2003 Volkswagen EuroVan: Road Test
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2003 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 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan help you decide if a 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
With more weight and less muscle than most V6 rivals, EuroVan has lackluster off-the-line pickup and midrange punch, though transmission kicks down quickly for passing. Coarse, unprogressive throttle action hampers smooth low-speed driving.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Test MV averaged 18.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. That's slightly better than most minivans, but premium fuel is required.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Not a strong point. Chassis absorbs small bumps well, but larger ones pound through, washboard surfaces induce wheel patter at highway speeds, and languid pitching occurs on even moderate dips and humps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.3 |
Antiskid system helps maintain grip in fast cornering, but tight turns encourage much slowing, as nose plow and tipsy-feeling body lean set in early. Tall, blocky EuroVan also wanders a lot in gusty crosswinds. Fast stops produce marked nosedive, but the brakes feel strong and are easily modulated.
QUIETNESS
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
Noisy even in gentle cruising, with loud thumping and body drumming on rough roads, ample wind rush, and fair coarse-surface tire thrum.
CONTROLS
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 6.1 |
Radio and climate controls are small and a long reach away. Switchgear fine otherwise. Legible gauges are nicely lit in violet. Low-mounted shift lever is awkward to use. No-frills cabin decor, but most materials impress.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 |
Limited head and leg room for taller folks. Seats rather flat, have tedious backrest adjusters. Driver seat doesn't adjust for height, and fixed steering wheel sits at a buslike angle. Very narrow door sills and intrusive windshield posts demand contortions to avoid banged heads on entry. Large windows and thin roof pillars aid visibility, though multiple headrests hinder the view aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.9 |
GLS has great 2nd-row people space. MV's rear-facing middle buckets force occupants to sit bolt upright and fight for leg space with taller 3rd-row riders, but an in-between pop-up table can be handy. Both models have enough 3rd-row width for three medium-sized adults. Lack of left-side rear door and power-door operation are big minuses for a modern minivan.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9.3 |
Enormous in full-cargo mode, but you need a wrench to remove the GLS's 2nd- and 3rd-row seats. The 19 cu ft behind the 3rd seat can be split with a horizontal shelf. EuroVan has no console bin or glovebox, but there are locking map pockets and a few small cubbies. Twin front cupholders sit inconveniently on floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5.9 |
It's slow, cumbersome, noisy, and lacks some features many buyers demand, but EuroVan is roomy, well-built, and reasonably priced for its standard equipment. Still, it's far from the best minivan choice.
Total Score
| GLS | MV | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 43 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 44
Scores for all Minivans
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