2009 Volkswagen Routan

Rating from Fast Buck

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"Boiught a used 2009 Routan SE with 19000 miles on it in April 2010. Now have over 47000 miles and no problems...none. A few minor recalls in the first year, but what the heck? It's been a great vehicle, especially on long road trips. Reliable performance, good mileage, comfortable interior, superior exterior looks and handles better than your average Mommy-mobile. What's not to like. A much better used mini van value than overpriced, over-hyped Odysseys and Siennas. Yeah, yeah ...I know Routan's are not "real" Volkswagons....they're made in a Chrysler plant. So what!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Greg Davis

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"After 3 year I can say we have an excellant van in our VW Routan. The 4.0 V6 is quick and reliable. Trouble free and family fun too."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from BtzCarz

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"Hi! I love my 2009 Volkswagen Routan!I got mine for $18,000! I have two kids, and it is perfect for them! The car looks like a Chrysler Town and Country or a Dodge Grand Caravan. Thats why I didn't like the exterior styling that much.Other wise, its a great car!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Cherian

(1)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"Bought a new routan 2009, many issues, the light went off, the seats does not operate, the door makes noice, the leather wears in just 25,000 miles, replaced with new, wears at 32,000 miles, voice message never get answered at the dealer."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from j

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"It has been great. The kids love the two dvd players. My wife who would never drive a mini loves it. It makes road trips easy and we do atleast one a month. Great car for the money."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from Suburban White Van Dad

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I have had our 2009 VW Routan SE for 8 months now. We purchased it certified used with 10k miles on it. Although I know that the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are better Vehicles and have a better resale value. The 2009 Routan I found proposed a value to me that may work out to other van purchasers the same as me. I could not afford to purchase a new van, out of my single income family price range. If you are buying new either the Odyssey or Sienna is s no brainer. However, when you get to looking at the vans as used depreciation comes in to play. I was looking at used vans 2-5 years old with low mileage. When comparing the front runners Odyssey/Sienna to the Routan, Town and Country, or Sedona the front runners could be $4,000-$7,000 more. Sure, the Routan I ended up with had the ancient 3.8 Chrysler V6, Fit and Finish was not as nice, and reliability is in question. But, are those things worth that $4,000-$7,000? To me it didn't and I consider my self a car enthusiast. Especially since I was able to obtain my van certified used VW giving an extension to the warranty and also getting VW 3.9% financing on the used van. I grew up in Illinois and now live in Wisconsin. The land is relatively flat here in the Midwest. So, the Chrysler 3.8 engine actually works out just fine getting around. From a stop acceleration is more then adequate and passing on a 2 lane highway is acceptable. Do I really need a engine with gusto? I'm in a van, not in a BMW 3 series right? Also, the 3.8 is tested with time and I won't have a $800-$1,000 timing chain charge down the road that the more sophisticated engines require at 75,000-100,000 miles. The 6 speed transmission shifts really smooth. Although that some of the reviews say the transmission searches for the right gear to much I don't find this an issue at all. One thing I wish was better is gas around town. My wife and I do not accelerate or break hard and the van struggles to hit 16 mpg. On the highway you can get 25-26mpg, which is nice. My Routan is a smooth ride on the highway and rides better around town then its Caravan and Town and Country siblings for the same year. I have noticed at times Joe Wiesenfelder's comment about wind on the highway. But, with 2 kids in the back and the stereo on the wind is nothing right? Parking is a definite drawback. With the large turning radius there is a learning curve, but manageable. Power sliding doors and remote start are simply awesome. If you have a family and you are a mini van snob you need to get over it. You are missing out on the best vehicle for people moving and vacations. On the inside the seats are really comfortable and there is lots of storage. You can fold the 3rd row seats with one hand, there is tons of room , and car seats are easy to put in. The fit and finish is ok. I came from owning a VW Passat and Jetta which are known for their interiors and I find the materials alright. But, its weird seeing all of the Chrysler parts in random places. An example being the cheesy cruise control stalk that would never be caught in a VW before the Routan. But, overall the inside is a pleasant place to be. Reliability has been ok so far and should be for a low mileage vehicle. But, the Routan and its Chrysler siblings have been plagued by recalls. Most recently being the wiring harness for the power doors and an A/C drain hose. Which took time for me dropping off at the dealer. Hopefully, all the kinks have been worked out. In closing I say don't hesitate to take a look at the Routan. The van might work for your driving area and style, also providing a value if you are buying used."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Dan H.

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Our family enjoys the VW Routan. The van has an abundance of features we preferred over the other brands. The handling is best in class and we like the unique style that is no too common. The aftermarket options a plentiful and not too pricey. Reliabilty has been excellant and quiet ride too. The 4. V6 is smooth and responsive."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from car guy

(1)
Comfort:		2 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"doing putting their name over a chrysler minivan? THIS THING HAS THE WORTHLESS TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN BUGGING UNWARY VAN BUYERS FOR DECADES!!!!! JUST READ A CHRYSLER REVIEW AND SKIP THIS BOONDOGGLE OF A PREGNANT BUG! SHAME ON MOPAR. DOUBLE SHAME ON VEE DUB."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from VW Fam

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"It's still early but very happy with the Routan. If there is anything I wish was better it would be the Hard drive has been less user friendly then an ipod plugged in and I have to rerip disks to it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Mack man

(1)
Comfort:		2 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"Vehicle has not gone 3 weeks without going in for warranty work. First was the driver side window, which would not roll up. It took the dealership 5 times before they fixed the problem. That was huge hassle, as they ended up replacing everything in the door and breaking the switch console and getting glue everywhere in the car. The passenger side window did the same. Transmission is sloppy, and the vehicle lunges forward when going from coasting, light acceleration to coast. Transmission has dropped from 'D' to 2nd gear in the auto stock mode. The front brakes/rotors have been replaced twice and the rear once. Rear wiper assembly fell off. This is all on a vehicle with less then 11000 miles on it and not even a year old. VW refused to replace it and only offers to honor the vehicle warranty. STAY AWAY FROM THE ROUTAN. Go with a Honda, Toyota or Ford."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family