2001 Volkswagen EuroVan: Road Test
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2001 Volkswagen EuroVan ▼
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- MSRP: $26,200 -$27,700
- Invoice: $23,810 -$25,165
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Our road test for the 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan help you decide if a 2001 Volkswagen EuroVan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Inadequate power no longer a Eurovan characteristic. Movement off the line is good, and the transmission is quick to downshift for drama-free highway merging. Overall, feels faster than VW's claimed 11.8 sec 0-60 mph. Long uphill climbs and fast-paced passing situations still tax the V6, though.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
No opportunity to measure in the '01 version, but poor in 2000 models--11.7-16.0 mpg in our tests--and not likely to improve. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
More body motion over bumps and dips than most vans, and the tires thud soundly over tar strips and broken pavement. But harshness is filtered out, leaving a taut European ride feel.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Tall body leans deliberately in turns, and gusty crosswinds demand some counter-steer. But the new 16-inch tires furnish surprising grip, noseplow through corners is modest, and, with help from the standard antiskid system, overall stability compares to that of lighter, smaller minvans. Direct, communicative steering. Lots of nosedive in hard stops, but brakes feel strong, easily modulated.
QUIETNESS
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
Bluff shape generates marked wind noise at highway speeds, and tires drum and thump on all but smooth surfaces. Engine growls in hard throttle, but is unobtrusive otherwise.
CONTROLS
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.7 |
Clear analog gauges nicely set off with violet backlighting. Controls obvious in function, but somewhat undersized, especially those for standard dual-zone climate system. Rear climate control panel is on left roof pillar, inaccessible to right-side passenger. Transmission shifter has no overdrive lockout button, and inadequate detents make downshifting hit or miss. Cabin decor is no-frills, but sophisticated in materials and design.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Ample space on firm but rather flat seats that lack height adjustment. Unorthodox driving position with a small-diameter steering wheel fixed in place at a relatively flat angle and a short, floor-mounted gear shift an awkward reach away. Wheel well intrusion cuts foot space. Narrow door sills and tall step in detract from entry/exit ease. High driving stance, big mirrors, big windows equal superb outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
GLS has terrific 2nd-row people space on supportive seats. MV's rear-facing buckets and pop-up tabletop are novel, but seatbacks are uncomfortably upright. Both have width for three medium adults on the 3rd-row bench. Lack of power right-side door and of any left-side rear door are painful omissions.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 9.2 |
All rear MV seats unlatch and remove. GLS's 3rd row must be unbolted to remove, and on both, the 3rd-row bench must exit through side door. Still, among the most commodious minivans, especially behind the 3rd seat, where 19 cu ft is divided by a sturdy, horizontal shelf. Plenty of bins and cupholders, though locking glovebox is in driver's door panel, not dashboard.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5.5 |
Still quirky and lacking in expected features like a left-side sliding door, but the price cut and improved performance merit attention. Unique camp-out-ready MV is the star here; most other minivans outrank GLS for strictly passenger use.
Total Score
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | 44 | 54.5 |
Total Score: 44
Scores for all Minivans
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