2001 Volkswagen EuroVan Review
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy second- and third-row seats, lots of headroom inside the cabin, responsive steering, capable brakes, MV model's flexible cabin arrangements.
Cons
- Handles like a delivery van around corners, lots of wind noise on highway, awkward driving position, outdated cabin ergonomics, rear seats are hard to fold, no driver-side sliding door or side airbags.
What’s new
The EuroVan sees many upgrades for the 2001 model year; chief among them is a more powerful 201-horsepower V6 engine. Refinements have also been made to the electronic stability control system. Other changes include a new premium stereo, single seats for second-row seating and standard integrated foglights.
Edmunds says
The EuroVan is unique among minivans, but it lacks the easy handling and user-friendly design embraced by its peers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan GLS 3dr Minivan (2.8L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$350/mo for EuroVan GLS
EuroVan GLS
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Despite myriad shortcomings, or perhaps because of them, the Volkswagen Vanagon and its successor, the EuroVan, became people-mover cult favorites. Last marketed to Americans in non-RV guise in 1993, the EuroVan returned in 1999 with several improvements designed to make the oddball entry more palatable to American tastes. This year, the EuroVan sees further development in several key areas.
Motivated by a new-and-improved 24-valve VR6 engine, this powerplant gains a 61-horsepower increase for 2001, bringing output to a healthy 201 peak horsepower. Charged with hauling more than two tons of steel, plastic and glass, the EuroVan easily keeps up with traffic, though the 210 horsepower Honda Odyssey and 230 horsepower Chrysler minivans still have an advantage here. We enjoy the VR6's broad torque band, which allows the EuroVan to feel quicker than it truly is.
Another surprise is the EuroVan's competent handling. In parking lots, a 38.4-foot turning circle and power rack-and-pinion steering mean easy maneuverability. On the highway, a four-wheel independent suspension keeps the van planted solidly on the ground, despite a large amount of body roll. This year sees further refinements to the EuroVan's electronic stability control (ESP) which helps it stay in control during inclement weather or emergency maneuvers.
Two trim levels are available: GLS and Multivan (MV). Order a GLS, and you get seating for seven forward-facing passengers, 15-inch alloy wheels, ABS and a six-speaker sound system. The MV also seats seven, but two riders are looking out the back window and the third-row bench converts into a bed. An optional Weekender package is available on the MV that includes a pop-up roof with a two-person bed, a small refrigerator, swiveling captain's chairs, side sliding windows with screens and an additional battery. Standard equipment on all EuroVans includes dual front and side airbags, daytime running lights, power windows and locks, air conditioning with pollen filtration, cruise control, heated washer nozzles, rear wiper with defroster, power mirrors and an automatic transmission. A sliding sunroof is available as long as you don't opt for the Weekender package, and GLS buyers can get leather trim with heated front seats. For 2001, Volkswagen outfitted the EuroVan with a new second-row center console and foglights.
The EuroVan Camper continues to be available for the U.S. market. It has a longer wheelbase than the GLS and MV and is capable of seating up to six passengers with an optional and removable two-person center bench seat.
EuroVans are covered by a 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, and all scheduled maintenance for the first two years is free. Pull the seats out and the GLS is capable of moving 150 cubic feet of cargo. Buy an MV with the Weekender package, and you've got a full-fledged camper that still fits in the garage. Though unique and full of personality, the EuroVan is nonetheless battling it out in a highly competitive market where long-time stalwarts like the Dodge Grand Caravan and impressive upstarts like the Honda Odyssey offer superior cargo space, performance and refinement at a lower price.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan.
5 star(52%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(3%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best Vehicle Yet
pathlesstravel, 07/05/2014
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan MV 3dr Minivan (2.8L 6cyl 4A)
I've owned many types of cars and minivans but our 2001 Eurovan weekender is by far the most flexible and fun even though it's now 13 years old.
With 3 small kids and time off, my wife and I meandered 1,600 miles across California off the beaten path and had way too much fun.
It's a home while on the road and the club seating means the kids face each other for hours of travel without … fatigue.
Anywhere we park the kids have a hangout.
Mechanically it's quiet and powerful.
We change the oil and trans fluid more frequently than specified by VW.
It has 131,000 miles and still drives solid.
Visibility is good and interior size feels generous. We are not a bells and whistles family.
1 out of 5 stars
Engine Oil Failure
2001 Eurovan, 04/28/2006
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan GLS 3dr Minivan (2.8L 6cyl 4A)
The oil housings on these vans are made of plastic and are broken easily during oil changes. We lost all the oil and it ruined our engine. Each time we get oil changes we have to ensure the housing is not cracked. We asked Volkswagen to recall these vans but they refused. We absolutely hate the van because of this issue!
3.75 out of 5 stars
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan
euronut, 03/30/2005
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan GLS 3dr Minivan (2.8L 6cyl 4A)
My 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan is a performer and fun to drive. We tow a boat with it and take long road trips. For traveling, you can't beat it. The reliability is poor and the repair costs are higher than most cars with the standard brake job costing $800. You should factor a 30% increase on repairs for Eurovan over a Golf or a Jetta. They are hard to work on and parts are scarce.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Fantastic multi-purpose vehicle
smallwisdom, 02/13/2014
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan MV 3dr Minivan (2.8L 6cyl 4A)
We bought our 2001 Eurovan used in 2006 with 70k miles.
Now, in 2014, it has about 130k without any major mishap.
That said, expect to spend about $1500/year on maintenance AND they are notorious for having the transmission die ($6K repair) between 40k-70k miles.
9 years later, our van has taken us on multiple camping trips and has gone to Burning Man several times.
The engine runs a … little rougher than it use to but it is still a very nice, drivable car for a large van.
Sadly, I don't think our van will survive for very many more years because various bits are starting to fall apart, but it has not had a gentle life (we park it outside, take it camping, have kids, etc.).
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan, so we've included reviews for other years of the EuroVan since its last redesign.
2001 EuroVan Highlights
GLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $350/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 2 years / 24,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the EuroVan include:
- Stability Control
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