1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2003 Volkswagen EuroVan
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1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan ▼
- Price Range: $0 - $21,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger room
- Visibility
Cons
- Acceleration
- Road noise
- Control layout
- Steering/handling
- Entry/exit
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in spring of 1992, as a 1993 model, Volkswagen's EuroVan replaced the rear-engined, rear-drive Vanagon, which left the lineup in fall 1991. EuroVan had its 109-horsepower, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine up front, driving the front wheels. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional. EuroVan came in CL and GL trim, along with a camper-oriented MV model. All versions rode a 115.0-inch wheelbase and measured 186.6 inches long overall, compared to 97 and 180 inches for the Vanagon. Base CL and midlevel GL models seated seven, with a 2-seat center bench and a 3-place rear bench. The MV also seated seven but had a pair of rear-facing middle buckets, a swing-up middle table, and a rear bench that folded into a bed. An optional Weekender Package for the MV included a pop-up roof with an integral double bed, plus a refrigerated cooler and screened, curtained windows. Front and rear air conditioning were standard on GL and MV models, optional on CL. Antilock brakes were optional, but a driver's airbag was not available.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volkswagen EuroVan GLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Volkswagen EuroVan:
No 1994 EuroVans were issued, as Volkswagen planned to launch a revised version in the spring of that year, as an early '95 model.
1995 Volkswagen EuroVan:
Volkswagen had planned to introduce a revised EuroVan with dual airbags for 1995, but retreated from that intention. No regular 1995 EuroVans were marketed, but a small number of EuroVan Campers, built with the assistance of Winnebago Industries, went on sale through certain VW dealerships. Campers rode a stretched wheelbase, measuring 130.7 inches instead of the usual 115-inch. Seating for four was standard. An optional 2-place middle bench increased seating capacity to six. The middle and 2-place rear bench seats were removable, and the middle seat could also face rearward. Front bucket seats pivoted 360 degrees. A 2-person sleeping room popped out of the roof, and a wardrobe closet sat behind a sliding door. The built-in kitchen includes a 2-burner LP gas range, a refrigerator, stainless-steel sink, cabinets, and a 12-gallon water tank.
1996 Volkswagen EuroVan:
Once again, Campers were the only EuroVans on the market.
1997 Volkswagen EuroVan:
For the third year in a row, only Campers were marketed.
1998 Volkswagen EuroVan:
Campers again were the only EuroVans to be found in the U.S. market.
1999 Volkswagen EuroVan:
Volkswagen revived the regular EuroVan for 1999, modifying the basic 1993 design, freshening the interior and installing a V6 engine, as well as dual airbags. GLS and MV (Multivan) models went on sale. Rated at 140 horsepower, the 2.8-liter VR6 was modified to yield more torque in the EuroVan than it did in other Volkswagen models. A 4-speed automatic was the only transmission. A EuroVan could tow a 4400-pound trailer (if equipped with brakes), and had a cargo capacity of half a ton. Low-speed traction control was standard. EuroVans had fully independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and antilock braking. The body was strengthened, with reinforced floor panels and stronger B/C pillars. Daytime running lights were installed, as well as a child safety lock for the sliding door. Standard GLS equipment included power windows, a pollen/dust filter, air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, 6-speaker cassette stereo, intermittent wipers, heated windshield-washer nozzles, rear wiper/washer, and power mirrors. Seating seven, the GLS had a forward-facing center bench and a 3-place rear bench. The MV also seated seven, but had two separate rear-facing seats and a triple rear bench. An optional Weekender Package for the MV included a pop-up roof with 2-person bed, full-swiveling captain's chairs, window screens for two side sliding windows, a second battery, and a fixed left rear-facing seat with a refrigerator stowed beneath its lift-up seat bottom. Extended-wheelbase Camper versions remained on sale.
2000 Volkswagen EuroVan:
Second-row bucket seats became available for the GLS model this year. New features included rear-seat reading lights, tinted rear glass, and remote central locking.
2001 Volkswagen EuroVan:
EuroVan's engine was substantially revised and gained 61 horsepower. Antiskid system and rear child-seat anchors were also added.
2002 Volkswagen EuroVan:
There were no significant changes for 2002.
2003 Volkswagen EuroVan:
Unchanged for the second straight year. Due to slow sales the EuroVan was dropped at the end of 2003.
