Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen has a long history of building small vans. There was the Microbus, of course, as well as the more recent Vanagon and Eurovan. However, the "hippie van" was always just that, and the later vans were just too funky to catch on with a mainstream audience. Consequently, VW has never really had a competitive modern minivan. In hopes of rectifying this situation, the company introduced the Volkswagen Routan.

The Routan was actually a rebadged and reworked version of Chrysler's minivan. Its general shape didn't stray far from the Chrysler formula, but the Routan's redesigned front and rear suggested a Teutonic makeover. In the Routan's first two years on the market, the cabin had a more upscale feel than the Chrysler vans, including more supportive seating and a partially reworked dash featuring VW's signature red and blue backlighting. Below deck, Volkswagen engineers retuned the suspension for a more refined and responsive driving experience.

As such, we found the Volkswagen Routan to be more desirable than its Chrysler siblings in these early years. However, by 2011, those siblings had implemented a series of changes that actually made them more similar to the Routan, and that previous advantage Volkswagen enjoyed was largely erased. Ultimately, the Routan was discontinued after four years of production.

No matter what year you're looking at, it's hard to make a case for buying what was essentially a Chrysler minivan from Volkswagen. Not only does Chrysler's spotty quality record remain a concern over the long haul, but competing used minivans like the Odyssey and Sienna are better buys in most respects.

Most Recent Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan was introduced for 2009 and produced through 2012. A seven-passenger minivan, it was available in S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium trim levels.

Base S models included 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, second-row captain's chairs, a foldaway third-row split bench seat, a touchscreen-operated audio system and the usual assortment of modern conveniences. Stability control and a full complement of airbags were also standard.

The SE added larger alloy wheels, power side doors, a power driver seat, "leatherette" seating trim, heated front seats, rear sunshades and Bluetooth. The SEL got you tri-zone climate control, leather seating, a rearview camera, heated second-row seats and an iPod interface. The SEL Premium added a variety of luxury items like xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, driver memory settings and an upgraded sound system. A rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system were available on all but the base trim.

In its first two years on the market, the Routan S and SE trim levels were powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produced 197 horsepower, while the SEL featured a stronger (and, surprisingly, more economical) 4.0-liter V6 that put out 253 hp. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive were standard. For 2011 and '12, every Routan was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 283 hp.

Anyone who has spent time in a Town & Country or Grand Caravan will instantly recognize the Routan's switchgear, dash-mounted shifter and basic overall design. The materials quality moved closer to that of its Chrysler siblings, but still remained a bit disappointing compared to most of Volkswagen's other models. The Volkswagen Routan version also lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats, but at least its conventional seats were nicely shaped. The third-row bench folded flat into the floor, while the second-row bench or captain's chairs could be removed for serious hauling duty.

In reviews, we found the Routan's original base engine to be sluggish and overmatched -- the SEL's larger V6 (and the later 3.6-liter V6) offered much livelier performance, and so equipped, the Routan was one of the fleetest minivans available. The Routan's ride and handling were a cut above the contemporary Chrysler minivans, but the van's overall dynamics still weren't segment-leading.

There were other less significant changes. For 2009 and '10, the base S came standard with an uncomfortable second-row bench seat that was later replaced with standard captain's chairs in upper trims. These early years also lacked the Routan's standard Chrysler-sourced touchscreen stereo interface and available Garmin navigation system.

User Reviews:

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By crimsontidefam - August 21 - 7:37 pm

  Not Sure why some give this "Minivan" a bad reputation. I tested drove all the Minivans out there, and this by far is the best. Town and Country/Dodge might produce this product, but I can ensure you Germans enginnered it. It drives better, looks better, and is night and day compared to the Town and Country/Dodge. You feel as though you are driving a German Automobile. It is Fahrvergnügen.

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  Hope its just me or just this van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By man-with-a-van - August 19 - 5:30 pm

  We bought the van cuz it seemed to have more features for the buck and that VW service would be around in case Chrysler wouldnt in the case of caravan/T&C. Only have about 1500 miles but half is because dealer drove it due to dealer trade and going in for service due to "check engine" light on for most of its life thus far. Turns out a transmission seal was compromised (at 1500 miles!!!) and in will be in shop (twice) for total of 16 days. on the bright side, im only 14 days from qualifying for Lemon Law. In addition, shades and interior not put together well, bumper came apart a bit. Hopefully, well be free of issues after it comes back. Fingers crossed.

