2009 Volkswagen Routan Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

16 -17 City / 23 -25 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

197 -251

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Tina B

I drive short distances and not to frequently.

This car is comfortable, very dependable, looks good and not a gas hog. So far, I have only had it for a year) my only complaints are lack of pickup when entering highway and a turning radius that seems to big when parking. Wish I could remove the third row seats and move the second row back a bit.

Kim K

I feel pampered and safe in this vehicle., warm in winter, cool in summer.

The seats are very comfortable.The front seats can be heated. The audio system is clear and balanced. The side doors open on both sides, automatically with a key fob. Rear window wiper and defroster helps a lot in the winter.

Jason W

The car is roomy and easy to drive.

The vehicle has no problems even though it is around 9 years old. The vehicle rarely needs repairs, and it is very roomy. The vehicle control is very easy to use and it is a very good choice of a van. If your child was learning to drive, this would be a great car for them to start on.

Frank D

Runs great lots of room great on gas.

The suspension gives a smooth ride over rough roads and streets. The options makes ease of handling.

Celeste H

Good van for a family of seven.

Good van it's transmission can slip and with transitioning gears. That might need to be replaced but otherwise the van has a good long time. Moves smoothly, has great mileages and the sliding doors are great with small kids. Hatch that opens with sound to let you know it's going up.

John G

It provides reliable and comfortable transportation for all three us of us (me, spousal partner and big dog).

I like being able to haul items which I couldn't do in a regular car. We have a nice comfortable place for our dog when she goes with us. I have had few maintenance and repair problems with this van.

William H

This is not your father's VW van...

My vehicle is outstanding. It has great looks. It is really dependable and pretty much maintenance free. It has great power. Not grandfather's van. Gas mileage is pretty good. Very comfortable. I drove it cross country and it was a pleasure. Drivability. Is outstanding. Is smooth and corners and tracks easily. Extremely dependable vehicle.

Thomas J

It was a good buy I recommend it!

Its a diesel vehicle. It has a lot of room, you can easily carry 5 or 7 people. It is very practical too.

Negative Owner Reviews

Tara D

Nothing interesting. . . My vehicle is awful.

It is falling apart. . . Antifreeze is leaking brakes are going. . . I am always getting something fixed on it. . . Always needs new tires. It is always shaking. . The gas gage does not work. . The door is falling apart. . . It is not safe to drive. . . It is too big always replacing lights.

Kasey K

It was discontinued and it is cheaply made. I would not purchase this vehicle ever again. If I could I would get my money back for the vehicle.

Lots of problems with breaks and leather in vehicle. The thing is junk.

Jason H

It is a heavy vehicle and pretty awful when it comes to gas mileage.

I like that my vehicle is large enough for the entire family with plenty of room for luggage and such. But the van has had its fair share of electrical issues. Each of the rear doors are electrical, so they often times give issues on opening.

Teresa W

The engine is not made by Volkswagen. The VW Routan has a town and country engine in it. And that's a good thing because repairs cost less this way. The mechanic said our van is "special" because it evidently has an identity crisis being it has a VW body but a Town and Country (I think that's Chrysler maybe?) engine.

What I like about the van is the roominess of it. I also like how the farthest back seat will fold down into the floorboard to make a huge area to pack stuff. I also like that the van will fit our entire family of five people and our two dogs. What I don't like is that the van has a few problems that we can not afford to get fixed, the rear passenger window quit working. I also don't like that the AC sucks up all the gas really fast when we use it and we need the AC because we have very hot summers here.

Myra T

The car handles well and drives smoothly, for the most part; we have just had numerous repairs lately. When we first got the car, we enjoyed it a lot.

My husband and I have had numerous repairs in the past 6 months, including replacing the radiator, several hoses, starter, ignition coil, etc... So, I do like my vehicle, but I wish it would quit falling apart. These repairs are adding up, and I feel like we're doing a new repair every month or so.

Vee I

Volkswagen minivan review.

Comfortable. Great family car. Roomy. . Has a heavy engine and a horrible turning radius. Gas is expensive. Lots of nice features such as buttons for the kids to open and close their door also each seat has its own ac vent. The sears heat and there a DVD hook up.

Volkswagen Routan Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

197 HP 18 MPG 7 Seats

S w/RSE

197 HP 18 MPG 7 Seats

SE w/RSE

197 HP 18 MPG 7 Seats

SEL

251 HP 20 MPG 7 Seats

SEL w/RSE

251 HP 20 MPG 7 Seats

SEL Premium

251 HP 20 MPG 7 Seats

Photos may not match model

2009 Volkswagen Routan Owner Reviews

4.14

29 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

48%

4 stars

31%

3 stars

14%

2 stars

1 star

Alison M on March 20, 2021

If you are tall you will not like the leg room in this van, even as the driver.

