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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  Zippy and efficient - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By asimovian - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I dont think I understood how much fun torque could be to play with until I bought this zippy little diesel. Blowing past folks on steeps hills without having to downshift is more entertaining than I would have expected. The features that come with the car are great, the interior is well designed, and its suprisingly roomy for our big and tall friends. On the one year anniversary of our purchase, Id have to say were very pleased.

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  Pretty Good - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marc - December 10 - 9:46 am

  Ive enjoyed driving the car but not quite as much as the 2004 Passat 6-cyl. The two things that really need change on my new Passat are the console cup holders (they are useless) and the key should have a ring so when you valet the car and you take the valet key there is something they can hang the key on. I had a valet misplace the key but it was found.

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  My Dads Volkswagen - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2gtiguy - December 8 - 9:10 pm

  Like the title says, this really is my dads Volkswagen. I traded in my 12 GolfR for this after my dads glowing review of his 13 TDI SE. This is my 4th VW, and Im as happy as ever. Build quality is top notch, with a lux leather/suede combo for the seats, and upgraded faux woodgrain for the 14 model. Gas mileage (why we buy these) is better than advertised. On 85 miles of mixed driving yesterday, I averaged 43+mpg when I parked at my door. The Fender sound system is great, and Bluetooth seems more clear than in my GolfR. The leg room in the back is incredible, and theres quite a bit of trunk space (though not as much vertical space as you might hope). Overall, Im thanking my dad.

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  2006 VW Passat 2.0T - CPL - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By CARLVR - December 8 - 6:13 am

  So far, Ive run into a few issues...some cosmetic, some mechanical. Some of the pwr lock/window buttons were blistering, and the leather on a rear door panel began bubbling. All was covered under manufacturer warranty. The dealership that the vehicle was purchased through misinformed me of the expiration date of the manufacturer warranty and this was during some expensive repairs. If you own a 2006+ Passat, check your spare tire compartment! I found 6 inches of standing water in the compartment! Supposedly this is fairly common. Although the dealer would never admit it. WHEN the cars runs, its great! Now, I will only buy a new VW for the warranty and service maintenance. NO MORE CPL HASSLE

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  Great Driving Disapointing Ownership - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jrivard - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Ownership experience: Check airbag light: worked on 3 times before resolution Batteries : 3 (The car has 30,000 miles) Dead electrics on left rear door 2 times in the shop before resolution. CD Changer: dead 2 months after warranty expired. Windshield washer fluid leaking in the tailgate 6 months out of warranty. Interior dome light switch: falling off 6 months out of warranty. Wooden Shifter handle: cracked 6 months out of warranty. All of this is simply inexcusable for a car in this price range.

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  Good car if its taken care of. - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chasecm - December 6 - 10:21 am

  I bought my vw beetle a few months ago, and I have had a few problems. I had to replace the ball joints, and the catalytic converter the first week. However It was my fault because I purchased a vehicle without getting in inspected like I should have. I believe vws are good cars if you take care of them. So when you buy one used, just be careful not to buy one that has not had its scheduled maintenance like it should have.

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  Awesome! - 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
  By Designs11 - December 6 - 7:36 am

  This car is great! It gets great gas mileage, the CD player doesnt skip, the truck is pretty roomy for a small car, and easy to park/maneuver. I bought this car used, but it only had one owner who had all the routine maintenance preformed on time at a VW dealership, so Im loving it!! There are no mechanical problems and it has almost 70k miles on it now. Great car for the money!! (And its cute!)

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  Good pick for its class - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Paul - December 6 - 3:19 am

  The Tiguan S can be had for a reasonable 24k and you get what you pay for, average all around but a superior driving experience compared to the competition. The CRV and RAV4 are more reliable and get better gas mileage but the VW almost feels like a GTI on stilts. The finishes are fine, the seats are comfortable, the turbo 4 gets you into traffic or into the fast lane if thats where youre headed. The headrests create blind spots but overall visibility is average and far better than American competition. Gas mileage fluctuates at 25-26 mpg using mid grade and commuting around DC. Not luxury but not cheap. Decent little commuter if youre sick of a sedan but dont need the utility of a bigger vehicle.

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  Underappreciated Volkswagen - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ralph scheuer - November 30 - 5:36 am

  This has been a great truck. It has lots of curb appeal, a good ride, and handling for an SUV. It has the best interior of them all. Poor radio reception is my only gripe.

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  great car for the Price - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marc Cadwell - November 30 - 4:50 am

  Bought this car as a come on from newspaper ad. $13599 0% financing. It is exactly what I wanted and got. Underpowered? Yes! Bells & whistles? No. Basic affordable transportation? Yes! If you want more upgrade!!! HWY mpg 41 @ 75mph in town 27 mpg. Dont dog this car you cant make it faster, it is what it is. I love it. No problems great dealer and service department.