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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  2010 golf - 2010 Volkswagen Golf
  By johnmck - December 23 - 10:53 am

  The interior is nice, but with a gap in the center console.The engine has good torque, but runs out of steam on the top end.The ride is firm, but there is body lean. This car starts to feel a little "floaty" at higher speeds on the highway (above 85). There was some initial quality issues. Shifting is better than some, but not as nice as my 2000 celica, which I do miss more than I thought I would since buying the Golf. I do like this car though, and I thought it was nicer than the civic or the tc I test drove. In closing I feel the need to be critical about the throttle by wire. It lacks any real feel.It seems like it could be calibrated much better.

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  Very Inaccurate MPG estimates - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
  By LPalace0 - December 23 - 10:27 am

  We had the car for 7 days and it has been filled up twice already with gas. Once from the dealership and second time 4 days later. This is my first VW so Im still getting used to the driving experience. I previously owned an Acura MDX, BMW X3, and Porsche Cayenne as far as SUVs and the Atlas seems to have the smallest gas tank at 18 gallons. BUT for some reason a fillup is at 14.7 gallons filling from empty with 25 miles worth of fuel left. The Eco drive mode helps but the MPG estimates are off. Based off the info from the Atlass digital cockpit and vehicle status, Im averaging 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg highway on Normal mode and 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway on Eco. The second fillup, I used premium gas and there wasnt any noticeable differences. I give it 3 Stars for performance and reliability because advertise fuel estimates are not accurate and when I called Kearny Mesa VW service department, they said some bs about the computer is still learning your driving habits. On the plus side, regular gas in a premium vehicle is always nice to the wallet. If you’re having this issue, any suggestions going beyond the dealerships?

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  Happy new owner - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Don B - December 23 - 5:20 am

  Ive had my Tiguan almost three weeks now and its been a great vehicle thus far. Im getting a little less than 25mpg using 87 Octane (regular unleaded). I owned a 1997 Jeep Wrangler previous to this vehicle and the comfort level and gas mileage cant even be categorized between the two vehicles. This Tiguan S model has some real zip with the turbo engine in it! You cant go wrong with this vehicle if youre looking for a good, small compact SUV.

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  Nice car, not a German camry or accord - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sprajapati - December 23 - 4:26 am

  Alternate for BMW 325 or Mercedes C 240. Better than Camry, much better than Accord.

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  2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tonyo33 - December 22 - 11:13 pm

  Had a cracked oil line that took 6 trips to the shop to repair. Was issued a loaner car every time, but since the dealership has been bought by Fred Beans service is awful. If I could do it over again, I would not have bought this car, due to the reliability factor. I have no other issues, but am worried aobut the longevity of the car.

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  Worst Mistake Of My Life - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By design_o_mite - December 22 - 10:34 pm

  Within three days of buying a 2004 Beetle convertible from a used dealer for $8,600 (incl CA sales tax and dealer fees), it became obvious the tranny had issues. (88K miles on the car.) Less than 2 months later, Ive replaced the transmission, and axle, the triptronic...to the tune of $6500. Im not into this car 15K and every week, something new (engine valve) keeps popping up. The dealer had to have known--the car didnt "know" what gear it was in the first time I took it on the highway. It only made it the 5 miles home after purchase uneventful. Ive now maxed out my credit cards and even w/ the new tranny, the car is STILL shifting choppily!

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  2013 Passat TDI SE with sunroof - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By simul8guy - December 22 - 8:58 pm

  Only owned the car a bit over a week at this point but so far I love it. While there is a little bit of diesel clatter from the negine on takeoff, at cruising speeds youd never know you have a diesel under the hood. Many would consider the styling a bit blah but I think its very clean looking and will wear well over time. It looks alot like the previous generation Audi A6. This car is one of the best bangs for the buck out there and you should seriously consider it if youre shopping for a mid-size sedan.

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  Oil Burner - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimmydean - December 22 - 6:53 pm

  I have driven this car 10,000 miles now. Changed the oil at 5,000 miles. At 9,200 miles the Stop Engine light comes on while driving. Check the stick and the engine was bone dry. Check engine light never came on. Brought to dealer and told it is normal to burn a quart every 1k miles. Dealer will not admit to engine problem. Now doing "oil consumption study". At 10,100 miles has burned another quart of synthetic oil. What kind of company is VW if it will not fix problems when presented with one. I feel totally ripped off having bought this lemon.

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  Just got mine and Im loving it. - 2008 Volkswagen R32
  By DeepClue - December 22 - 2:56 pm

  Amazing car. I take my 4-yo daughter to school every day and I was skeptical about the two doors, but I find it actually more comfortable stepping in from the drivers door right in front of her than doing the side fumbling through the rear door in my (now traded in) Jetta.

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  Are you kidding me????? - 2008 Volkswagen GTI
  By Dave - December 22 - 5:40 am

  I was hesitant to buy a GTI due to "claims" of reliability issues. I took a chance and I cannot tell you how happy I am. This little rocket is amazing. Performance is top notch, fuel economy is great (26 MPG during 50/50 commute) interior quality is top notch (drive it at night) and it handles like a go- kart. For 22K with 0% for 60 months I walked away feeling like a king. There are little options to be had on this car, and it will not disappoint. Go with the basic package and keep the cost down. And yes, believe the hype on the DSG. It is ridiculously responsive. No car with this much torque and off the line acceleration should be this economical. The enthusiasts affordable dream!