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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  2 bug household - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Candace2068 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the most wonderful car I have ever owned. My husband liked mine so much he got one too.

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  VW Jetta - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Helen - October 16 - 9:16 pm

  Love it love it love it. My experience has been all positive-it handles well hugs the road. Mileage is as one would expect with a 2.5 engine-glad to see they are starting to import diesels these are the way to go for fuel efficiency and the reason Europeans are getting 50+ miles to the gallon! It also feels SOLID-I feel safe in this small car. Enormous space in the trunk. My only negative comment would have to be when it rains and the window is open you get wet!

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  A Very Satisfied Husband and Wife - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle
  By Francis J Wanat Jr - October 16 - 8:46 pm

  For the price and condition this was a fantastic purchase. My first car forty- six years ago was a Beetle Bug and although the air-cooled engine is no longer, the reliability and technology are very much in the product. My wife and I have no regrets. We have a loaded SUV and she claimed the Bug as hers before we returned home from the purchase. It was also a wonderful purchase experience as we were already qualified for credit and knew what we wanted having done extensive on-line research. One year later - March, 2017 My wife and I are still very satisfied with the Beetle and could not be happier. It is a second vehicle that we garage for about six months of the year as we go north to Maine with our SUV. That being said, we put 3,000+ mph on it and are more than pleased. It is a very good product which has protected its reliability. It is true that my first was German made and this was manufactured in Mexico, but VW has certainly maintained the integrity of the Bug!!!

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sonja - October 16 - 3:46 pm

  We have been so happy with our Touareg!! It was a great purchase. VW was awesome to work with, and everwhere we go, everyone is so jealous of our VW. We would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking to tow, off road, or just drive around in class and style.

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  Awesome - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mark Robinson - October 16 - 10:17 am

  Great value, awesome reliability

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  Best Beetle ever made...Got me back into VW! - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle
  By Sean - October 15 - 1:30 pm

  VW should advertise this car. It is so much fun to drive. Gets better gas mileage than advertised. Faster than 2014 GTI. Great handling. Powerful Turbo Motor. Looks like old bugs again...Only.... the new one has a great heater......AND it Is really safe. My R-line beats up on classic muscle cars. I love my R-Line and plan to keep it forever! Test drive one. The R-Line Beetle sells itself. With new Civic having engine troubles this year 2016...Time to look at a Beetle? Because of my R-Line I am building a 1965 VW Beetle. Got me back into VWs as a hobby! Again; I love my VW Beetle R-Line Coupe. It honors the old Beetle and has the tech to make it relevant now! UPDATE: 3 years owning this car now, and I love it even more! BEST BEETLE EVER MADE. Test drive one and you will understand. Even the 1.8T is quick compared to other cars in the range. My sister and parents now own modern Beetles and a New Beetle convertible. Unitronic and APR for this car! Stage 1 will blow your mind. Peace, Love, and VW! (#1 Automaker in the world at time of this update. 2-10-2017)

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  Cute, Charming, and Economical - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Megan - October 15 - 3:00 am

  My 2002 VW TDI bug has been wonderful since the day I bought it. I have only had one minor problem with a valve in the engine. My car is fun to drive and very reliable. Not only are TDI bugs cute, but they also have great gas mileage. I have done a few modifications to my car, such as chipping the engine, which definitely increased the power. I recommend this car to anyone looking for something eye catching, easy to drive, and economical. This is truly a great car.

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  Golf TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By john carroll - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Finding fuel can be a hassle if you do not live or travel on a highway. Gas mileage has been about 33 miles to the gallon. I was hoping for somewhat better. Stated is 34 - 45. The design is almost perfect in relation to form and function.

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  2003 TDI wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tdiwagonman - October 14 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful wagon, 5 speed, TDI, GLS, leather. Much better than I expected. So far 46-50 mpg in mixed driving. I expect over 50 on a trip.

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  Great car!! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jay in Dallas - October 14 - 3:50 am

  I had never owned a front wheel drive, or a diesel or a Volkswagen. Im sold! The 6-speed manual shifts very smoothly and the engine has plenty of torque. It handles great - not much torque steer. Im 64" and am very comfortable on longer trips - even with the sunroof I have plenty of headroom. Huge trunk. The fit and finish couldnt be better. The safety features were a real selling point too. All that and 40 mpg. A lot of car for the money!