Test Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan Execline

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May 12, 2009

2009 Volkswagen Routan Execline. Click image to enlarge

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Review and photos by Peter Bleakney

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2009 Volkswagen Routan

Toronto, Ontario – I’ve always been a big fan of the minivan. Never mind that they are totally uncool. Never mind that “minivan” is an acronym for “Manhood Is Not Intact, Vasectomized And Neutered.” Never mind that I’ve received a gazillion letters starting with, “I want a roomy family vehicle – but not a minivan.”

I’m here to state the minivan is the most intelligent form of family transportation, period. As such, I booked a 2009 Volkswagen Routan Execline for our annual family and friends ski excursion to Ellicottville, New York.

While VW can arguably be credited for creating (or at least popularizing) the minivan with nearly four decades of the iconic Microbus (1950-1989), the Wolfsburg automaker has jumped into bed with Chrysler on this one – the other company that knows a thing or two about cubist family haulers.

2009 Volkswagen Routan Execline. Click image to enlarge

Skeptics might be quick to dismiss the Routan as nothing more than a Chrysler Town & Country with a VW badge on the front. After all, it is built in the same Windsor, Ontario plant and shares most of the mechanicals. Yes, the profile is unmistakably Dodge/Chrysler, but a walk around reveals a distinctly Volkswagen visage and a softer, more attractive rear end treatment. In fact, the only body panels shared with the Chrysler are its side doors and roof. The panel gaps, however, are more Windsor than Wolfsburg.

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