new Jetta Turbo Diesel 6 speed standard and loved it so much, I sold it to my best friend and bought a 2013 with the exact same set up. Theyre both identical cars except for their birth year. Both are a blast to drive. I can drive it like I stole it and still get over 45 mpg. Love the electric steering. Buy the manual model if you want to have fun driving this little car. I have and will continue to recommend this car to my friends.

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  Fun, fast and awesome tech! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cole - July 15 - 4:01 pm

  I have always been a VW fan and when it was time for a new car I knew I would be looking at a Jetta or Golf. The Jetta is an amazing value especially compared to Japanese rivals. The handling is great; I feel totally secure, tons of cargo space and good storage, super efficient engine thats fast and it has a great base stereo thats easy to use. The only con for me is, on the S trim, there is no lumbar support for the front seats. I think this should be standard. I definitely notice this on longer trips and all of my older VWs had this standard. Ive been getting awesome fuel economy too. I took a trip to Minnesota and I averaged 44mpg on 87 octane! Definitely check out the Jetta; what you get for your money, youll be very pleased.

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  Functional Fun - 2004 Volkswagen R32
  By BigWoo - July 15 - 1:33 pm

  I was hoping for a less expensive vehicle, but the test drive of my 2004 Volkswagen R32 sold me. The car rides like its on rails even when I punch it, but has a nice refinement to it as well. Im driving it in the winter in the Finger Lake area right now, and it handles better than my Jeep Grand Cherokee in the snow! However, I cant wait to pop the summer wheels back on and open up the windows and throttle! Its sporty but classy, fast but not furious. Even though I was looking for a smaller car payment, I still get giddy every time I sit behind the wheel. I would highly recommend this car without any reservations. If you want Golf fuel efficiency however, stick with the TDI.

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  Loooooove it! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Momma - July 14 - 9:40 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a dependable, fun, happy car!