Our road test for the 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Far more modern than the old rear-drive Vanagon, EuroVan retained Volkswagen's traditional virtues of mammoth interior room and utility. What it lacked was contemporary styling and carlike comfort. Though acceleration with the 5-cylinder engine is adequate for most tasks, you cannot easily merge into freeway traffic or pass at will on 2-lane roads, without planning ahead. Ride quality is much firmer than on most minivans, too. The suspension notices nearly every pavement flaw, even if it provides a relatively flat ride and fine overall quality. Engine noise is prominent at all speeds. Road and engine noise are intrusive at highway speeds. European character is evident in the very firm but supportive chair-like seats, and in absence of interior ornamentation. The rear bench folds down for more space, or can be unbolted to create room for a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Step-up into the interior is higher than in most competitors. Gauges are unobstructed, but the driving position is buslike, with the steering wheel fixed at an awkward horizontal angle. It's a long reach to the stubby floor-mounted shift lever. Climate controls are confusing. Visibility is almost panoramic, though the driver sees too many headrests in the mirror. The VR6 engine of 1999-00 adds some welcome power, but it's still sluggish. A test model took a leisurely 12.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and averaged only 16 mpg, including plenty of highway driving. Nimble at freeway speeds, the latest EuroVan is highly maneuverable in snug spaces. Still, it feels somewhat "tippy" in tight turns and the front end tends to plow severely in aggressive cornering. Seats are firm and comfortable. No minivan has more passenger or cargo room, but entry into the front seat is tricky.
Value for the Money
For shoppers who favor strictly practical virtues, a EuroVan might be worth the price, though not many are on the used-car market. Those who seek stylishness, performance, or car-like comfort will have to look elsewhere.
For shoppers who favor strictly practical virtues, a EuroVan might be worth the price, though not many are on the used-car market. Those who seek stylishness, performance, or car-like comfort will have to look elsewhere.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volkswagen EuroVan GLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volkswagen EuroVan includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volkswagen EuroVan .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The CD player skips if the vertical/horizontal switch is out of adjustment. (1995-2000)
Battery:
The Premium-V radio drains the battery if the technician's test equipment is removed before the entire test sequence is finished. (1999)
Horn:
Water gets into the horn and distorts the sound unless a splash shield is installed. (1997)
Transmission leak:
The final drive unit was factory filled with automatic-transmission fluid that leaks from the vent. Later models were filled with final drive oil which will also fix the leak problem on these models. (1994-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $590 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,450 |
| Brakes | $310 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $730 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $670 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $875 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
Our price chart for this generation Volkswagen EuroVan details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| EuroVan | $12,500-17,500 | $11,300-15,800 | $7,100-10,000 |
| Weekender | $20,000-23,000 | $18,400-21,200 | $13,000-15,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| EuroVan | $10,200-15,000 | $9,200-13,500 | $5,300-7,800 |
| Weekender | $17,000-19,000 | $15,600-17,500 | $10,900-12,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| EuroVan | $8,200-12,500 | $7,400-11,300 | $4,200-6,400 |
| Weekender | $14,000-16,000 | $12,700-14,600 | $8,500-9,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| EuroVan | $6,900-10,300 | $6,100-9,200 | $3,200-4,800 |
| Weekender | $12,000-14,000 | $10,800-12,600 | $6,700-7,800 |
| 1999 | |||
| EuroVan | $5,800-8,500 | $5,000-7,400 | $2,400-3,600 |
| Weekender | $10,000-12,000 | $9,000-10,800 | $5,200-6,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| EuroVan Camper | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1997 | |||
| EuroVan Camper | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1996 | |||
| EuroVan Camper | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1995 | |||
| EuroVan Camper | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1993 | |||
| EuroVan | $1,800-3,000 | $1,200-2,000 | $300-500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volkswagen EuroVan include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | MV 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 130.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 202.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 80.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4745 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 201.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In its initial form, the 5-cylinder engine developed 109 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission might be installed. When EuroVan reentered the market in 1999, they were fitted with a 2.8-liter V6 engine, developing 140 horsepower. The V6 gained 61 horsepower in 2001, bringing it up to 201 hp.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 2.8 / 170 | 201 | 181 | 4-speed automatic: 17/20 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I5 | 2.5 / 150 | 109 | 140 | 5-speed manual: 17/21 4-speed automatic: 17/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 2.8 / 170 | 140 | 177 | 4-speed automatic: 15/20 | 4-speed automatic: 11.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volkswagen EuroVan include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 EuroVan |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 1 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-2003 Volkswagen EuroVan directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993:
Connecting ends of fuel feed and return hoses in engine compartment can "settle" over time, which could cause clamps to lose their tight fit and permit fuel seepage.
1993:
Improperly installed torsion spring can cause emergency brake to release.
1993:
Upper locking bolt holding steering assembly's universal joint can loosen, rendering steering system inoperative.
1997 Camper:
During installation of camping equipment on some vans, an improperly adjusted power-tool drill bit punctured the fuel-tank vapor container, which will allow fuel vapors to escape.
2001:
Instructions for child-restraint anchorage system are incorrect.
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