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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WOW, What a van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By gpeck29 - March 17 - 9:53 pmIm one that said we would never have a van. However, we had 3 children and we needed it. I like the styling of the Routan over the other Chrysler products. I also think the interior is much more friendly than the Honda Odyssey. We took delivery on a Tuesday, and Friday we left on vacation...putting 3000 miles on the vehicle. Loved it! I would recommend purchasing the Routan.
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Routan is fun & trouble free family van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By stjohns - March 11 - 2:05 amWe have enjoyed our VW Routan SEL. Quick acceleration and outstanding handling are feature we are most impressed with. The layout and functionality is family friendly. Power door & lift gate are flawless and convenient.
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VW Loads it up - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By sid - February 16 - 8:16 pmJust want to say that I enjoy every little bit of this car. I got a good deal on it ($26,000) for a SE with Rear Entertainment for the kids. Doesnt have stow n go but has storage inside the floor(love it). Brand new is $31000, drives awesome and much more comfy than Sienna or Odyssey more stiffer then Sienna though but i like it myself. Check it out though1. Drives good 2VW warranty and care free maintenance + rear entertainment + XM radio sun roof can you get that with Toyota or Honda? They just marketed better and have been around longer.
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VW Routan 09 Pulls to the right - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By DP - December 28 - 11:53 pmI purchase VW Routan this year and immediately noticed during the first week that the van pulls to the right. Took it to the dealer and they tried few things but no luck. They balanced tires, installed new ones and still the issue still present. I have contact VW customer service and reported to them of the problem. There is also a passenger side sliding door problem. The door will not stay latched open at incline. Overall, not happy with the van. I owned odyssey before and this van doesnt really compare well to Honda for the drive.
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Great Value Minivan - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
By ad - December 21 - 10:00 amI have previously researched this car for almost 6 months and I just decided to buy it now for a huge incentives (i mean $8400 off from MSRP!). The only downful on this van is that they always attached it with chrysler/dodge. Hey people, we should be proud of our own products. Anyway, based on my analysis, the handling is decent, it has enough power to pass slow moving cars. I dont have problems changing lanes, the side mirror is a good size and its adequately placed. I dont have problems with my blind spot side. It feels that you are in control in the road. My family loves it. Dont get the overpriced Sienna and Odyssey. Save your extra money for vacation.
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First Mini-Van - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By love-the-routan - December 3 - 6:33 amThis is my first mini-van and I am more than happy. The price was very fair compared to competitors and the ride is so smooth. Visually, I believe it is the best out there.
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Routan is the best van out there! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By Kris* - November 11 - 6:50 amIt drives like a solid car, more like a luxury car - very well made. And so i often forget its van. A brand new design and German engineering shows everywhere, leaving odyssey and sienna out in the dust.
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RUN LIKE HELL - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By Ros - November 9 - 5:54 pmThis by far is one of the worst vehicles. I only had it a week and its been in the service shop everyday...REFUND
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Consumes Oil - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By pnwislander - October 4 - 2:28 pmThis is the first vehicle I have ever owned where I have to put in a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or the oil light will come on and the manufacturer considers that normal. There are other things that seemed minor, like side door catching etc. But all of the sudden after hitting 30,000 miles to have to start putting in a quart of oil every 1,000 miles (now at 45,000 miles) just seems ridiculous to be considered normal. Our other car is a VW Golf that we love ,and the Routan is just an all around disappointment. Wishing we had bought the Honda or Toyata minivan instead.
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Worst Car Ever!!! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By MelinNj - August 24 - 1:52 amDont but this Dodge garbage! Nightmare since Day 1! During the first year of ownership, I bought pre-owned with 25,000 miles on it, my dealer had the car more than I did! I have a stack of repair orders 2 inches thick. They replaced the motor twice. Has nothing but defective parts. Now Im going through an issue where the car wont start at all. Replaced the starter and Battery. So then I do some more research and find that many others about the same problem! Not sure why this has not been recalled! The door seals leaking, the doors fill with water, the electrical system has gone crazy causing all windows to roll down during the rain and not go back up. Garbage!
