Used 2009 Volkswagen Routan Minivan Consumer Reviews
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Consumes Oil
pnwislander, 04/16/2014
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful
This 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.
i love this minivan since i buy it
Deisi Morales, 09/26/2015
updated 05/04/2020
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
i love my minivan great space nice to ride so far i don't have no mechanical problems but i have a recall about the ignition switch since then twice a week every time wen i start the van all the dash board lights go off like crazy i have to turn it off get the key out open the door and keep trying until it works fine other than that its a good vehicle
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2009 Volkswagen Routan for sale near you
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Do not buy a routan - big mistake!
Omid, 06/22/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL CARB 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
24 of 27 people found this review helpful
Unless you want to spend a lot of time at the VW service dept, do not buy this minivan. We bought new 9 months ago and it has been serviced numerous times for same malfunctions: electrical, brake rotors, sensor failure, seats getting stuck, steering wheel vibration, and most importantly safety issues which VW and the dealership fail to recognize. The electric sliding door pinned our 2 year old son and the sensors failed to re-open the door. Others have experienced the same issue and yet VW keeps saying the doors are safe and the sensors work fine. Also, no alarm sounds if the doors are open and the car is in motion. This is quite unbelievable from a German manufacturer!
VW Routan Brake Problems
carshopper82, 07/04/2012
2009 Volkswagen Routan S 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
33 of 38 people found this review helpful
I purchased an 09 Routan, and have driven it for 33,000 miles since. The van is nice and is perhaps the nicest minivan ride based on my experience. However, there are a lot of design issues with it. I have replaced the brakes all around including rotors, pads, and calipers three times - this at no cost because I documented to VW of America this is a design issue. Similar vans from 2009 (Chrysler Town Country) had the same issues - my in-laws own it. As you know, the Routan is a brand-labeled T&C. Othe rissues pertain to transmission hoses. So far VW has taken care of me but it is definitely a lemon.
JUNK - CONSTANT RECALLS
pensfan1, 04/23/2011
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
This is a chrysler with a VW badge, no problem there. The interior has the VW refinements, thats what attracted us. The motor is very powerful and gas mileage ok for the power ratio. Bad news- Constant recalls, transmissions, door motor caught fire. Dealershio servcie is horrible. Basically car has to die before they will fix it. Then they fight about warranty coverage.
Worst Purchase of my life
becca, 08/28/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This minivan is a lemon! Always at the dealership with something wrong. I had it for one year and already had 15,000 dollars worth of warrenty work. The transmission is slipping and the dealership says it is due to one tire being lower than the other? Yet when I explain that I pulled out of a gas station and the van would not shift gears until I pulled over and shut off to get it to shift in gear? Told me that this is a soccer mom van and not good for all the wear in tear of driving a hour each way to work 5 days a week. They also stated I should have purchased the Honda minivan it can stand the driving wear and tear? I wish I could get out of this car! What a lemon!
2009 Routan Nightmare!
Riri, 02/08/2016
updated 02/08/2017
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
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 doesn't 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..I've lost track at this point). In the last 2 1/2 years it's required 11 major repairs that have cost me over $6,400! It's the most Ridiculous & UNSAFE vehicle I've ever owned! I can't wait to get out from owning a VW.
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Routan is fun & trouble free family van
stjohns, 12/31/2012
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We 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.
Routan is a great Minivan
Vdub Routan, 11/17/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
We have had our SEL Routan for a little over a year and can recommend it to any family. The 4.0 V6 is quick and fuel efficient. The handling is the best in mini van class. We love all the friendly feature and use it much more than our full size SUV. VW has given us FREE service and a loaner when ever we need oil changes or any work done. An added benefit of having a product with Chrysler volume parts is aftermarket upgrade or optional products for cheap. We are Happy owners.
