Used 2009 Volkswagen Routan Minivan Consumer Reviews
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Pleasantly Surprised
I was skeptical about buying this for all the reason noted in most car reviews but my wife loved it. It has turned out to be a great vehicle with no defects in the fist 4 months and 6,000 miles. Got a great price on it, better than Honda, Toyota or Chrysler. We have owned a VW, Toyota Camery, Infiniti, Audi, Mazda, and Volvo and they all have/had their issues with build quality and mechanical quirks. So far I am pleasantly surprised and for a minivan that we will eventually get trashed by kids this is a great vehicle. Also, the VW dealer was the only one willing to give loner car and free oil service for the life of the warranty. That's cool.
Used Routan
Purchased routan because my wife did not want a minivan feel. This certainly does not, great suspension, reasonable engine, great technology with dual rear seat entertainment. I wanted the Sienna but my wife did not like the cush drive. The routan is tight but not rough.
- SEL Premium Passenger MinivanMSRP: $4,95082 mi away
- SEL Passenger MinivanMSRP: $5,777356 mi away
- S Passenger MinivanMSRP: $5,999409 mi away
Been Great
This is a follow-up from my previous review a yr ago. So far, everything's been great about this vehicle and it now has 15,500 miles, with no electrical/mechanical issues. The Routan's interior is the nicest of all minivans I've test-driven. Best of all, the ride comfort and quietness give me and my family a peace of mind, and I learned how very important it is to be able to carry a normal conversation on a long trip, which you cannot do if you're in other popular (for no real reason) minivans that produce wind/road noise. Chrysler's done an awesome job for the Routan and the VW's suspension's just ingenious makes it a luxury minivan, not an average utility vehicle for a family.
Highs and Lows
Got our S model 10 months ago for the great lease payment. Some nitpicks are our fault (for getting the base model), while others are VW/Chrysler's. The 3.8L is fine for the driving my wife does, which is basically back & forth to kids' school. MPG doesn't really matter when you put as few miles on as we do! Best handling/riding minivan I've driven! Way roomier & more useful than the SUV we turned in. Quality issues include sliders that don't open in temps below 30 degrees, a tire pressure monitor that is constantly on, and some rattles. Over time I've noticed much more suspension noise.
Check this van out!
Love this van. My wife was very hesitant to purchase another minivan after owning a Sienna, but feels fortunate we did.
run away as fast as you can!
Purchased a new 2009 Routon S. Nothing but problems! Headlamp held water, bumper cover started coming- off, trans seal leak, engine compartment rattle, stock ventshades would not stick to the windows, 2 window motors, all of this within 9 months. Bob King VW did not apparently know how to do a proper trns service, which led to the rattle. Took a tech from Charlotte to figure it out! No trans dipstick and the dealer and VW district rep would not order one when asked, even said I would pay for it! Be prepared for pure frustration with the vehicle, dealer, and VW of America. Also be prepared to hire an attorney, as VW of America is a useless car co. Avoid VW and Chrysler at all costs.
Dont Make My Mistake.
Not impressed, what a mistake. The transmission shifts way too often. The around town mileage is horrible. (11) & to top it all off the dealership cat fix it properly because its actually a Chrysler. If you want a Town & Country then buy one at least Chrysler can fix it for you without having to run to the other dealership to obtain parts.
A nice Ride
This vehicle rides a lot better than the 61 bus we had in San Francisco. We feel we are back to our roots. We owned a couple of Caravans and I know this is mostly a Chrysler car but the addition of European technology gives it an added plus. Do miss the Stow--go however. We went into get a light bulb for my wife's Jetta and left with the 09 Routan. My son loves the second row seat heaters and the entertainment system. The seats are more comfortable than the Caravan and it rides quieter. Mileage is ok, good on a trip, not so good in town. We took one Caravan to 197,000 miles. Hope to do the same with the Routan.
Great Van
This van is amazing.To bad it looks so much like a chrysler product, I think that really hurts it credibility. I spent 2 weeks in Sanfrancisco area and never saw one any where not even on my 1,200 mile drive there, nor have I seen one in washington where I live.This van is amazing, drives like a dream and is very comfortable for my fam of 6. The 4.0 v6 has lots of power and shifts so smooth, it has a raspy exaust that reminds me of an infinity suv. The projector beam head lamps turn night into day. I told my wife its vary funny that I sit and boast about my van as my friend is boasting about his new Lexus IS 250... I guess the van makes me forget I am driving a van,, I am impressed.
Cool Family hauler
We love the Routan or as my wife named it Rudy. So many family frendly features. The style is unique, sporty and not too common. GET the 4.0 v6 w/ 6 speed. The engine is quick and smooth. We get 22 mpg on hwy & 18 city. VW has been great to work with too.
VW Loads it up
Just 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. Doesn't 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.
Likes and dislikes
Very poor city driving mileage. We came from an Odyssey so we were surprised at this. The interior leather looks cheap (thanks to the Chrysler design). The kids constantly bump their heads on the DVD players when going in and out of the vehicle so keeping the screens closed helps! Other than that, we have not taken it on a long trip, so I can't judge comfort or gas mileage fully. It has 6k miles on it and I hope we are one of the lucky ones that does not incur any mechanical issues. We love the sched. maint. We love the options i.e. remote start and heated rear seats, for the money it is a good deal. I have owned 4 VW's so far. Hope this one is built just as well.?! Only time will tell
My wife and I love this minivan!
We looked and looked for 3 months prior to settling with the VW. I am a German car fanatic and had only owned Mercedes and VWs in my recent past. My wife was more open so we looked at the different brands. The need for a minivan came apparent when our second child arrived and between two child seats and all the "stuff" that you need, our sedan had been outgrown. The Routan felt more comfortable, more powerful, my wife really likes the amenities that it has and how it handles. VW, Honda and Toyota models do compete however, the VW takes the title for looks, comfort, performance and style. I've seen cites comparing the Routan with Kia and honestly, they aren't even in the same league.
So-So Van
Love the ride. The shifting from first gear is awkward at best. In town gas mileage weak. 2nd row seats are locked in place which limits leg room. Also miss the stow-n-go of my GC. Ceiling is low, I tend to bump my head getting over the cup of the seats. Have had several problems from brakes to sliding doors. So far not impressed with maintenance at the dealership. They seem to be disorganized and compartmentalized. VW needs to rethink their plans for this vehicle. Either get in without Chrysler, or get out.
A fun to drive minivan? Yes!
We've 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 isn't 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.
Routan Rocks
*Exterior is beautiful (best looking minivan in my opinion) *Love the features (i.e. stow & go, power windows in rear dual sliders, sunroof, traction control, stability control, and much more) *Interior is improved over the Grand Caravan *Suspension is much better than Grand Caravan (thanks VW)
Better than Dodge or Chrysler
I know this is a Chrysler product but Routan does perform better. I compared to Town & Country rental. Routan is more responsive and comfortable. The exhaust is raspy and I fear the sliding doors will be a future pain. I think the brakes are not enough for this large vehicle. The 2nd row seats are a little sticky to move. Warranty is great.
plenty of cargo space
the low tire pressure sensors all failed and cost about $200 to get them replaced plus time changing out tires. along highways was not my favorite part of owning this car. we made three cross country round trips NY to Ca. NY to Oregon.the Routan is comfortable and rides well.it is also easy to get in and out of for disabled and elderly folks gas mileage was not remarkable.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Reliability
junky
.using too much oil, heated seats burn the hole in it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value