Volkswagen

Volkswagen Vans

Volkswagen Buying Guide

Get the best online car shopping experience with expert reviews of Volkswagen Read more to learn about the most important features and important factors to consider when researching Volkswagen.

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Volkswagen Overview

Volkswagen (German for “the people’s car”) traces its roots back to 1930s Germany, when the country was looking for an affordable vehicle for the working class. That first model, the Beetle, went on to become one of the best-selling cars of all time. Since then, VW has continued to focus on creating practical and fun-to-drive vehicles that offer a premium feel and budget-friendly pricing. Among its most popular models are the Tiguan, a compact SUV, and the Atlas, a three-row crossover. VW launched a new line of electric vehicles in 2021, including the ID.4, a compact crossover.

Noteworthy Features

Economically Sound
A gas guzzler it is not, especially if you choose an electric or diesel model. The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan gets an acceptable for-its-size 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. For the 2019 Tiguan PHE/GTE, you can get approximately 30 mpg. The gas version of the 2019 Subaru Forester averages approximately 29 mph. The newest Beetle convertible runs at approximately 23 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, depending on your model.

Upgrades and Revisions
Volkswagen has stepped up when it comes to redesigning the 2019 Jetta. It now offers more safety features, new trim for the SEL Premium model and it's as comfy as a luxury car. The storage space is plenty, and some nice interior upgrades include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional Beats Audio system.

Snow Driving
Volkswagens were born in the snow. Snow tires will always make maneuvering through the white stuff safer and less stressful, but AWD has been added to some models. In addition, you can get a turbocharged engine in models such as the Passat. VW models with a stick shift, too, help to navigate snowy roads, giving you more control.

Additional Considerations

Not So Positive Press
Over the years, Volkswagen has had its share of negativity in the press. Most car companies have recalls and run-ins with the lemon law. While you shouldn't let some mistakes keep you from choosing a car, some may be turned off by Volkswagen's bad publicity. Its most recent recall involved thousands of cars built between 2009 and 2015 due to an exhaust reporting issue. All new models have fixed this and older models have had a free repair for this.

Modest Speed
Speed has never been a selling point for Volkswagen. That said, there is more get-up-and-go in later models than there was in earlier models. The 2019 Beetle convertible comes standard with a 6-speed turbo-charged engine that can be changed to manual. The addition of the electric models offers a trade-off of moderate speed with being more environmentally friendly.

Prices Have Gone Up
Prices Have Still relatively low-priced, Volkswagens won't always fit everyone's price range. While the new 2019 Jetta starts at just under $20,000, the Golf R starts at around $41,000.00. The VW Microbus, which will be electric, is scheduled to be out in 2022 at a price of approximately $70,000.00; though, when used models become available, they will without doubt be quite a bit lower in price. Gone Up