Comments on: Routan Bust http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/ Reviews, opinions and rants on all things Volkswagen Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:06:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: LeRoy Adams http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-218818 LeRoy Adams Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:16:11 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-218818 I am sorry and sad that the VW has been all but written off as a marketable VW product. My wife and I bought a Passat when we had zero kids, and then after having our second, decided to purchase a mini van. All of the other brands had some remarkable options, and were considered. After test driving an Odyssey, we went with the Routan. This thing has a turn radius that makes it seem like you are driving a compact, and to say what already has been said, it drives JUST like a VW. I understand that the frame and interior is not VW but everything else is VW. In fact you dont even realize you are driving a mini van. We have had zero issues, and have driven it from NC to OK to LA with no issues. Its a great vehicle and the price tag was acutually lower with the options they offered then the competition. If they made another one I would buy it no questions asked. I am sorry and sad that the VW has been all but written off as a marketable VW product. My wife and I bought a Passat when we had zero kids, and then after having our second, decided to purchase a mini van. All of the other brands had some remarkable options, and were considered. After test driving an Odyssey, we went with the Routan. This thing has a turn radius that makes it seem like you are driving a compact, and to say what already has been said, it drives JUST like a VW. I understand that the frame and interior is not VW but everything else is VW. In fact you dont even realize you are driving a mini van. We have had zero issues, and have driven it from NC to OK to LA with no issues. Its a great vehicle and the price tag was acutually lower with the options they offered then the competition. If they made another one I would buy it no questions asked.

]]> By: Kerrie Jay http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-210262 Kerrie Jay Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:17:04 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-210262 We bought a Routan in December of '08. To be honest I love the concept of the 'van', it drives very nice, smooth, etc and I don't feel that I am 'driving' a mini-van. However, ours has had nothing but problems - mainly a faulty door that caused a fire inside it while we were in it, due to some mechanism being rubbed the wrong way or was originally in the wrong spot. As well as it has been in the shop 4 times, for weeks at time getting the power steering repaired. It went again the other day, I was driving and then all of a sudden no power steering barely made it into a parking lot. Was stranded in a parking lot or 2 hours until my hubby had to leave work for the afternoon to try to 'top' it up but it drained completely out. We then had to call VW roadside to come tow it to Edmonton which is 5 hours away and find a rental car to drive for the week, and now we are driving ANOTHER rental. The concept is there, it's a nice ride, the perks are nice BUT there is ZERO reliability or safety in this vehicle, in my opinon. I am waiting for the dealership manager to call back so we can talk about our 'options'. I've had enough. It's not even a year old yet. We bought a VW and expect to get a VW not a rebadging and unreliable vehicle. Don't do it. Don't buy one. We bought a Routan in December of ’08. To be honest I love the concept of the ‘van’, it drives very nice, smooth, etc and I don’t feel that I am ‘driving’ a mini-van. However, ours has had nothing but problems – mainly a faulty door that caused a fire inside it while we were in it, due to some mechanism being rubbed the wrong way or was originally in the wrong spot. As well as it has been in the shop 4 times, for weeks at time getting the power steering repaired. It went again the other day, I was driving and then all of a sudden no power steering barely made it into a parking lot. Was stranded in a parking lot or 2 hours until my hubby had to leave work for the afternoon to try to ‘top’ it up but it drained completely out. We then had to call VW roadside to come tow it to Edmonton which is 5 hours away and find a rental car to drive for the week, and now we are driving ANOTHER rental.
The concept is there, it’s a nice ride, the perks are nice BUT there is ZERO reliability or safety in this vehicle, in my opinon. I am waiting for the dealership manager to call back so we can talk about our ‘options’. I’ve had enough. It’s not even a year old yet. We bought a VW and expect to get a VW not a rebadging and unreliable vehicle.
Don’t do it. Don’t buy one.

]]> By: David http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-209199 David Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:01:10 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-209199 My wife and I are looking at the Routan SEL premium is there any suggestions on best pricing options? I currently own a 2007 Odyessey and I love it my wife and I are thinking of making the switch to the Routan any thoughts? Thanks David My wife and I are looking at the Routan SEL premium is there any suggestions on best pricing options?
I currently own a 2007 Odyessey and I love it my wife and I are thinking of making the switch to the Routan any thoughts?
Thanks
David

]]> By: Ed http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-207317 Ed Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:24:47 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-207317 I actually rented on to drive from San Diego to Vancouver and that's 3000 miles roundtrip. It rode like a champ. since I rented it, I know I abused it so I can see if it can handle the way i drive. It did, very steady suspension, rides better than the Odyssey in my opinion. Road noise and engine noise was minimum, aggresive 4.0 engine and it's the only minivan that I drove that can take off with tire scream. Torque is very strong. Just an awesome ride. I purchased an SEL model 3 weeks ago. And from a neighbor that just bought a 2009 Odyssey, he actually looked at my Routan and was surprised with the over all feel of the drive. For people to hate it without driving it does not bring credibility to what they are saying negatively about this van. I actually rented on to drive from San Diego to Vancouver and that’s 3000 miles roundtrip. It rode like a champ. since I rented it, I know I abused it so I can see if it can handle the way i drive. It did, very steady suspension, rides better than the Odyssey in my opinion. Road noise and engine noise was minimum, aggresive 4.0 engine and it’s the only minivan that I drove that can take off with tire scream. Torque is very strong. Just an awesome ride. I purchased an SEL model 3 weeks ago. And from a neighbor that just bought a 2009 Odyssey, he actually looked at my Routan and was surprised with the over all feel of the drive. For people to hate it without driving it does not bring credibility to what they are saying negatively about this van.

