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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  I Love my TDI - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Markusbarkus - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I went back to school and needed a more economical car, so I traded my 2000 323i sport/premium for a 2002 Platnum Grey New Beetle GLS TDI. I love to low end grunt in the city. I am shocked with the amazing fule mileage. With the BMW I had to fill up every 6 days or so, with the VW I fill up about every 3 weeks. I just had it chipped with no degredation of mileage and GOBS of Torque!

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  A Must Have - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lare Mitchum - March 9 - 10:06 pm

  I have often kept the VW name in the back of my mind over the last few years leading up to my purchase, my only concern in buying was that the Jettas I had driven (friends cars) seem to have poor power and marginal interior comfort. Since these cars are mostly built in Mexico and South America, I was also concerned at the initial quality of the VW. I spent one month looking for used SUVs in the $15,000 range and never really considered buying a new car. I had stopped at a VW dealership looking for a slightly used SUV or sedan, but I couldnt keep my eyes from wondering over to the 2006 Jetta. I kept thinking "boy I wish I could afford one of those." To my complete suprise the cost was only $17,984.

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  Sweet.......... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Maria - March 9 - 6:50 am

  I am absolutely in agreeance with all who have commented on how great this car really is. I have it for about a week now and everytime I get in it I feel like never getting out. My boyfriend & I were in it yesterday and we set up the Sirius radio. While listening, we reclined our seats and actually fell asleep!!! Guess you can call that comfort.

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  Love my Little Tiggi - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By cpalafox - March 7 - 8:05 pm

  I bought this car with 20k miles, and have put 10k in the 2 months Ive had it. And im happy to report that I have not had any issues with it. Only problem I have is the squeeky/grinding of the brakes. or rattling when I suddenly step on them. It came with a navigation system that was installed by the first owner and it irritates me. radio wont come on when I want, cant hook up my ipod or hear music from my phone on pandora. And the fact that the radio shuts down and tells me "I am going over the speed limit kills me!! But overall Im happy with it..

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  Go get an Atlas instead of a Toyota Highlander - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Robert Wessels - March 6 - 9:25 pm

  Not sure about why there are so many negative reviews. I give this car a 5 star. We have had it for a month now and it is AWESOME! I am 62" and I fit more than comfortably in the 3rd row. I did not fit on the 3rd row in the highlander. My head hit the ceiling and my knees where against the 2nd row. My wife just under 6 sat in the 2nd row between the 2 car seats for short rides without issues. I have been getting 18 mpg using the blue trainer app which is integrated into the SEL. All I can say for now is that I am so happy that I chose the Atlas over the Highlander. Also take in account the bumper to bumper People First Warranty for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Go get an Atlas (SEL) and forget about the Highlander period.

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  somone who likes their passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By vdub4life - March 6 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my passat in 05. i have always like volkswagens but if your are going to buy one you must get the previous service records. this car hs been great very fun to drive and great in the snow. traction control, abs and, 6 air bags. very safe. synthetic oil is expensive but cleaner and better and premium gas burns cleaner and is better for the car. i have had no problems or dislikes. if you take car of it it takes car of you. o yea if you use nicer bulbs, they last longer dont buy the cheapest its not always the beat deal

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  Excellent - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sherry Conrad - March 6 - 7:26 am

  The 2001 Passat GLS is the best car Ive ever had. It is gorgeous and runs wonderfully. Its worth every penny.

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  My Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Heather - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and it is awesome. I have it fully loaded except for the leather package. The sports package is definitely worth it. The car is glued to the road even at high speeds! I love it so far.

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  Passat GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By bill - March 2 - 9:10 am

  This vehicle is an excellent pick for fuel mileage. Over the life of the vehicle, the least mileage recorded has been 33 mpg, which was in the dead of winter driving 10 miles to work with studded winters all around. The best so far has been about 45 mpg on a trip. Typically the car gets 42 mpg going to and from work which is 10 miles. Otherwise, the car has been a dream. Excellent response with the power equivalent to a small V6 gas motor. I have had very little problems with the car, and it has only been in for oil changes. The only real problem which was taken care of immediately, was a slow retracting seat belt. My only regret with this vehicle, was that it was not the wagon.

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  So far, sooooo good. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bcline - March 1 - 9:50 am

  I have had my Passat for about 2 months now, and I love it. Tons of room and just a overall comfortable car. Looks much better then the millions of Accords and Camerys out there.