Base MSRP Range: GLS - $26,000. MV - $28,000.
Base Invoice Range: GLS - $24,000. MV - $25,000.
Price Quote
MSRP As Tested: $28,660.
Versions: GLS, MV
Vehicle Category: Minvan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested: 2.8-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, V-6 cylinder, 201-horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 181 lb-ft torque at 2,500 rpm
Transmission As Tested: 4-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 17/20
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, "> Antilock Braking System, Antiskid System, Daytime Running Lights, Remote Keyless Entry.
Competition: Chevrolet Venture, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Caravan, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna.
If any vehicle defines the era of peace, love and marijuana, it's the classic Volkswagen Microbus.
Sure, it's blatantly stereotypical to think of the old VW love bus painted in brightly colored daisies and dotted with peace signs as a symbol of the turbulent 1960s, but no other vehicle epitomizes American counterculture like this German people mover.
Fourty years later, it's hard not to wonder if a few chromosomes still remain from that original Microbus in Volkswagen's lineup. VW's EuroVan, the modern-day equivalent of the Microbus, is better in every way -- it's roomier, more refined, much more powerful, and its heater actually works -- but some of that classic quirkiness from the VW family still shines through.
For starters, its controls and gauges are straight out of the 1980s, a far cry from VeeDub's highly refined and superbly engineered sedans that sit next to the EuroVan on dealers' lots. Cupholders are right on the floorboard, exactly where you don't want them while driving, and climbing into the driver's seat is almost like climbing Everest. If you can get to the seat without needing an oxygen mask, the view is great, much like that in a full-size SUV except without the big honkin' truck-like hood.
And how's this for funky?: You can order a EuroVan with the 'weekender package' that includes a pop-up roof, two-person bed and refrigerator for overnight excursions to the latest reiteration of Woodstock.
Other than having gobs of personality (something becoming rarer in the automotive world each year), it's hard to find a logical reason to pick the EuroVan over its more well-known competitors, the Dodge Caravan and Honda Odyssey. Both the Caravan and Odyssey offer more cargo space and significantly more refinement at a lower price, but they're almost embarrassingly bland for the style-conscious buyer.
While the EuroVan's boxy styling is far from pretty, it's refreshingly different from the follow-me look used on other family vehicles. It's also functional, allowing plenty of head and shoulder room for passengers throughout the van, and even a decent amount of cargo space behind the back seat.
Driving the EuroVan is similarly disappointing when compared with the Caravan and Odyssey. While it does have an independent rear suspension for good control, its ride is stiff and jarring, certainly less comfortable than the plush ride many American buyers expect. Steering is perfect, however, with a better and more responsive feel than some sports sedans, and brakes are more than adequate.
There's nothing to complain about under the hood, though, as a peppy six-cylinder engine happily squeezes out 201-horsepower. Compared with about 40-horsepower on the original Microbus, the EuroVan accelerates like a Ferrari.
Two versions of the van -- GLS and MV -- are available. GLS includes seating for seven forward-facing passengers, along with 16-inch wheels, antilock brakes, stability control, dual-zone climate control, and power windows, locks and mirrors. MV is the same as GLS except for two backward-facing seats and a rear bench that folds down into a bed.
Perhaps the best thing about the EuroVan is the same as it was in the 1960s -- being different. This van has nothing in common with the 'me too' attitude of family sedans, minivans and SUVs, instead opting for a unique experience that only Volkswagen can create. That's what makes the EuroVan special.
Editors' Ratings
Pros: Quality construction and materials. EuroVan truly is a one-of-a-kind creation, with unique styling and a lovable, quirky personality that beats the blandness of other family haulers. In short, it's got panache.
Cons: Front-seat layout is disappointing for a modern vehicle. Little annoyances like cupholders placed too low on the floorboard and a long hike up to the driver's seat make the EuroVan seem out of date. With a stiff ride, outdated ergonomics and an overall lack of refinement, there are better vehicles available at the same price.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 6
- Performance: 6
- Price: 5
- Handling: 8
- Ride: 3
- Comfort: 5
- Quality: 7
- Overall: 5.7
More Data
Where Built: Germany
Major Options: 2-person bed, auxiliary battery, curtains, heated front seats, heavy duty alternator, pop-up roof, power sunroof, rear-facing seat (behind driver), refrigerator,
Seating: 5 with options up to 7
Number of Rows: 2 or 3
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Tested
- IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Tested
Length in Inches: 188.5
Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 8 years/unlimited miles corrosion, 5 years/60,000 mile powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles free Roadside Assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 4,288
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 4,500 (with brakes)
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 21.1
Destination Charge: $615