Terrible vehicle
kmcintosh78, 09/22/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan S 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Almost killed us!
kiddycargo3, 05/06/2011
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
20 of 27 people found this review helpful
We have had this thing in the shop 7times over two months when you add up all the days. 9 recalls, tons of electrical issues including the sensors not working on the side doors and smashing my two year old twice! The biggest issue was when I was driving my three kids going 40mph and the engine shutoff and I had no power steering or brakes! we almost smashed into a dump truck! God was watching over us and as I was somewhat able to turn the wheel and took out half the landscaping at MC Donalds right before I hit the dumpster the brake came on! Took it in and the computer was bad and come to find out there was a fuse missing this whole time. VW said well we put in a new computer and fuse sorry!
Do not buy a Routan!
Jweldon, 08/05/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Never buy one of these cars. A complete waste of money. The vehicle is unsafe and a hazard to your family. One of our children has actually gotten his head trapped in the sliding door b/c they do not work properly, they open and close on their own! VW does not care. We have had the car in for service too many times to count. It is there right now and I do not want to bring it home. I miss my Honda Pilot. This car is a nightmare.
Trouble free - not so much....
edsel4u, 03/27/2013
updated 03/28/2019
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL CARB 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought new June 2009 and now at 33,000 miles we have not had any major malfunctions. We'll own the Routan till the wheels fall off. It's an excellent transportation appliance and if people respect the Routan minivan for what it is, and for what it is not, they'll be satisfied too. Update: 04/2016 Our family still owns the Routan. It now has 77,000 miles. Just replaced the transmission "solenoid" ($800.00) because it would not shift higher than 2nd gear. Frequent brake jobs, wheel bearings and alignments are required. I don't expect the Routan to last longer than 100k miles. It has become an exasperating vehicle to own. Will never buy another Chrysler/Fiat product again. Update: 03/28/19: Traded the Routan with approx 100k miles for a used 2016 Toyota Sienna in 2018. The 4.0L engine in the Routan was about to die. So yes, the wheels did "fall off" at 100k miles. The interior accommodations in the Routan were great. The new Pacifica minivan does not feel as roomy as the Routan/Town & Country. I wish someone still manufactured a larger "minivan" as did Volkswagen when they produced the Vanagon.
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Its a Chrysler Town and Country
Barb, 08/07/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I vowed to never own a Chrysler product have having 2 lemons. So far nothing major has gone wrong. The brake petal squeaks, the doors are creaky, and the back bumper panel is coming off. The entertainment center is top notch, one of the best I have seen. the storage is great. Gas mileage has been horrible, 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on all freeway driving. I am getting better gas mileage in my truck.
From Odyssey to Routan
newvwfan, 09/14/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We previously had a 07 Odyssey. We got the 09 Routan for the 0% financing, but have been blown away with how much we like it over the Honda. Driving down the road, it is far quieter. The drive feel is awesome, they nailed the suspension. This is a small thing, but the buttons for everything are in the right places, easy to find and use in comparison. We started out with a Voyager, Montana, Uplander, Odyssey, now Routan. The only negative thing I can find in reviews is that people resent that its a partnership with Chrysler and not pure VW. Get over it, this is an awesome minivan.
like the interior a lot
korax, 12/19/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We like many of the attributes of our VW Routon SEL. Recently however there has been trouble with the transmission. We again are very happy otherwise, and the repair is covered by the warranty. The kids love the entertainment system and the roominess is fine.
Great so far
Sean, 11/02/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
So far, we love this van. We have put 4,000 miles on it. The seats on this van are very comfortable and it has plenty of power. Performance is fantastic and it takes sharp corners like a well-tuned sedan. Gas mileage does fantastic on the highway (27 mpg), but it only gets 14.7mpg in the city wthen the A/C is running. Rear ceiling height is a problem if you get the moon roof. The moon roof needs room to slide back, so you lose several inches of ceiling height. This means that the rear seat TV is low enough to block the rear view mirror and that the rear seats can't tip forward because they hit the ceiling. We have had four 8 hour trips with the family and we loved every minute.
Pretty nice
vwfan, 11/17/2008
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I'm not a mini van guy but we needed something that seats 7. If I was going to consider a mini van it would have to be a VW due to their style and class. I was very impressed with the overall design and style of the Routan. I love the captains chairs. They really give it a roomy but cozy feel. I recently found out that the Routan is pretty much a Chrysler with a few VW touches. I would still recommend a look and a test drive. It's still more hip than a Toyota, Honda, Chrysler ect.
