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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  WOW! "TUV" THE ULTIMATE VW - 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
  By WOW!!!!!!!! - January 16 - 6:50 am

  I have owned many new cars since 16. I am now 35. Mercedes C, E, and S Class, BMW 7 and 3 series, Audis, Lexus, Jag, and Acura. I also have a 04 CLK 320 in the garage. This VW is the best car Ive ever been in. One month ago I bought a 05 VW Passat 4 motion to use as a winter car. In about 8 hours I will trade the Passat for my new Silver VW "PHAETON". I have never been as excited about any other car Ive ever bought. This is truly the best car ever built. Go drive every other car then drive this, you will be impressed!!!!

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  Love this car!! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By sparky1962 - January 16 - 5:21 am

  Love my 2015 TDI SEL Passat. The gas mileage is so good I wonder why people even consider hybrids. I average 40MPH and consistently get 49 highway. Comfort, performance,build quality. This car has all the bases covered.The Fender Sound system is really nice. The back seat is extremely roomy for a car this size. If there is a gripe it is the lag of the rearview camera when the car is started. But being a diesel the car should idle a bit before leaving anyways. Perhaps that is why it does that. But that is being really picky. Some say the styling isnt in your face enough, I say class doesnt need to be in your face.This cars looks are timeless & will look as good in 10 years as it does now.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By tj8576 - January 16 - 3:30 am

  After hearing my wife go on and on about wanting to upgrade her Jetta to a Touareg, I finally purchased her a used 2004 model with only 14,000 miles on it. I have to say this is by far the neatest vehicle on the road. It feels lke a Sherman tank, but is nimble, fun to drive, and gets a lot of attention. I would honestly say there is not another vehicle on the road that I would prefer, even if spending twice as much. VW did a phenominal job with their entry into the SUV market.

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  2004 convertible vw - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cheryl gillespie - January 15 - 12:23 am

  Love the design of this car, but have had many problems. Interior beige leather seats impossible to clean. Stained within the first 2 weeks by a leather belt. Seat retractor broke 5 times. Airbag problems on three different ocacasions. Last one took 2 wks to fix. Car sits way too close to the ground. Damaged mine just going up a gravel driveway. Almost 7,000 for new transmission.

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  Love-Bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JerseyShore524 - January 14 - 8:53 pm

  Love my car! I can fit 3 adults (me included) and a car seat quite comfortably. It hugs turns and is quick as a bunny. German cars are really made better!!

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  Towed to Dealership Twice - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nickanna2 - January 14 - 8:21 pm

  I purchased the Jetta new in December of 2011. Had several issues within the first few weeks including seals on the driver and passenger doors. The whole dashboard had to be replaced due to a loud buzzing noise. After the first winter the windscreen washer hose line froze. At first the dealership said it wouldnt be covered under warranty :). Car stalled in the middle of the road at 40,000 fuel pump failure. Starter motor failed and both rear calipers at 70,000 in addition the whole back window had to be replaced due to defroster not working. The car comes off warranty next month and I am dreading it. Would never purchase a vw again. The TDI is powerful and fun but not worth the $$$

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  Love it!! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dianix - January 14 - 4:43 pm

  I wanted to buy an suv for the longest time, but with current gas prices... not too much of a chance UNTIL the TIGUAN... great on gas, super comfortable. Pretty quick, lots and lots of space... I couldnt be any happier with my purchase, worth the wait! =)

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  2013 TDI First Drive - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By emarsh7 - January 14 - 3:00 pm

  I just picked up a new 2013 TDI Passat with the automatic. Heres my impression after the first few hundred miles. I discovered motor sports in the late 1960s. Back in the day I was a drag racing fan and lover of Detroit muscle. Budget constraints got me into riding and racing motorcycles and that changed my priorities for a car. I get my performance rush from bikes and airplanes. Cars have a different mission, one that requires reasonable power, solid handing and enough comfort to drive for hours. My Dodge dualie turned me on to diesels. when a friend gave me a ride in his TDI Jetta, I appreciated its quiet torque and efficiency. That led me to buy a Passat SEL with the automatic.

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  Pretty happy with this car - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gediminas - January 13 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 with only 34k mi. I am very hard on cars, and this car has stood up to my "abuses". This car wasnt perfect, though; the crank sensor and cruise control went out on me. Gas mileage is pretty good, but could be better. Unfortunately, I was involved in an accident in 2002 and the car was never the same. The rack boot and front axle needed replacement on 2 occasions, and the heat shield rusted off. Tires were wearing unevenly, and after the latest repair bill (which involves all the above), I have to say goodbye to this venerable car. Outside of those issues caused by the wreck, the only thing I had to do was change the oil and this car was ready to go. Ill miss it.

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  I hated this car! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Shushumommy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I lasted less than a year in this car. I bought it used at 55,000 miles. Many things went wrong right off the bat, but the dealer encouraged me to hang in there with the car and made quite a few of the repairs on the house. Still, I did not trust the car or feel safe in it, and everytime a repair was needed I held my breath. I am turning this car in today and couldnt be happier.