2009 Volkswagen Routan

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What is it?
2009 Volkswagen Routan

What's special about it?
Surprisingly enough, there's very little that's special about the 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Remember the Microbus concept? The Routan is not even close. A successor to the Vanagon, maybe? Nope, it's not that either.

The Volkswagen Routan is an American minivan through and through. So much so, in fact, that it's actually built by Americans. Well, Canadians, but close enough.

You see, unlike the Microbus concept that promised a uniquely Volkswagen design and execution, the Routan is merely a rebadged Dodge Caravan. That's right, Volkswagen was so anxious to jam a minivan into its U.S. lineup that it decided not to wait and build one on its own. Instead, a high-ranking Volkswagen executive who was formally a high-ranking Chrysler executive made a deal to make Routans out of Caravans. Incidentally, he's no longer a high-ranking Volkswagen executive.

Of course, the deal stipulated that the Routan would get its own unique styling, which consists mainly of a new front clip similar to the Passat, along with a revised rear end that is less boxy than its American counterparts. Its overall size is exactly the same as a Caravan, and even the wheels look like they came out of the Chrysler parts bin.

Although Dodge and Chrysler offer three engine options in their minivans, the Routan will offer just two. The standard engine is a 3.8-liter V6 with 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. A 4.0-liter V6 with 251 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque will be optional. Both send their power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen also says the suspension and steering was "European tuned" for improved ride and handling.

If there's any reason to consider the Routan over its domestic cousins, it's the interior. It actually looks like a real Volkswagen inside with slick-looking gauges, well-coordinated trim and high-quality switchgear. The Routan has many of the same features as its Chrysler counterparts, too. There are power-sliding side doors, a power rear liftgate, 13 cupholders, a dual-screen entertainment system and a touchscreen navigation system with a 20MB hard drive. There are standard captain's chairs in back, while the Stow 'n Go seats offered in the Chrysler van appear absent from the Routan's options list.

Volkswagen says it will begin sales of the Routan later this year with a starting price under $25,000.

What's Edmunds' take?
Volkswagen is about to find out the hard way why badge engineering is not a good idea. — Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line