Don't buy this car...
bbaak, 10/13/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
This car is 95% chrysler! First and foremost. If you want a VW, DONT BUY THIS. This is a Chrysler rebadged as a VW. The Only thing VW besides the logo is the suspension. I was told only the frame and the engine....but sorry the whole thing is Chrysler. VW sells 4 different vans in Germany, but now I'm stuck with a car that has lost 30% of it's value in less than one year. IF I knew then what I know now I would leased it at least then I'd be able to mess w/ VW back as they would have to eat MOST of the cost on this car at surrender time. IF you want a routan buy a Town and Country....go to a VW dealer buy logo's and stick them on.....same thing!!!!!!
not bad for the price .
Chris Muldoon, 07/06/2017
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I got my van new in 09 , and its been driven coast to coast with little or no trouble , so far the only part I had to pay for was the coolent temp sender . Yes it has had some recalls and I to have had the brake wear issues but if fixed that by installing power stop extreme towing and hauling pads and rotors, no problems after that . I think alot of people are just bashing it , for the price you cant complain , I paid 26k for a fully loaded van with 2 dvd players and 3 screens , go look at a Honda of Toyota and they coast over 40k at the time, in todays money thats over 50k , all in all I'm happy with my fake VW and she just keeps trucking .
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Sporty cruiser for the family
groovyvwroutan, 09/02/2011
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
We have owned our SEL for 2 years. Totally satisfied with this spirted and practical vehicle. VW no cost service is excellent and makes the experience of owning a Routan easy. We have had zero out of pocket except gas. We will go back in a few years and get another VW. Leather is nice.
Up In Flames
insrtg, 05/02/2013
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
My Volkswagon Routan 2009 was serviced back in March 2013 - transmission & power steering. When the service was completed at a VW service center, I picked up the car, drove home the short distance, and parked in my driveway. The next morning while at a traffic light, the car started to go on fire from the engine and eventually burst into flames. Thankfully no one was hurt, but I don't believe it was a coincidence that it happened a few hours since the car was picked up from the service at Legend Audi Volkswagon in Amityville. Aside from that incident, the car had numerous issues throughout the 4 years, i.e. brakes, glitchy doors, glitchy radio, and recalled parts. Terrible car.
Please contact VW 1-800-822-8987 about your Routan porblems
walnutcreekvw, 07/01/2014
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Your Routan is not a lemon. I used to think the same thing until mine shut down while driving...again! VW replaced our control module a couple of years ago, but the van loses power while driving. It's really scary! We had our rotors replaced as well. They still shake. They told us it was from the weight of the vehicle. This van is not safe. I called VW today to start a case. Does a family have to get injured/killed before they resolve this issue? Call VW and start a case so we can have these issues addressed before someone gets hurt.1-800-822-8987
VW Routan is King!
James, 07/17/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought this van a month ago and have put over 2000 miles on it already. It rides and performs very well and I would recommend this to anybody. The rear entertainment system or VES as they call it is the best with two boys. The van is comfortable to ride and handles very much like a car. We test drove the Chrysler and then the VW and wow what a big difference. If anybody is looking for a minivan you must look at this. VW was offering some great rebates on the van as well and we saved over 10,000 dollars off MSRP!
Made it Okay to Drive a Mini-Van
boilerup, 01/10/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I kept resisting a mini-van, but with 3 young kids it became a must have. I was hesitant to get the Routan because of the 're-badged' Chrysler persona and just it being the first model year. However, I've been very impressed so far. My wife and I have owned 6 VW's and we can definitely say it has that VW feel and drive to it. It is a dream to drive versus our other car, a Honda Pilot. We also checked out the Odyssey, but it just didn't have a good driving feel to it and suffers the usual interior rattling we've had on all of our Hondas. So I'm glad we went with the Routan. It definitely has more VW to it than I expected.
