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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  Atlas maybe the best midsize SUV - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By Ken Ayers - April 13 - 8:21 am

  I traded an Audi Q7 (2007) for an Atlas SEL Premium and I am more than satisfied. More room, more technology, better towing but not as good materials and acceleration. But it was $20,000 less expensive. The comfort, quality of ride on the interstate, quietness of the Atlas at interstate speed is as good or almost as good. The Fender sound system is much better than the Bose I had in the Audi Q7. More room and much easier to get in third row. Easier to enter and exit the back seat (2nd row). Factory towing of 5000 lbs was a plus and my travel trailer (3000 lbs) communicates with the car - turn signals and anti-theft warning. You cannot use a load leveling hitch on any VW product but it pull the trailer as easy as the Audi Q7 did except for acceleration. The Atlas does a good job but not as fast as the Audi. I think for the money this is a great SUV.

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  Great Car, Persistent Annoyances - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By kcuth - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in March 2002, Ive driven the Passat through very severe snow storms in the Sierra, as I frequently commute between Reno and San Francisco. The all-wheel drive system holds the road like a cat; the 6-cylinder engine accelerates smoothly with plenty of power over the steepest grades. Handling is very good:firm and predictable, with no sudden surprises in the curves. Far superior to any SUV on the market. Seating is comfortable and visibility, all-round, is good. I like the car very much but will not replace it with another Passat at end of lease period, in one year. Recommended with reservations (see below.)

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  All cars will have their trouble... - 2000 Volkswagen GTI
  By sftbltuck - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Any car you buy will need to be kept up. I agree the windows are a pain, but easily fixable. I have over 30K on my GTI and have had nothing but fun times, as long as you take care of a car, it takes car of you. I do have to say after owning a honda, the gas milage is a little sad...

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  Great Car with some squeaks and rattles - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By spiral107 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 60,000 miles on my Jetta and I still love it. It has been a great car. My main issue was with the build quailty. It seems like there were a lot of small issues originally and I have had squeaks and rattles the entire time, and they come and go through the years. My window went out, but that was a recall, and my rear brakes did need to be replaced at about 30k, so I guess i did notice what the majority of people did, but i have not had O2 sensor or ignition coil problems ( although the ignition coils were a recall too) I love it, its a great car to drive. I would buy another one, although I think i would fight for an extended warranty.

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  I LOVE MY PASSAT - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Terra Fornof - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!! THE ONLY THINGS I CAN THINK OF THAT I DONT LIKE IS THE SLUGGISH TAKE OFF IN SITUATIONS WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE TO GET ON THE GAS FROM A COMPLETE STOP, AND THE MONSOON SOUND SYSTEM IS ONLY GOOD FOR CDS. OTHERWISE I HAVE GOTTEN SO MANY COMPLIMENTS ON WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR IT IS. ITS NICE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE A BRAND NEW SYLISH CAR FOR A DECENT PRICE. THERE IS NOTHING I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE INTERIOR EITHER. IT IS VERY COMFORTABLE AND LUXURIOUS TO BE SO AFFORDABLE. AS A FORMER 99 BMW 323 OWNER, IT HAS ALL THE LOOKS OF LUXURY INSIDE AND OUT, BUT OFCOURSE YOU CANT COMPARE IT TO THE ENGINE OF A BMW! (OR THE PAYMENT!)

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  The secret stallion - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By California 101 - April 12 - 6:20 pm

  Few of the other drivers on the road know what you have until you hit the gas. Youll get knowing looks from GTIs. A $50k car for half the price.

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  The secret stallion - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By California 101 - April 12 - 6:20 pm

  Few of the other drivers on the road know what you have until you hit the gas. Youll get knowing looks from GTIs. A $50k car for half the price.

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  DO NOT BUY A VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HBea - April 11 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2004 Jetta, nothing but problems. It only has 7000 miles on it! I now know why you dont see VW on the road found dead, THEY ARE IN THE SHOP!!! They are overpriced for the problems with the reliability one will come across. The Manf. Customer care line is disrespectful and unhelpful. I will never buy a VW again. I am not one of those women who complains about being mistreated by auto dealerships but this company has taken the cake for disrespect against me an educated, witty, smart and blonde woman. I do not call you by names, do not call me "honey!" By this statement alone I knew where I stood .

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  Mixed Feelings - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By devost00 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have very mixed feelings about this car. I love the interior and exterior styling as well as the ride quality and handling. I hate the build quality. I have had problems with leaking oil, squeaky brakes (which VW tells me is "normal"), ignition system, undercarriage...Also, the dealership and VW customer service is terrible.

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Susan B - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Has been an OK car. Wish I had my reliable Jetta back. Have had to 1) Take to dealership for oxygen sensor recall 2) Have the Piston rings replaced - major problem with oil loss. Thankfully, still under warranty 3) Gas door latch had to be replaced 4) Door started to fall off hinge. Dealer told me they have had lots of oil loss problems and everyones gas door has to be fixed.