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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  One of a kind, state of the art! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat 06 - July 5 - 7:56 am

  This is a premium car at regular price! It has a turbo engine, 6-speed Tiptronic, all features you can think of - standard. This is not a car, its a space ship. The Passat compares to the Acura TL and Lexus IS, but not in price - it is $10,000 - $12,000 less. It is a BMW without the price tag. Hey, Honda and Toyota, do you think for $22,400 out door for my Passat you can compare you cars to it?!? What are you selling for that money? Not even half what the Passat has standard. And this is the bottom - Value Edition! I have been driving VWs since 1993, and I intend to drive- forever! The VW Passat is a masterpiece, not from this world!

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  My first VW! - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By dmo - July 4 - 2:23 am

  After searching all the other cars in its class I decided the Golf was in a class of its own. So far I have had the car for a month and a half. I love the styling and drivablility. I have put 4200 miles on it going to work and a long road trip and it has been phenomenal. All driver controls are nice and trip computer was awesome on the road trip. I am getting better mileage than what is average and I drive it like it is supposed to be driven not babying it at all. So far couldnt ask for a better car. The only thing I have added since buying is the adjustable arm rest. I am 6 ft and 230 lbs and the car fits me fine

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  After 1 year with a used 2004 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Turtle - July 3 - 11:56 am

  Absolutely a blast of a car to own. Fun to drive under any conditions. This car/truck has done anything Ive asked of it (off or on road). It hauls my gear and dog anywhere. While the interior has a few faults, its close in design and quality to my Audi and thats saying a lot. Yes its expensive to maintain; like any German car Ive owned. But there are a lot of resources out there to find deals and support from other owners. If youre buying a used Touareg buy the best extended warranty you can find. My repairs have been consistent with a 5 year old car but Im protected to some extent with a warranty. So in sum the most flexible car Ive ever owned and an utter pleasure to drive.

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  Fabulous Passat - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul Woolner - July 3 - 5:46 am

  Great value for a family economy car.

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  Fabulous Passat - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul Woolner - July 3 - 5:44 am

  Great value for a family economy car.

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  Excellent car if you do youre own maintenance - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By burchfield - July 2 - 5:50 am

  I purchased this automatic transmission car with 100k miles on it. When I bought it I got 26.6 mpg (all city/no ac). I put quality synthetic oil in it, k&n air filter, replaced o2 sensor, used premium gas and now it gets 31-33 mpg (all city/no ac). On the interstate I drive 55- 60 mph and get 40+mpg. Its also a much more comfortable ride than my old 02 pt cruiser. Extremely roomy inside and you can barely feel the massive potholes/rough pavement in my town. Im 6,2" and when I put the seat all the way back its a slightly uncomfortable reach to the pedals. Wow! Ive always felt cramped in cars before. But not in this VW. I love this car. Highly recommended for tall dudes like me.

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  2016 Tiguan from Volkswagon of Clarksville - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Amy - July 1 - 3:29 am

  I purchased this vehicle from Volkswagon of Clarksville. I worked with Mark Wolpert and he was fabulous to work with.

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  The best car i have driven - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
  By Wilbert Volson - June 29 - 2:00 am

  the best car i have driven

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  Fun the Second Time Around - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By steven kadsand - June 28 - 2:20 pm

  This is the second Beetle that my wife and I have owned and we enjoy the fun and preformance that it offers. The 2.5L engine has as much punch as the 1.8 turbo that we had the first time around did without the turbo lag.

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  W8 is Great! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By W8 Bob - June 27 - 6:33 pm

  This is a great car. It has a very solid feel. Mine is a black on black sedan w/sport package and Tiptronic. This is our 3rd Passat. The first 2 were 2000 GLX Tiptronics. It is very enjoyable to drive and has a wonderful motor. I cant believe VW has not found a home for this motor in another VW/Audi vehicle. It has great handling yet a reasonably compliant ride. The transmission is not the best in Drive as it has slow kick- down. Using manual mode solves problem and is lots of fun. It gets good gas mileage considering 8 cylinders and 4000 pounds. Better than my wifes 04 Audi A6 with the 3.0. I know because I drive both cars. It will average 26 to 27 MPG on highway if kept under 65 MPH. I cant get more than 23 to 24 with the Audi under the same conditions.