So Far So good
VWDriver, 08/06/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Routan now has 9,500 miles, but so far so good. I recently traveled 156 miles (according to MapQuest) with a full tank. During our travel I stopped at a gas station at the destination and filled up the tank again out of curiosity--exactly 3 gallons was consumed for the 78-mile (one-way) trip. My Routan has averaged 26 MPG on HWY. I'm not sure whether it improved because of my mild driving habit or the expensive gas from Chevron. Still, it is awesome to know it has better MPG than Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, even w/ its VCM Feature. This van has also been very comfortable--a typical asset of VWs.
Nice Van
Eric Finn, 08/18/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Any one who is in the market for a Minivan should consider the Routan. We traded in a 2006 Kia Sedona for our Routan and the Routan is a far superior vehicle. The Kia creaked, rattled and squeaked over every bump, but the Routan is rock solid and quiet. The seats are very comfortable and the highway fuel economy at 25mpg is very good for a van (Kia's best was 22). Our kids love the dual dvd player. VW did a nice job of improving upon the Chrysler van. Interior materials, ride and handling are better. I would recommend spending the extra money and getting the SEL pkg. The 4.0 engine is very strong and the 6 spd auto is buttery smooth.
Turn and never look back
tn_sunshyne, 08/29/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This van has been plagued by numerous problems, rotor/ brake issues (replaced 4 times on the front and 2 times on the rear), check engine light/ thermostat issues 4 times, drivers side window problems, remote start problems. Has been in dealer repair shop for more then 30 days since owning it 15 months. Poor gas mileage. Trying to enforce the Lemon Law. It may be pretty on the inside and outside, but buyer beware, once warranty goes out,it's going to cost a lot to keep this vehicle on the road. This is not German Engineering at its finest. My Nissan Quest I traded for this was way better and more reliable then this van. I've learned my lesson the hard way and an expensive one at that!
Routan is the best van out there!
Kris*, 05/01/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It drives like a solid car, more like a luxury car - very well made. And so i often forget it's van. A brand new design and German engineering shows everywhere, leaving odyssey and sienna out in the dust.
The Best One
Thegooddriver, 05/11/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have test-driven and researched different minivans for months before buying one and when I decided to, the Routan came out. At first, I was hesitant for it's a Chrysler-made minivan. I test-drove it and find it to be much better and the best for many reasons: it runs very smoothly, the suspensions absorb rough and uneven surfaces on HWYs very well and road noise isn't noticeable at all compared to the Odyssey. It also looks more sophisticated than other minivans. It definitely feels VW. Maybe, with VW and Chrysler combined, you can't go wrong, especially in this century. People nowadays rarely keep their cars for decades, so if for any reason this vehicle won't last, I won't worry.
We vowed never to get a minivan...
peninroutan, 03/24/2010
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
...but we gave in after we had our third child. We looked at the Odyssey and Sienna, but these were ubiquitous and not very interesting to us. The Routan? Looks good, drives well with its stiffer VW suspension, and has huge amounts of space. We know its essentially a Chrysler, but the interior has enough VW feel to be fun. The dual-electric doors are great (Toyota Siennas seemed to offer only one electric door on some models). The exterior has strong lines. Will have to follow up later with a detailed review of reliability. Basically, its a minivan for those who promised they would never get one. As a guy, I'm OK being seen driving it, which is worth a lot.
WOW, What a van
gpeck29, 04/02/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm 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.
Outstanding Mini-van
JPT, 05/13/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Although there are many poor reviews of the Routan out there in cyberspace, most are written by folks who either haven't driven or don't own one. It is a great van, and drives nothing like the Town & Country. This is our first mini-van and have nothing but great things to say about it. It is superbly comfortable, quiet, and for the money (compared to Honda/Toyota) it comes well equipt. On a recent 1000 trip, it averaged 25.2 mpg (running ~70mph), which is impressive for a 4000+lb vehicle. It's future remains uncertain (Chrylser in Chapther 11, talk of not producing more Routans) this is a top notch van and I would highly recommend it.
