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 at first sight - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lindsey - February 8 - 7:36 am

  Not only is this car beautiful from the outside it has a great interior. I live in a climate where it snows half of the year (basically) and I have never had a car that handles so well in the snow/ice. This car almost handles like a 4 wheel drive vehicle on the road at the worst of times. The Germans know how to make a great vehicle!

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  Best All-Around Car Ever - 2013 Volkswagen GTI
  By dickytom - February 6 - 8:07 pm

  Bought my base model manual GTI in April 2013 to use for work. I drive all over the state of Texas visiting clients for my job and I have never been disappointed with this car. Equally comfortable on the highway or in town. Fast, excellent and communicative handling and brakes, great mileage, and big enough to carry all my work stuff. I call on all types of automotive repair shops and parts suppliers and get a compliment on the car at least once a day no matter if they work on Chevys or Mercedes. I went with United Gray to make it less conspicuous and have only gotten one ticket in the first 17,000 miles. Love the car but am considering trading up to a Golf R when I hit 50K.

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  A Responsible Mode of Transport - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By W Benson - February 6 - 11:23 am

  This is a "poor mans Porsche." It is really fun to drive. It accelerates uphill like a scared rabbit (pardon the unintended reference to another VW model). Plus it is VERY economical on fuel.

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  High Mileage Vehicle - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rick - February 5 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased this car because I was laid off from my job and knew that I would have to commute much further to my next one. I have averaged 44.6 MPG on almost every tank so far. It is also a very comfortable car to drive. It accelerates well and brakes quick. The steering is very manuverable. I also feel safer in it than in my SUV because of all the airbags.

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  Made in the USA - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By plodnik - February 5 - 12:15 am

  After having this car for several weeks, all I can say is Im completely pleased. Hats off to the VW engineers on putting all the right features into an American made VW and to the people in TN for putting it all together! Ive averaged 37.6 MPG on mix of highway/street driving. The diesel torque combined with the well mannered turbo are more than sufficient for a fun ride. Who needs hybrids! Interior is cavernous for the rear passengers. Only complaint I can lodge is that the distance between the brack and gas pedal is narrow.

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  Amazin car i love it - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By James Farese - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Amazin Handling i love this car

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  so far so good - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By paller - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Only 6500 miles and I love this car. I traded in my second Accord to give German Engineering another chance (my 88 Jetta was a lemon). Im optimistic and very happy with my choice thus far. I wish it got better gas mileage- avg 23 mpg - and had a more functional center console, but aside from those minor complaints Im satisfied.

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  Reef Blue Heaven - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeffrey Kweller - February 3 - 6:54 am

  We love our 2016 VW Passat. Have not had the car too long, but love every part of it. My first VW since my 1969 Bug. Never had a car this nice, have had many cars in my 66 years. Subarus, Saabs, Chevys, Fords, and Chryslers. This is a top quality auto, great price, and safe car. Handles and performs well. Good looking too. My wife and I are very, very, pleased with our new Passat. Dont hesitate, go buy one.

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  2001 GTI GLX - 2001 Volkswagen GTI
  By Scott Swanson - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Extremely solid build and attention to detail. Practicality of hatchback and performance of silky smooth VR6 engine. I have had no problems over the last year.

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  VW Passat SW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MAPSS - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My Passat SW is very fun to drive. I recently drove down to Florida with it and it was very comfortable. I just wish I had more power (but thatÂ’s why you can buy it in V6 or W8 and if you can afford it I highly recommend it. Overall this is the best station wagon in the market!