3 of Volkswagen’s Best-Selling Cars of All Time

Nov 18, 2015

Volkswagen has enjoyed a long history of bringing popular cars into the hearts of the public, but did you know that many VW models are among the best-selling cars of all time? Read on to learn more about these favorite cars and why they remain popular today.

1. Volkswagen Passat

Since its debut in 1973, the Passat has managed to move 15.5 million units (and counting!). The car has seen seven generations since that time, enjoying updates that add to its budget-friendly luxury design. The Passat’s current incarnation boasts a spacious back seat that’s perfect for families. Its overall aesthetic is also quite appealing.

Rather than make major design changes for 2016, Volkswagen focused on upgrading the car’s interior technology, resulting in advanced safety features, sleek gauge clusters, a new steering wheel design, and the brand new MIB II infotainment system. All this is a far cry from the funky little three-door of yesteryear, but the Passat’s evolution is a testament to its staying power.

2. Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle might not be the top-selling Volkswagen of all time, but it is the most recognizable, boasting an A-list status in Hollywood feature films like The Love Bug. Add that the Beetle has enjoyed one of the longest lifespans of any car currently in production, and you’ve got a true icon on your hands. The original Beetle debuted in 1938 and has sold 23.5 million units. The classic vintage aesthetic held out until the 1990s when the Beetle underwent a modern design change.

The 2016 Beetle is a mix of the car’s original design elements combined with modern necessities. Its overall design has become more masculine, with base equipment including a trip computer, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rear spoiler. Available upgrades such as a sunroof, navigation system, and Volkswagen’s Car-Net connectivity system ensure this retro-inspired ride will continue to win the hearts of a new generation.

3. Volkswagen Golf

You might think no car can beat the Beetle’s popularity, but the Golf is not only Volkswagen’s top-selling vehicle, it’s also possibly the best-selling car of all time, depending on how you look at the numbers. The Volkswagen Golf has been around since 1974 (though it went by another name – the Rabbit) and has sold 27.5 million units since then, making it much more popular than the Beetle. Its popularity is likely because the Golf has a straightforward, compact design that’s appealing to a range of drivers.

The quintessential urban vehicle, the VW Golf is a modern hatchback that offers all the technological trimmings. Available safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear traffic alert, and lane departure warnings have attracted a whole new generation of safety-conscious drivers wanting an affordable vehicle that’s fuel-efficient and fun to drive.

There’s no doubt that Volkswagen has built some of America’s favorite cars. If you’ve never experienced one of these popular vehicles for yourself, it’s time to take a test drive and see what you’ve been missing.

Image via Pixabay