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  Transmission is still a problem - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By gjavellana - August 18 - 2:26 am

  Very dangerous. Was on a freeway at 60MPH with a baby in tow when the car stop and will not move. The day before I brought the car to the dealer to check because I told them I step on the gas but the car will not move, and I was going on a roadtrip. Was told nothing wrong with the car. The next day 60 miles away from home the car stalled on a freeway. WORST WARRANTY SERVICE. Called roadside assistance and was told that nobody can help us because the nearest dealer needs an appointment first ( Cardinale Way VW). Called Volkswagen and they said work with dealer because they are a private company. What happened to company warranty.

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  The best minivan in the next few years - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Thegooddriver - August 11 - 9:46 pm

  I researched for months before buying a Minivan and when I decided to, the VW Routan came out. Months prior, I have test-driven other minivans, but most have issues with either road noise/breaks or rattling. Then, I test- drove the Routan; I was impressed for it is very smooth, very quiet and does not produce road noise. The VW suspensions also absorb rough and uneven surfaces very well. Ive been advised to go for the Japanese minivans, which are reliable. Well, they are, but Id rather deal with thinking how long the Routan will last than dealing with road noise and rattling that will surely distract me every time I drive. With VW and Chrysler combined, it must be something…

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  Great Family friendly Vehicle - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Anthony - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  Having 2 small kids, and the endless stuff that goes with them, i knew the days of non-mini van ownership were numbered. I drove the Grand caravan and was very impressed with the engine and transmission performance, Loved the conveniences of all the interior cubbies and storage compartments. I feel that VW addresses the ONLY downfall of chrysler, and thats its interior design. VW nailed the dash setup, the softtouch material looks and feels great. this van is HUGE! with the 3rd row seats folded, i can roll in strollers and bikes and still have room for the weeks groceries. the 3 year maintenance is a great relief. gas Mileage is outstanding!!, im getting 25.1 Highway (62mph)

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  Buy Something Else - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By TO - July 30 - 8:26 pm

  We are completely dissatisfied with this van. Nothing but transmission issues. Trans. leaked at 2800 mi, failed and was rebuilt at 8600 mi and valve body replaced again at 10,000 mi. Dealer had it for 10 out of the first 51 wks. Typical for a Chrysler based product. VW should be ashamed to have their badge on this van. Other issues, creaking noises from the RES and door panels. Rattling noises in the suspension. Power lift gate was malfunctioning. Rotors replaced at 600 mi. At one year old and 11,000 miles you should not have to worry about the vehicle falling apart. The MPG is poor, 12 in town,21 at best on Prem fuel on a trip. Using the Lemon Law for the trans. issues. Buy Toyota or Honda

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  Wish I Hadnt - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By GirlyGirl - May 26 - 5:56 pm

  Bought an SEL with Rear Entertainment to haul family of 6 around. Found it more comfortable than the Odyssey and was swayed by the power rear windows and dual TVs - 2 things Honda doesnt offer. 3rd row is horribly uncomfortable, cheap interior, and RES system is a nightmare to operate. The radio was replaced within 8 months of owning it and it rattles constantly. The gas mileage is awful for a mini- van. Ive tried to get rid of it 2x but with the finance specials VW keeps running, Im stuck.

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  It must be love. - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By unwynde - May 19 - 7:50 pm

  Whats not to love on this vehicle. It has every feature imaginable for a reasonable price. Navigation, mp3, pics, power doors, dvd w/rear ent., satellite radio, wifi, backup camera, hands free phone audio, premium leather, shades. One couldnt ask for more. Mind you, I said I would never buy a minivan. I test drove this vehicle while I waited during the paperwork process for another vehicle. I was sold. My husband, myself, +5 children, and we still have room for the in-laws.

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  We like it very much, but not typical VW - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By lenny97 - April 28 - 4:40 am

  We have the Routan for 10 days now and are very happy with it. Glad to have the 4.0l engine. We are from Europe and had a VW Eurovan TDI. Unfortunately this not in the US lineup. The Routan might be german tuned, but still gives a American ride feeling. It ist very comfortable and quiet.

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  I like it! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By nich617 - April 11 - 7:53 am

  I have only owned the Routan for 4 days now but so far so good. There is SO much space. The gas mileage isnt bad for a minivan. It is definitely the best looking minivan out right now. Im a little nervous about the fact that Chrysler has a hand in producing them but time will tell.