2003 Volkswagen EuroVan: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Unchanged for a second straight year, Volkswagen's slow-selling EuroVan offers people-mover GLS and recreation-oriented MV (MultiVan) models, plus a long-wheelbase Camper conversion with stove, sink, furnace, and refrigerator. The Camper is available only by special order. All models come with a V6, 4-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and antiskid system. Side airbags aren't offered. Neither is a left-side sliding door or a power-door option; EuroVan comes only with a manual right-side sliding door. 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.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that 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 Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.