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27th
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The upmarket VW touches are easy to spot if you're familiar with the Chrysler minivans, but they're still nice, including a better shifter, nicer interior door trim, and much more substantial inside door handles.
As a long time VW fan, I was hoping the Routan wasn't going to be what logic tells you it is; a warmed over Chrysler minivan. I'm sorry to say that all my fears were accurate. Sure, the seats are more comfortable and offer more support. Additionally, the dash materials and gauges are slightly better. But in the end, there's no hiding from the fact that the Routan is based on a vehicle that is lackluster at best. The creaks and groans that afflict our long-term Town & Country are present in the VW as well. This base, 3.8-liter engine is low on power, and the sounds it emits would make any longtime VR6 fan sad.
Photo Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Routan S - Volkswagen Minivan Review - Automobile Magazine