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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  DONT buy a routon, BIG safety issue. - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By BoMom - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the Routon SEL premium from jersey village Volkswagan in houston TX. I paid $37,000 for there top of the line routon. The dvd screens in the routon block the entire view from your rear view mirror,it is a huge safety hazard. Frankly this vehicle needs to be recalled before there are numerous accidents asssociated with this major design flaw.The dealership which is owned by sonic automotive even offered to have dvd screens put into the headrests, so they obviously know about there safety issue.Dont make my mistake. Buy another brand of mini van stay away from the routon. There is numerous amounts of problems with this vehichle and the one I mentioned was just one.

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  A fun to drive minivan? Yes! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By martsro - September 8 - 6:00 am

  Weve had our Routan for a little over a year and 21K miles later it is still fun to drive. So far we have not had any repairs other than the free scheduled maint. Have had several issues with the automatic doors not wanting to close. Very frustrating!! Factory Bridgestone tires are horrible. Will probably need to be replaced within the next 5K miles. 4.0 V6 has plenty of power. No trouble merging into highway traffic. Fuel economy isnt the greatest in town (16mpg). Average around 19 mpg in combined driving. Averaged 23 mpg on a trip from tx to in. Kids love it. Plenty of storage thanks to the in- floor storage. Tons of cup holders. Third-row seat is a little cramped, ok for kids.

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  Body Rust within 851 Miles - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By SEL Premium CARB - July 12 - 11:16 am

  Do not buy this van! On 6/19/10, I bought a SEL Premium CARB from a dealer in Columbus, OH, and it is rusted in less than a month after I took it off the dealerÂ’s lot. The rust happened where the outer panel was glued with the inner panel around the left rear wheel well. With 851 miles on the van, the dealer asked me to drive to the VWÂ’s authorized body shop for an estimate. Since the shop has to open (drilling out all body- glue spots) the body panel above the rear wheel to check the inside rust, the repair costs the VW $1100.00. If it is not done this way, the rust will eat the vanÂ’s body from inside out. (continue in the next section)

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
  By First VW - July 7 - 6:46 am

  My family out grew our SUV and there was no way I was buying a new super- sized suv/crossover. After doing some research, test-drives, and haggling, we fell for the VW. Turns out you can buy the VW with better handling, interior materials, and appeal for a similar price as the Chrysler/Dodge counterpart (and ~3k less than Toyota/Honda). I have owned and been happy with previous Dodge and Jeep purchases, so the fact that its half Chrysler did not bother us.

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  great minivan - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By JHudds - July 5 - 10:30 am

  I know there are people out there that poo poo the fact that the van is a Chrysler rebadge... Well I can say that this van is a great vehicle. Sure there are some lemons in every line of vehicle. But from what I have seen so far this VW is by far the best minivan out there. It has S P A C E everywhere. Drives like a dream, and is a great family uhaller. We love the styling that VW has done to the van and the suspension is great. It out handles my Pacifica, and WAY better then the Windstar we had before. We got a great deal on this and it qualified for the cash for clunkers! The MPG on the highway is decent, it falters a little in town though. BUt otherwise a great van!

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  Not Bad...Could be better. - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By ministerpaul08 - June 24 - 3:49 pm

  The 2011 VW Routan is a drastic improvement over the previous year due to design refreshes and a more potent powertrain featuring a six speed transmission, the new Penstar 3.6L 283 HP Six cylinder engine, and euro sport tune suspension. The build quality of the Routans interior is very good with excellent materials. Exterior styling is nice and not overly done and boxy like the Dodge/Chrysler models. Its sleek sloping lines are just right. Storage is abundant and replaces the stow n go found in the Routans cousin. The Routan is an excellent choice over Chrysler, but considering quality and refinement... Honda and Toyota may be a better choice.

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  Converted from the Honda Odyssey - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By mspmn - June 9 - 9:36 pm

  Ive been an Odyssey driver for the last 5 years. When my lease was about to end I though I would lease yet another. But after checking out the Routan, I made the change. Sure its a redesigned Chrysler, but you literally have to see and drive it to believe it. Dollar for Dollar, you get SO much more with this vehicle. Toss in the 0% financing and the $1000 conquest rebate (for converting from a Honda) and the other cash-back programs and its a smarter use of your dollar.

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  Terrible vehicle - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By kmcintosh78 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has not gone 3 weeks without going in for warranty work. Driver side window would not close, took VW 5 times to fix it. Passenger side doing the same. Rear wiper assembly fell off. Passenger side mirror does not work. Transmission is sloppy, lunges forward at low speeds. brakes and rotors have been replaced 2 times. Stay away from this vehicle, it is junk. It is s fight to get VW to replace the vechile, since it went in 3 weeks after we got it and has not gone 3 weeks without going in for repair. Go with a Honda or Toyota or Ford.

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  Cannot stand this van - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
  By vanluvea - May 1 - 7:36 pm

  This is my first minivan and I bought it used to save some bucks. However, I completely regret my purchase. My main complaint on this thing is interior quality. It seems like everything is taped together. Both front seats creak, creaks in the pillars, rattle in the dash and right sliding door rattles. Not to mention the windows rattle when they are down. The suspension on this thing is definitely stiffer which is fine but when the interior is built so poorly it easily shows. The worst part is the Caravan seems better by a small margin. I am ditching this thing for an Odyssey and willing to lose some cash on my trade in. Thats just how much I hate it.

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  2009 Routan Nightmare! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
  By Riri - March 8 - 9:52 pm

  I was excited to buy my 1st VW, but sadly lost all trust in VW shortly after owning a Routan. The Routan is very unsafe to be on the road. Corporate doesnt stand behind their poorly made products, and this minivan has broke me due to constant major monthly repairs. Most repairs have involved the braking system (replaced master cylinder twice, abs unit & flushed brake line). Wheel barrings all needed replacement & problems with engine (censor replaced & another major part that I forget what it was now..Ive lost track at this point). In the last 2 1/2 years its required 11 major repairs that have cost me over $6,400! Its the most Ridiculous & UNSAFE vehicle Ive ever owned! I cant wait to get out from owning a VW.