Karl H

Reviewed a 2009 Volkswagen SEL Premium on Jul 15, 2012

It's got a Chrysler motor, a 4.0 liter plant. It's got Chrysler tires, Chrysler suspensions, Chrysler shocks. It's a model made before electric conversions, so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say? Is it the new Bluesmobile or what? (Apologies to Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) I was looking for a Chrysler Town and Country with the Swivel n' Go seating option, on paper it looked like a great idea and the perfect solution for long car trips. In the real world, the swivel seats have some issues... The included "table" is completely useless, due to the interior space, swiveling isn't as easy as you would think, and with the seats swiveled reclining for either the driver or passenger is pretty much impossible (which might explain why Dodge and Chrysler discontinued the Swivel option...) However, I wanted seats with more padding and comfort than the thin collapsible seats that come with the popular Stow n' Go option. Enter the VW Routan. Chrysler enthusiasts hate it because it's not American, VW enthusiasts hate it because it's not German, so it has not been the successful entry into the minivan market that Volkswagen was hoping for.... which is why 2012 will be the final model year for the Routan. So, why would I buy a widely hated, much maligned, and discontinued "Frankenstein" of a mini-van? Price and comfort. I was able to buy a fully loaded Routan with the 4.0 liter engine for $1,000 less than a Chrysler Town & Country with the same year and about the same mileage. The Town and Country didn't have the entertainment package, nor the navigation package, and was powered by Chrysler's 197hp, 3.8 liter V-6. So, for less money I get an upgraded engine with 50 extra hp, all of the bells and whistles, plus a free sunroof and more comfortable second row seats? SOLD.