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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  A Joy To Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By maddog76 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I was initially hesitant to purchase a first year model, but I am very, very happy with this vehicle. VW has done an outstanding job with their first SUV. It is very well-built -- solid -- very comfortable to drive, and handles expceptionally well for a rather heavy mid-size. Negatives: In (D)rive, the trans shifting is a bit ragged at low speeds and slow acceleration; I drive in TripTronic or sport mode most of the time with no problem. (VW has already addressed the shifting issue with a softare upgrade that Ill have installed soon.)

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  bought gls tdi one month ago - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By blue moose - February 19 - 10:00 am

  In the one month that I have been driving my new TDI. I have been getting 3o miles to the gallon driving around town. The car is fun to drive, quick and responsive. I cant wait till I can get it on the road for a trip.

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  My bettle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Crystal Dickson - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Very roomy, tons of leg room for long legged passanger. The set adjustments are the best for men and woman drivers. The eyeglass holder on the top is very handy as well. Plenty of pick up and options even on the GL models. Very good buy for your money. You wont be disappointed.

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  I love my Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW Mamma - February 18 - 3:10 pm

  I have always loved VWs. So when I was in the market for another car and this slightly used one came up for sale, I jumped at the chance to own another VW! My first car was a 1980 VW Rabbit. My mother owed a 1984 GTI Wolfsburg, I learned how to drive a stick on that one. We ran these cars until they just gave out. Ive owned other cars but NOTHING compares to a VW! I have the 2005 1/2 Jetta and I love the way it handles, all the features and I love the looks I get when Im driving it. My daughters friends call it the "Sexy Mobile." My only wish is that it got better gas mileage (I knew I should have bought the diesel). I am a faithful VWer for LIFE!

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  Pleasant surprise - 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By De Jonge - February 18 - 2:13 pm

  I happened upon this vehicle by chance and am very happy for the outcome. I am very impressed by the engine muscle, interior comfort and subdued exterior design - not in to the prestige vehicle badges. The car wants to go at speeds more compatible with its design. I have a hard time keeping it under 80 mph. Indeed, in one instance I was pressed to accelerate only briefly and quickly reached 120 mph. Its fuel economy is not good, with average city driving yielding about 16.5 - 17.0 mpg. I always look for excuses to drive this car - a wonderful feeling. I also look forward to my first road trip - should be fantastic!

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  Worst car to buy...ever! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By Natasha M. - February 18 - 12:44 am

  I have had this car less than 2 years. I have a 2010 CC 2.0 L Turbo and it has been awful. First, the whole control module went out in the car, which was not covered on ANY part of my warranty- that was $700. Next, the engine blew. Mind you, these engines are awful and I am a responsible adult who does not "rag out" my car. Luckily, that was covered under my warranty. My car has 96k miles on it, and has had nothing but problems. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  More solid and spacious then it looks like - 2013 Volkswagen Golf
  By yli2 - February 17 - 6:24 pm

  Now I know why Golf is so popular in Europe after driving a while. The car is not fast; engine not quiet and the looking not sharp. Overall it has nice build quality, comfortable ride, and good handling. Very solid in and out. Many upgrades and detailed features not mentioned in specs. We had plenty of time researching before final decision. Extensively compared with Toyota Camry and RAV4, and compared within VW models. Passat feels so heavy, GTI is too dear for a collage kids; base Tiguan model looks plain and higher model is expensive. TDI does not have many benefits in America since diesel is expensive. Prefered waiting for the next generation Golf, but wife insisted buying.

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  Love my first brand new Volkswagen GTI - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
  By turboveedub - February 17 - 1:33 pm

  Since I was young, my dad always has driven a Volkswagen. As I got older his passion turned into my passion for VWs, espicially the golf. Ive owned a 1987 4 door golf, a 1985 Jetta, a 2000 gti vr6, and now the new 2006 gti. I cant express how satisfied I am with my new car. I traded in my 2000 vr6 for the 2.0t and had doubts, not anymore. The car is absolutely everything I wanted , from the fit and finish to the performance, it is awesome. VW has come a long way and finally did it right once again.

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  2000 Passat Wgn, Automatic w/Turbo - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By David - February 17 - 2:43 am

  I love the vehicle however I was upset when very soon after my Certified Warranty expired that I had an oil seal leak and had to fork over $450.00 to have it repaired.

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  Sad Ending - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ex owner - February 16 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my bug as a gift to myself I have always wanted one since sitting in my uncles old beetle as a kid and finally got it. Unfortunately I have had many problems mostly small but they add up, my biggest problem and suggestion would be to make sure prior to purchase you have a qualified mechanic that is knowledgeable with vw that you trust. I have found this to be important with mine and unfortunately there is only one vw dealer in the area (crooks $500 oil change, because they demolished to oil pan, and later denied fault) As my car has aged though the check engine light has become a glowing friend, that mysteriously can not be fixed!This has been going on for 4 mo and $1,000, now trading