Excited
Tommy, 09/16/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We just picked up our Routan and we couldn't be happier! There is NO CHOICE in my opinion when shopping for a minivan in this market. The alternatives are aged, bland and BORING. If you want exclusivity - get a Routan. It's gorgeous, handles superbly for a minivan, loaded with what you need, oozes techno gadgetry, reasonable price and 0% financing. For us it was an easy choice. The tough part was choosing a color.
The best minivan in the next few years
Thegooddriver, 05/08/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I researched for months before buying a Minivan and when I decided to, the VW Routan came out. Months prior, I have test-driven other minivans, but most have issues with either road noise/breaks or rattling. Then, I test- drove the Routan; I was impressed for it is very smooth, very quiet and does not produce road noise. The VW suspensions also absorb rough and uneven surfaces very well. I've been advised to go for the Japanese minivans, which are reliable. Well, they are, but I'd rather deal with thinking how long the Routan will last than dealing with road noise and rattling that will surely distract me every time I drive. With VW and Chrysler combined, it must be something
Money Pit
Leticia Thomas, 01/06/2020
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is a serious money pit. I have only owned it for 3 years and have spent so much money on repairs. I have replaced the transmission twice, the wheel bearings, and now the power steering tube has to be replaced. The car is also leaking oil as well. Do not buy this car unless you want to spent money on constantly fixing it.
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The worst vehicle we've ever owned
David, 05/13/2019
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a very nice looking van, and it is comfortable. The entertainment system makes it great to keep the kids entertained. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this minivan, UNLESS YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO DRIVE SOMEWHERE. We have had this in so many times for one repair after the other. Sensors failing, warning lights coming on, ignition switch not working, transmission issues, etc. It gets about 9 MPG right now, has multiple warning lights that no mechanic can figure out. I have been told by two mechanics now to get rid of it, that it isn't worth fixing. I am so disappointed by VW and will never buy another one again. The dealership is happy that it's no longer under warranty and even though it only has 67000 miles on it and looks beautiful, its only worth a whopping 2500 bucks. I think everyone has figured out that this is a piece of junk and no one wants it
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Very Impressed
Hawkster00, 12/21/2008
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
There was no way I was going to buy a "mini-van" but my wife convinced me so I got her one for Christmas. Needless to say I was very impressed with all the features you get with a SE model. It drives like a dream and my daughter loves watching movies on car rides to the grocery store. Don't buy a mini-van, buy a Routan.... :-)
Great Family friendly Vehicle
Anthony, 04/20/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Having 2 small kids, and the endless stuff that goes with them, i knew the days of non-mini van ownership were numbered. I drove the Grand caravan and was very impressed with the engine and transmission performance, Loved the conveniences of all the interior cubbies and storage compartments. I feel that VW addresses the ONLY downfall of chrysler, and thats its interior design. VW nailed the dash setup, the softtouch material looks and feels great. this van is HUGE! with the 3rd row seats folded, i can roll in strollers and bikes and still have room for the weeks groceries. the 3 year maintenance is a great relief. gas Mileage is outstanding!!, im getting 25.1 Highway (62mph)
Outstanding!
AdamR, 06/16/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium CARB 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This van is an eye-catcher! There is not a single thing left to want on this van. Harddrive, folding 3rd row (power), and more storage than a cargo ship. The A/C in the 3rd row is just as good as the front and the fact every door is powered, incredible. If you're looking for a van, and you don't check this out, you've seen nothing but the average. LOOK at this superior vehicle... HOLY SMOKES!
We like it very much, but not typical VW
lenny97, 06/21/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL CARB 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have the Routan for 10 days now and are very happy with it. Glad to have the 4.0l engine. We are from Europe and had a VW Eurovan TDI. Unfortunately this not in the US lineup. The Routan might be german tuned, but still gives a American ride feeling. It ist very comfortable and quiet.
