Edmunds Daily
Chrysler may like to think that it invented the minivan. And while Chrysler does deserve credit for moving minivans into the mainstream, Volkswagen was selling its funky minivans decades earlier. But after VW decided to discontinue its own minivan in 2003 (due mostly to currency concerns), it was left without a competitive entry in the segment.
So perhaps it was a bit ironic that VW chose to badge-engineer a Chrysler minivan to sell as its own in 2009, in the form of the Routan. While its Chrysler/Dodge DNA might not be the most elite in the minivan lineage, last year they racked up nearly 200,000 sales, so it is not a bad place to start. Unfortunately, not only have the Chrysler Group minivans been updated for the 2011 model year, but competing models from Honda and Toyota have also undergone total redesigns recently. Without any improvements of its own, VW is left to offer bigger incentives on the Routan.
Now through January 3, 2011, VW is offering zero percent financing for up to 72 months (that's six years to you and me). Those looking to lease will find lease rates as low as 1 percent, along with lease cash ranging from $2,750 to $4,250 (depending on model).
Let's hope Chrysler's initial myriad minivan quality issues have been addressed in the Routan. But even putting that aside, it's important to recognize that this is not a segment-leading minivan. It's a competent people mover with a hint of European flair, but rival models like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna will serve the typical minivan buyer better. Then again, none of those are offering 72 months of free financing. For the latest incentives and rebates, click here.
