The quest for the perfect minivan is a journey many undertake, and in that search, comparisons are inevitable. Having rigorously tested various minivans, including different trims and equipment levels of the VW Routan, our experience led us to a resounding conclusion: the 2003 VW Eurovan remains in a class of its own, even when stacked against newer models.
Our deep dive into the Routan, intended to be a potential successor to our beloved Eurovan, left us utterly perplexed. The SEL Premium trim, while boasting features like HID headlights and fog lights, introduced significant compromises. The sunroof drastically reduced headroom, particularly in the rear, rendering the second-row entertainment screen almost unusable for adults. Furthermore, the towing package, initially appealing, proved to be a major drawback. The self-leveling suspension, meant to enhance towing stability, instead created a disconcerting “wallowly” and vague handling experience. Imagine trying to maneuver a dog across a room by its hind legs – that’s the unsettling sensation the Routan’s handling evoked. While the engine offered adequate power, the transmission’s smoothness left much to be desired. Even the center console, despite its ample storage, felt flimsy and poorly constructed.
Moving on to the standard SEL model with navigation and rear-seat entertainment, we found some improvements. The increased headroom, thanks to the absence of a sunroof, was a welcome change, and positioning the entertainment screen further forward made it more practical. However, issues persisted. The backup camera was disappointingly inadequate, mirroring the SEL Premium. The lack of HID headlights and the exorbitant cost to upgrade were significant negatives. Alarmingly, during braking, the steering wheel exhibited a severe shimmy, making it difficult to maintain control. We were informed by our salesman that this was a common issue in vans that had been sitting idle and would be rectified before delivery. This raised a red flag, as our intended use involved periods of inactivity. If brake issues are a common occurrence after periods of sitting, it’s a serious concern. While handling improved without the towing package, it still fell short of expectations. Having extensive experience with vans, including over 70,000 miles in a Eurovan and 300,000 miles in full-sized Dodge vans, our standards are grounded in real-world van performance.
The base SE and lower trims, with their less powerful engine option, proved even less compelling. In short, none of the Routan models we tested came close to replicating the exceptional experience we’ve consistently enjoyed with our six-year-old Eurovan. Drawing an analogy from the bus industry, where the iconic Scenicruiser was deemed irreplaceable except by another Scenicruiser, we firmly believe that, in the current minivan landscape, the only true successor to a Eurovan is another Eurovan.
Despite enticing incentives on the Routan, including substantial discounts and financing offers, the Eurovan remains our minivan of choice, firmly parked in our driveway. For those seeking a reliable, well-rounded van, especially one that offers a unique blend of practicality and driving enjoyment, the 2003 VW Eurovan continues to be an outstanding option. Patience in finding the right Eurovan is undoubtedly rewarded with a driving experience unmatched by many modern minivans.