]]> By: Billy http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-206485 Billy Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:10 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-206485 My wife and I checked out the 2009 SEL Premium Routon yesterday. Of course the dealer was very anxious to sell the vehicle that had a very high price tag. We did not offer to buy because of the very low rebate he was offering. There were many innovative features that we liked but one very basic feature turned us off. We are both rather short people at 5' 7'' and we both had difficulty just getting into the Captain's chairs set to their lowest setting. My wife has longer legs than I but we both had trouble with the contoured seats. If ever a vehicle needed a running board this is one. Yes, one is offered as an add-on accessory but for us this is a major design fault that killed the sale. We just couldn't see fighting our way into the vehicle every time we wished to use this very expensive vehicle. We are long time VW product users. My wife and I checked out the 2009 SEL Premium Routon yesterday. Of course the dealer was very anxious to sell the vehicle that had a very high price tag. We did not offer to buy because of the very low rebate he was offering. There were many innovative features that we liked but one very basic feature turned us off. We are both rather short people at 5′ 7” and we both had difficulty just getting into the Captain’s chairs set to their lowest setting. My wife has longer legs than I but we both had trouble with the contoured seats. If ever a vehicle needed a running board this is one. Yes, one is offered as an add-on accessory but for us this is a major design fault that killed the sale. We just couldn’t see fighting our way into the vehicle every time we wished to use this very expensive vehicle. We are long time VW product users.

]]> By: Johnny Neat http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-204843 Johnny Neat Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:50:59 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-204843 Good points Aaron as far as VW taking the cheapest risk possibly, but in the end this as a branding thing was a no go from day one. Why even bother shelling a re-badge when they have the 2001 bus concept in their fridge? Good points Aaron as far as VW taking the cheapest risk possibly, but in the end this as a branding thing was a no go from day one. Why even bother shelling a re-badge when they have the 2001 bus concept in their fridge?

]]> By: Aaron http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-197475 Aaron Sat, 02 May 2009 04:18:30 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-197475 on the contrary... its is selling but only at the high end. My wife and I just purchased our Routan SEL Premium and we had to have someone drive down to Florida to pick it up. There where none to be found in almost all of the Southeast. (We live in NC) I agree that on a certain level it is a rebadged Chrysler. However it dirves and handles like a VW. I would consider myself a Loyalist. This will be my 8th VW(3 Bugs from '67, '70 and '72, 1 Karman Gia '73,1 GTI '91 and 2 Passats '92 and 01. AS far as overall sales its a tough market to crack which is why VW has taken approach they have( ie rebadging.) on the contrary… its is selling but only at the high end. My wife and I just purchased our Routan SEL Premium and we had to have someone drive down to Florida to pick it up. There where none to be found in almost all of the Southeast. (We live in NC) I agree that on a certain level it is a rebadged Chrysler. However it dirves and handles like a VW. I would consider myself a Loyalist. This will be my 8th VW(3 Bugs from ’67, ’70 and ’72, 1 Karman Gia ’73,1 GTI ’91 and 2 Passats ’92 and 01. AS far as overall sales its a tough market to crack which is why VW has taken approach they have( ie rebadging.)

]]> By: Matt Radel http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-197419 Matt Radel Fri, 01 May 2009 19:45:58 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-197419 @ Aaron: Great ride or not, it's a rebranded Town & Country...in other words, it's <em>not</em> German engineering, as VW suggests. It doesn't even really look like a VW. So it's really not a far stretch for loyalists to turn their nose up at it. And it isn't surprising that folks in the minivan market would sooner buy Toyotas & Hondas, manufacturers that a) are proven in the market or b) partnered with an ailing American automaker. So all that adds up to a minivan that's kind of stuck in the middle....and really appeals to no one. The fact that they had to stop production for lack of sales is evidence of that as well, right? There certainly aren't any reports of them stopping production on the Jetta. Good ride or not, the Routan isn't selling. @ Aaron: Great ride or not, it’s a rebranded Town & Country…in other words, it’s not German engineering, as VW suggests. It doesn’t even really look like a VW. So it’s really not a far stretch for loyalists to turn their nose up at it. And it isn’t surprising that folks in the minivan market would sooner buy Toyotas & Hondas, manufacturers that a) are proven in the market or b) partnered with an ailing American automaker.

