2010 Volkswagen Routan consumer reviews

Love this vehicle, has been a super convienient yet stylish ride! Our son loves the rear entertainment system and we get compliments on it all the time! We have had no mechanical issues.

Only owned Hondas before I bought this. Wife and I researched, reviewed and test drove Sienna, Odyssey, T&C, and Caravan. Though similar to others, I thought it's exterior looked nicer. It's interior is nicer and more comfortable than the T&C and Caravan. Some of the interior controls took some getting used to but the layout is better than some competitors. Purchased a Routan SEL for the engine performance, cargo, and other features. Our day-to-day driving is a mix of highway and city, averaging about 19-21 MPG. The highest has been on a trip to NC from MD, got approx 28. It now has 18k; no trouble so far. We have 2 kids and one on the way. We've used many seating configurations with carseats and passengers. Third-row power seat controls are touch slow and the seats might be canted up at a slight angle, but seem pretty comfortable for an average-sized adult. 2nd-row captain chairs are rather comfortable and very usable for carseats; too bad they don't slide forward or back. We've made use of just about every feature and are extremely please with how well it handles. Passengers have noticed with similar compliments.

We've put about 20,000 miles on our Routan in one year having bought it used with low miles and have experienced only one problem-the brakes which tended to shutter/vibrate when applied as if the discs were warped. However, recently the VW dealer put in redesigned/upgraded brake pads and problem solved. Some reviews will complain about the acceleration with the 3.8L but our experience including several trips to the mountains around Lake Tahoe revealed adequate power( hence 3 stars on performance) to haul our stuff and family of six. Handling felt more secure and nimble than our previous Dodge Caravan. This is a quiet, comfortable, well thought out family van with enough style to stand out from others in the field. the interior has the look and feel of an upscale vehicle, controls are intuitive, plenty of cup holders and storage bins, and the dual DVD screens with wireless headsets are a big plus. Highly recommend the RSE with navigation option. Yes, it is made by Chrysler for VW, however, as the originator of the minivan that is not a negative (just look at the many old and new Chrysler minivans still on the road as a testament to durability and utility).

This vehicle has been a real disappointment for the 15 months I have had it. At 6000 miles the transmission had to have bearings replaced. At the same time, the paint on driver and front passenger doors started coming off. At 18,000 miles, all four brake rotors were warped. The folding down 3rd row seat have never properly worked. They stop half was or do not move at all. Volkswagen refuses to take the vehicle back. All that they offered me was to forgive a car payment for my trouble. Really? I wish I never bought this vehicle.

The VW Routan SE has great features and is very comfortable, but it comes at a price. I often have to wait days/weeks for parts and it has chronic brake problems. It makes me wonder why I paid more for nice features when I lost reliability...what good does the navigation do me when it is regularly in the shop?

there is one thing about this van....that is pretty much a lie...the gas mileage. It says that it gets 17city 25 highway...NOT true! It gets about 12 mpg city and about 17 mpg highway....horrible gas mileage. I spend so much on gas for this van....it hurts the wallet!

I haven't had my VW routan for long, so I do not know how reliable it will be in the long run. However, I love how this van drives and being in NE Ohio - it drives great in the snow with the ESP. My kids love all the extras and I can say that because of all of the discounts VW was offering at the time we purchased this car we couldn't have afforded a nicer van than the Routan SE model with RSE. With all scheduled maintenance included for the first 3 years. My favorite things about the van are the touch screen stereo/blue tooth, heated seating, and the safe stable solid feeling of the van. The only bad thing about the van is that there is less "elbow" room in the middle row ( especially with car seats or long legs) and its hard to get in, out and around. Trunk and in-floor storage space is great though.

We are enjoying our Routan SEL. The VW has been fun to drive and a lot of storage option on trips for our family. The real surprise is how quick it is in traffic. No problems and the VW free service is great.

I've leased minivans before but have never dealt with the desaster that is the Volkswagen Routan. I have had it for a year and a half and it has been in the shop for a total of 3 months during that time. At 6,000 miles the transmission went out. They kept it for 2 months that time for every excuse in the book, couldn't get parts, their tech wasn't qualified so they had to wait for an out of state tech to come in. The customer care dept. was no help, they are very good at apologizing but nothing happens. At 15 k the tranny went out again. It's been another month now, I don't have my van back and they are apologizing as they are waiting on a part. Nobody seems to be able to help. If you are looking for a van that you can accually use then don't buy this one.

Not even a year after I bought my Routan, immediately after the first service, the breaks started to give problems and the problem with the breaks (which is major) is not covered under the warranty!.. I am tired of bringing the car over and over for the same reason (lemon law???) If you want safety and reliability for you and your family, make sure you pick the right van (I don't know what to suggest) or make sure this problem with the Routan has been resolved before you get it! good luck...I am getting rid of mine!