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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  love, hate relationship with vw - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By joel.metcalfe - June 20 - 4:30 am

  This is an awesome vehicle to drive. The handling and performance is unmatched by anything else in the category; however, this is my second VW and the same problems have occurred in this one as my 2001 jetta. The menu frequently posts inaccurate information such as tire pressure too low and the check engine light comes on. The Windows create a blind spot and the sunroof is inefficient.

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  Crazy Fun - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By buelo - June 20 - 3:55 am

  I have had this car for 6 months - mostly driven in Wisconsin winter conditions. After 8,500 miles all I can say is WOW! Fun would be an understatement. I spent about $800 for a winter set of alloy rims and Michelin X-Ice tires at Tire Rack - highly recommend winter tires given the torque in this engine. Averaged 38 to 40 MPG over coldest months driving 40% city/60% highway. Now above freezing and getting 42 to 44 MPG. If I really keep off the gas pedal I can get high 40s, but hard to do when you have that engine under the hood. Beats the heck out of my wifes Camry Hybrid and gets much better highway milage (city milage too in cold weather.) Manual is a little touchy until you get feel.

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  Car driving is fun again - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By silvergc - June 19 - 8:50 am

  After many years of telling myself that my next car would not be under- powered, I finally have one that isnt. Its amazing how much power VW gets out of this 2.0 L engine. The car is no lightweight at 3300 lbs, but the engine still delivers enough torque to push you back in the seat when accelerating. This car is a joy to drive. Much more so than other cars in the same price-range and size. The only problem I have with the car is the red and blue instrument lighting. Human eyes are real sensitive to red light, its good for low light situations. Blue light focuses at a different point than red making the instruments harder to read than if only one color was selected.

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  The New GLI 1.8 Turbo ( ture GLI roots) - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Javi Blue Lagoon - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is not your usual Jetta. The new GLI is a performer. With its true lowered suspension, 18” BBS wheels and aggressive looks, it’s sure to turn heads everywhere. The New GLI is what VW should have been in the beginning. I owned a 2002 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5 speed Sport Package, let me tell you guys and gals out there thinking of getting a GLI 1.8T. The new GLI 1.8T is like a night and day difference. Since supposedly this is the last year of the MK4 body style, I hope VW has repaired all the bugs. I’m for sure going to enjoy my New GLI 1.8T, thanks VW for finally listening to us.

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  My Awesome Jetta! - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rene Strynar - June 17 - 11:58 am

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  Great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By 5speeder - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Have driven mine over 5k miles and its been flawless. This car is FUN to drive. Love that turbo! Mileage has been as advertised. It looks great in and out. Im a convert from Japanese cars and hope itll be as reliable as my Toyota and Nissans! I dont understand criticisms of this cars pricing. For what you pay, its real value.

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  Most recognized shape in the world! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bug Me - June 16 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Beetle TDI has 47K & not one single problem solid car! My Beetle is Cool White; loaded, with gray leather & every option I could order. I had the rims chrome plated; it has the Monsoon Sound system and WOW, talk about LOUD & clear! (It will blow you away) Very fun to drive handles extremely well & always gets attention from all ages. I cant go anywhere without having people approach me about the car. On the road I get the thumbs up, the peace sign, (better than the finger) people wave and kids jump up and down. A continuous 47–51 mpg. I commute daily 120mi round trip I figured with the fuel savings the car will pay for its self in 10 years.

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  love it - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By paulie - June 16 - 10:00 am

  best car to just drive or turn it into a autobahn burning maching.

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  MY KIND OF A RIDE - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nicky - June 16 - 10:00 am

  WELL MY FATHER JUST GOT ME A BLACK 2003 JETTA GLS W/MONSOON SYSTEM,POWER SUNROOF,AND HEATED SEATS.I LOVE THE WHEELS ON THE CAR. ITS VERY BOLD FROM OUTSIDE, AND THE INSIDE IS TERRIFIC. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A COMPACT SIZE SEDAN FOR YOUNGSTERS.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SGM - June 16 - 8:26 am

  Ive owned VWs over the years and this is by far my favorite. I liked it so much I bought an 09 w/auto 6sp. The 06 definitely likes a manual better to keep the power in the right band and it gets better mileage. The Trans works great and the clutch has held up well. Dont know about the 06 trans but the new 6sp auto rocks as well. As far as maintenance-just about every new car uses a belt not a chain-its quieter. It is expensive to replace most belts on any car. That is not a fair complaint on THIS car more than any other. Handling is excellent. The suspension might be stiff for some but it handles as well as my BMW. If you can find a nice low mileage used 06 with manual trans BUY I