2002 Volkswagen EuroVan: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

After gaining an antiskid system and 61 hp in mid-2001--while also cutting $5000 from its price--Volkswagen's slow-selling minivan returns unchanged for 2002. EuroVan offers people-mover GLS and recreation-oriented MV (MultiVan) models, both with a 201-hp V6 and automatic transmission. A long-wheelbase Camper conversion with stove, sink, furnace, and refrigerator can be special-ordered. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, but side airbags aren't offered. EuroVan comes only with a manual right-side sliding door; there's no left-side door or power-door option. GLS and MV seat seven with a folding 3rd-row bench and twin 2nd-row seats (rear facing on MV). Optional for MV is a "pop-top" roof incorporating a 2-person bed. VW's bumper-to-bumper warranty is now 4 years/50,000 mi. instead of 2/24,000, and the powertrain warranty is 5/60,000 instead of 10/100,000.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Dodge, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.

Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.