I like the storage in the back of the van. The leg room is small for my tall kids but perfect for me. I like that the seat moves up and the pedals can be adjusted as well.

Kara H on January 21, 2021

0it may have issues, but at 170,000 miles, it's still trucking.

It definitely isn't loaded, and doesn't have bells and whistles. But I love the room, and the automatic sliding doors. This particular model has an issue, though. Sometimes it won't start. We've replaced everything, taken it in, looked online, and this is common. With no answers. It always starts after a few minutes, but it's still obnoxious.

View All Reviews (29)

Pros from Owners

Celeste H.

Automatic sliding doors, heat warning, automatic seats. Automatic hatch with beeping sounds for warning. Sensors on the sliding doors. Child locks to keep children from getting in and out. Easy to adjust mirrors.

Cons from Owners

Celeste H.

Blind spot in the front window which makes it hard to see if a cars backside is too close to your front. Hard to turn off the traction if it gets triggered so you have to pull over turn off the car and restart it. Transmission can get old over uses and needs to be replaced which cost a pretty penny.

Ranks #5 Minivans by Owners

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan has an average owner rating of 4.14 out of 5 which ranks it #5 of 7 other Minivans.

2009 Toyota Sienna

4.38

2009 Honda Odyssey

4.37

Tie

2009 Volkswagen Routan

4.14

Ranks #1 Minivans by Fuel Economy

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan has a combined MPG of 25 which ranks it #1 of 7 other Minivans.

Tie

2009 Honda Odyssey

25 MPG

Tie

2009 Volkswagen Routan

25 MPG

Tie

2009 Chrysler Town & Country

25 MPG

Is The 2009 Volkswagen Routan A Good Car?

Yes. Its reliable, and an easy drive with lots of room without sacrificing comfort. It also has plenty of power.

Jessica S.

Yes it is a very good van. I use it all of the time for my 3 kids. Doors open and shut with a push of a button and it is safety is amazing.

Celeste H.

Yes because it runs for a long time and doesn't have any mechanical issues. It's a great car with great features.

Keshni K.

Outstanding vehicle. Very good gas mileage. Very good looking. Very comfortable vehicle. Outstanding vehicle to drive.

William H.

I would never buy another Volkswagen. We have had too many problems out of the one that I own. We have had to get the transmission fixed and then replaced, constantly having problems & I don’t... Read More

Rebecca M.

Yes, drives well. Good power and gas mileage. Very comfy and roomy. Drove cross country and was extremely up leased with all aspects of purifoy and comfort.

Lex E.

How Reliable Is The 2009 Volkswagen Routan?

Very reliable. No issues that I have experienced other than regular wear and tear. It has the advantage of being manufactured by DaimlerChrysler and so it's easy to fix/find parts for.

Jessica S.

Very reliable. If you lose traction the will slow fowler and you indicator light we come up telling you have lost traction with the group.

Celeste H.

Yes. No problems. It is 10 years old and we are still going on strong. I think that this car will continue to run without problems for a long time.

Keshni K.

. It is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned.No problems to speak off other than basic maintenance.

William H.

I do not consider this a reliable vehicle. It has left me stranded multiple times when I was alone & didn't know what to do. Something in the ignition that was a recall that left me stranded because... Read More

Carole L.

No problems at all.Performance and reliability are outstanding. Really glad I purchased this vehicle.

Stephanie B.

Is The 2009 Volkswagen Routan A Good Value?

I bought mine second hand. It had been well maintained and was in excellent condition. It gets 20-25 mpg and is cost effective for maintenance and repairs.

Jessica S.

I cannot remember how much we paid for it but it was a good deal compared to some other places I could have gotten it from.

Celeste H.

It costs a bit. It is good value for what it gives you, but if you aren't ready to drive a big van, then I suggest you don't pocket out the money for this car.

Keshni K.

I bought it in 2015 for 7500 dollars. It only had 54000 miles at the time. Extremely good value. Now only has 64000 miles.

William H.

I paid 7,500 for it in August of 2015. Vehicle only had 54,000 miles on it at the time. This vehicle is an extremely excellent value

Richard S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2009 VW Routan transmission fluid type?

Answer: If You want to know what kind of transmission fluid Your 2009 Volkswagen Routan can take, I can help You with that. The recommended transmission fluid type on the Routan is ATF +4. Some of the products that You...

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: If Your 2009 Volkswagen Routan has a 3.8 L V6 engine then You will have a timing chain but if You've got the 4.0 L V6 then You will have a timing belt. If You've got the engine with a chain then You likely...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety