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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  So far so good - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By barfod - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Jetta since January, and the only problems I had were a Monsoon stereo that just quit working and was replaced, and floor mat clips that break too easily. Mechanically the car seems to feel better with each passing mile. It is very comfortable and very smooth.

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  my affordable audi - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rich - November 25 - 11:30 pm

  I was in the auto business for 30 years.As far as I am concerned if you can find a nicer overall new car buy it quickly.This auto is the se with the tech pkg. It is the nicest riding and handling auto I have driven in my 30 years in the business.Ithas great interior room and a giant trunk.The seats have piping on that make the interior look much more expensive then it is.It feels rock solid and almost gets hybrid fuel economy .The dealer has drawings for dinners and details. I get compliments on the looks where ever I go and it!s made in America.

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  2016 Volkswagen 1.8T Sport w/ Manual Transmission - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kevin - November 25 - 10:48 pm

  An impressive car! The sport-tuned suspension in this vehicle is what really sets it apart from the other Jetta models (not including the GLI). My previous vehicle was a VW GTI and I was always impressed with the suspension/handling, but it was unfortunately involved in an accident. I wasnt a fan of the new (2015/2016) GTI design, however, and really liked the sedan design. I test drove the Jetta SE and the Sport models, noting a significantly superior suspension/handling capability with the Sport. That fact and the other components such as the 170 hp and 184 lb-ft torque 1.8 turbo-charged engine, 17" wheels, two-tone leatherette seating, push button start, navigation, bluetooth, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano-black trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights and the bi-xenon headlights which provide insanely great visibility. The form, fit and function of Volkswagen in general, and the Sport in particular, is what sets the brand apart from others in the same price range (in my humble opinion). For the price, regardless of how many other brand vehicles I test drove.....I ultimately returned to the Volkswagen dealership!

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  THE Hot Hatch - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By codybrown - November 24 - 4:00 am

  I have been pleasantly surprised by this car. bought it new so I could get a warrranty as I was not sure of VW quality. I now have close to 70k on it, and havent had any problems. Its a blast to drive and gets good mileage (25 - 30+, depending on the type of driving I do). The manual transmission is fun to shift; I have tried several others since having this car, and they all seem cheap and clunky to me now. Definitely one of my all-time favorite cars.

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  Good Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steel66 - November 23 - 9:36 am

  This is a great car,with a powerful engine.I own the 6 speed tiptronic transmission which matches great with the engine, giving me the feeling that I am driving a more expensive car

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  Perfect for Long Commutes - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Commuter - November 23 - 5:56 am

  This car makes me look forward to my hour long commute twice a day! Great sound system. I love the firm feel of the steering and the way it hugs the road. Im averaging 38 mpg with 2,000 miles in 60/40 hwy/city driving. Last night I hit 40 mpg for the first time. My husband was against the idea of a VW and wanted me to get a larger vehicle to accommodate his 63" frame. During the test drive, he couldnt believe how roomy it was, and he loved the fast acceleration. Looking forward to loading up the storage area with at least 6 flats of plants for spring planting. I traded in my beloved Honda Accord EX (loaded) for this car, and there have been no regrets!

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  I love my Passat! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jalli427 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has been a pleasure to drive from day one, and now at 10,000 miles it remains so. I drive a lot for my job, and I look forward to getting in my car and taking off on a cruise. Its attractive, classy and responsive. It also handles amazingly in tough situations. Nice audio system, too. Need I say more?

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  Best car ever! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbeetles2 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! have had absolutely zero problems with it! i had previously owned a 2001 NB turbo and had minor problems with that one but this one has been problem free. so much fun to drive and i refuse to let other people drive because i always have so much fun! very fast and sporty, yet comfortable and refined. feels like a more expensive car. definately buy a bra for your car because i already have seen what happened to my previous car with the bugs that dont come off, scratches, and paint chips.

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  Love my Jetta 2005.5! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Linda - November 20 - 12:13 pm

  I have had my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 for six months, it is always ready to go when I am. It is very confortable and very responsive on the highway.

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  affordable luxury performance car... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By New_VW_Lover - November 20 - 2:00 am

  The VW Passat feels like a luxury car and its really fun to drive. The 170HP/turbo engine accelerates well from stop or when passing. The car is feels solid and its very responsive and accommodating in turns. As a New England resident and former SUV owner, it performs well in the snow with its great tires and traction control. The interior controls are easy to use/access and well layed-out. This is a luxury performance car with all the bells & whistles and safety features without the ridiculous price tag. I love this car!