Recently Volkswagen gave my family and I the great opportunity to drive their 2009 Routan SE down to Millville, NJ and enjoy the VW Jetta TDI Cup Series. We then decided to add another leg to our trip head down to Lancaster, PA, spend the day visiting Amish Country and at the same time get a feel for a minivan even if only for a couple of days.
During our drive in the rain through New York, New Jersey and down to Pennsylvania, my husband and I were amazed at how this minivan provided us with comfort, space and legroom. All which came in handy when it was time to make my way to the back to comfort, feed or just keep my son company whenever he was in cranky or hunger mode.
To me, space and comfort are two very important attributes needed when driving 1. with children 2. for a long period of time and 3. for your own sanity at times. For us driving with a nine month old didn’t pose too much of a challenge since he spent the entire trip strapped in his car seat. For those with older children I’m sure things such as space and comfort come in handy during a short or long trip.
One thing I have to say about the Routan SE is that it is well equipped. It provided us with the convenience of front and side air bags, alarm system, ABS (anti-lock brake), power windows on both sides, power sliding doors, triple-zone manual climate control, second-row captain chairs, underfloor storage, multiple compartments, built in sunshades, power outlets and cup holders galore among many other great benefits.
As our trip was coming to an end and we headed back to New York we realized that there was yet another important and great feature that needed to be highlighted about this vehicle which was that it was pretty good on gas. We spent two full days driving through three states and spent a fair share of time stuck in traffic and somehow managed to do it all on one tank of gas.
I simply thought the bigger car the more fuel it will go through.
Apparently, I was mistaken.
Their tag line states, “The people want a minivan that drives like a Volkswagen” and believe folks will get just that. In my opinion, the VW Routan is a solid choice for a family of any size looking for a great, reliable, powerful and stylish vehicle.
Disclosure: I wrote about this vehicle simply because my family and I had a great time driving it and wanted to share our experience. The VW Routan SE was a loaner and I received no compensation or benefits from Volkswagen or any of their partners.
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I’m so glad you liked your Routan use. I own a Routan SEL and absolutely love it.
The majority of those who drive a Routan for any period of time and comment on it seem to like it. Most of the negative comments come from people who feel Chrysler can do no right.
Did you find the umbrella tray?
Dave,
I completely agree.
We have never owned a minivan and were absolutely amazed at the power of this vehicle. I did not find wrong with it.
Like I mentioned in my post, I was extremely surprised at how well it did on gas. That is unheard of in large vehicles.
Umbrella tray, no I did not find it