NOT a Dodge or Chrysler with a VW badge
devnic, 12/30/2008
2009 Volkswagen Routan S 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am qualified to make the above statement as I own a Chrysler Town & Country and have driven the Dodge Grand Caravan several times prior to purchasing my Routan. Anyone who thinks this is the same car as the Dodge or Chrysler is sadly mistaken. The seats in the VW are definitely VW - more firm than the mushy seats of the other two. The engine on the base Routan which I have- the S- is the 3.8L Chrysler engine - not the 3.3L on the base Town & Country or Dodge. The interior design and the driving experience are VW. I have owned more than 6 VWs over the past 20 years and this van feels, looks and acts like a VW. Sharing an engine and body panels w/the other two make it no less a VW.
Beware of this beauty...
VW-BAD, 07/08/2009
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 09 Routan SEL for around 4 mo and about 4000 miles and disappointed does not begin to describe my state of mind!!! My brakes have been squealing since about the 1000 mile mark and it is "normal" according to a qualified technician. Both of my sliding doors have given me numerous problems, including not closing properly and I have come back to a vehicle with an open door. Gas mileage is atrocious. This vehicle has been a nightmare to deal with (especially with two young kids). Yes it is beautiful, but at what price?
Awesome for what it is
cfeigenbutz, 10/22/2008
2009 Volkswagen Routan S 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
There have been many complaints about this being a rebadged Chrysler. For what it is, the Routan is outstanding. There is no way to get a Wolfsburg designed and built minivan to the U.S. in this price range. VW is trying to capture the market for their customers who already have a VW and need a family hauler. We have a Jetta, and needed more room for our growing family. While every aspect of it may not be "German Engineered," it surely is "German Inspired." The ride is great, the layout inside is well though out (we have a bench instead of the captain's chairs for the 2nd row, much more convenient in my opinion). Would definitely recommend.
Stay away... Don't buy this car!!!
baseball33, 07/29/2011
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 16 people found this review helpful
This was my first VW and my last. From the moment I bought this van I have had it in the for repairs. Or should I say I take it in for repairs but the van is never fixed. The sliding doors are extremely damerous. My chidlren are scared to get in & out. It hit my arm and let a nice bruse. Brakes and roaters have been replaced three times and still do not work right. Power seats have a mind of their own. And the paint job is horrible, one little bump the paint falls off. Spoiler has had to be completely re-painted. Now it doesn't start all the time. Wow. I don't have enough characters to explain what is all wrong. VW customer service isn't much help, suggested buy new VW van. No thank u
RUN LIKE HELL
Ros, 03/14/2016
2009 Volkswagen Routan S 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
This 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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Best minivan ever!
luvveedub, 02/09/2011
2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL 4dr Minivan (4.0L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Yes, I know the criticism -- the Routan is a Town and Country disguised as a Volkswagen. No matter. I am a Volkswagen loyalist (this is my 3rd VW -- also have a 2008 Rabbit) and this is a GREAT minivan. Comfortable, smooth, great seats, attractive, even powerful (4.0 engine). Really, what's not to like? Sure it isn't as nimble as my old Passat or my Rabbit, but I didn't expect it to be -- I mean it is a minivan, after all. Yet, I think VW's suspension tweaks do make it superior to the Town and Country and - - dare I say -- the Odyssey and Sienna.
FAV VAN FOR THE FAM!!!
Emilee Jacobs, 01/12/2018
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Yes the 2011 VW Routan is a borrowed body and design concept from the Dodge Caravan but it's overloaded with German engineering and that's exactly what I needed and wanted for my family. My four children and my Mother are seated comfortably on every trip, there's lots of room for our items and activities and I wouldn't want to drive anything else except for the Amarok but unfortunately those aren't sold here in the U.S. We also enjoy our 2003 VW Beetle TDI (Diesel). My child plan on driving their own VWs when they become of age. YAY!
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Worst Car Ever!!!
MelinNj, 04/27/2017
2009 Volkswagen Routan S 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Don't 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 I'm going through an issue where the car won't 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!
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RUN AWAY!!!
Kevin, 10/26/2015
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE 4dr Minivan w/Rear Seat Entertainment (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Worse car ever!!! Have never had a car with so many problems. You will never finish having brake, electrical, engine, transmission problems. Even the overhead dvd players go bad.
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