So all that adds up to a minivan that’s kind of stuck in the middle….and really appeals to no one. The fact that they had to stop production for lack of sales is evidence of that as well, right? There certainly aren’t any reports of them stopping production on the Jetta.

Good ride or not, the Routan isn’t selling.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-197412 Aaron Fri, 01 May 2009 18:42:56 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-197412 Have any of you even driven the Routan? Or are you just regurgitating what you have read on other blogs, websites etc. It drives like a dream far better then the T&C and cabin is quieter on the road. Have any of you even driven the Routan? Or are you just regurgitating what you have read on other blogs, websites etc. It drives like a dream far better then the T&C and cabin is quieter on the road.

]]> By: Jayson K http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-194751 Jayson K Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:20:19 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-194751 Re-warmed T&C without VW soul doomed to failure... Agreed they needed a van in NA, what about the T5 Multivan from Europe?I own a 2000 EV GLS and they were overpriced when new but it still has more functionality than the new Routan. They should have brought the Touran with TDI and an MT. Theny they'd have had a unique nice vehicle with pure VW DNA.. Re-warmed T&C without VW soul doomed to failure…

Agreed they needed a van in NA, what about the T5 Multivan from Europe?I own a 2000 EV GLS and they were overpriced when new but it still has more functionality than the new Routan.

They should have brought the Touran with TDI and an MT. Theny they’d have had a unique nice vehicle with pure VW DNA..

]]> By: Universal Joints http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-191559 Universal Joints Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:33:10 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-191559 It’s not a surprise at all to me. Thanks for sharing. It’s not a surprise at all to me. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Mathew Maher http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-189249 Mathew Maher Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:38:02 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-189249 I'd have to put blame on the price tag of the Routan. While the mini-van as a whole isn't too shabby, the price is pretty high for a re-badge T&C. I'd also like to point out that, while the interior is different from the T&C, it doesn't blend into VW's other interiors that give it that feel of a Volkswagen. They didn't even redo the instrument cluster which screams "American" I'd also have to put some blame on the fuel economy. The Honda Odyssey gets better city/highway, and is fairly more stable than both the T&C and Routan. VW needs to understand that now isn't the right time to enter the mini-van market, unless there's something unique or fuel efficient or just flat out different. I was hopeful when it was announced, but once things started to tank more and more, the grimmer things looked for the Rou., not to mention Honda has slightly redesigned the Odyssey since the Rou was intro'd, now they look similar in design, aside from the rear. I think that if VW could engineer their own drivetrain for the Rou., and clean up the interior to match up with the rest of the family, the Rou. might have a chance. All it needs is time. I’d have to put blame on the price tag of the Routan. While the mini-van as a whole isn’t too shabby, the price is pretty high for a re-badge T&C.

I’d also like to point out that, while the interior is different from the T&C, it doesn’t blend into VW’s other interiors that give it that feel of a Volkswagen. They didn’t even redo the instrument cluster which screams “American”

I’d also have to put some blame on the fuel economy. The Honda Odyssey gets better city/highway, and is fairly more stable than both the T&C and Routan.

VW needs to understand that now isn’t the right time to enter the mini-van market, unless there’s something unique or fuel efficient or just flat out different.

I was hopeful when it was announced, but once things started to tank more and more, the grimmer things looked for the Rou., not to mention Honda has slightly redesigned the Odyssey since the Rou was intro’d, now they look similar in design, aside from the rear.

I think that if VW could engineer their own drivetrain for the Rou., and clean up the interior to match up with the rest of the family, the Rou. might have a chance.

All it needs is time.

]]> By: Luke Dorny http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-188334 Luke Dorny Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:26:11 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-188334 Agreed. Get on the concept microvan, VW before we tire of slapping you and just plain walk away. Agreed.
Get on the concept microvan, VW before we tire of slapping you and just plain walk away.

]]> By: chris iwanowski http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-186627 chris iwanowski Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:40:25 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-186627 AFT. The Routan was the equivalent of Apple sticking a logo on an Acer and calling it their own. VW should admit they f*cked up and just build the <a href="http://www.verdier.ca/" rel="nofollow">Verdier</a> or the <a href="http://www.vanagon.com/media/concept/" rel="nofollow">2001 concept</a>. AFT. The Routan was the equivalent of Apple sticking a logo on an Acer and calling it their own. VW should admit they f*cked up and just build the Verdier or the 2001 concept.

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2009/01/30/routan-bust/comment-page-1/#comment-186332 Dan Volkens Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:58:22 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/?p=1680#comment-186332 I completely agree man. It's not a surprise at all to me. Take a bland, GM-look-a-like minivan, mix in a little VW, try to hit a market that doesn't really exist for VW, and voila. I completely agree man. It’s not a surprise at all to me. Take a bland, GM-look-a-like minivan, mix in a little VW, try to hit a market that doesn’t really exist for VW, and voila.

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