2003 VOLKSWAGEN EuroVan

What will I do without my Eurovan ?!?!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I gave this van 10/10 for design, though i realize many people wouldn't think this way. This van was built for practicality, not faux luxury, and that is why it didn't survive in the American market. We bought this van 3 years old, with a pretty hefty number of miles on it, while stationed overseas. It racked up a ton of miles, and the only two problems it ever gad, were, suprise it's a volkswagen, electrical: not terribly expensive, and totally manageable if you know what you're doing. No mechanical problems whatsoever at 7 years old, and almost 125,000 miles ! We were rear-ended and totalled this weeked at a very high speed: van didn't collapsee in toward us at all ! Nothing like it :o(

Best Van on the road today

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased this van to replace our 93 MV with 193,000 miles. This Eurovan has been exceptionally reliable with 132,000 miles, everything works on this van virtually no problems. Only replaced tires and brake pads, 19 MPG on REG gas, By far the best van in the world bar none.Family of 5, son is 6' 2" and fits with ease. Lots of space, comfortable, fast, handles like a VW known for, great visibility, sit up high, fit and finish still like new, cloth on seats show very little wear, AC is awesome, love overhead AC vents, Has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, wife loves it, kids love it, friends say it is cool and will ride in ours but not in minivans. I would buy again and again!

Camper Van Nightmare!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

I have the Winnebago Camper version. Original owner and it's a horrible lemon. I'm on the third set of tires (recommended tires are no longer manufactured!). A/C ($1500) went out at 3 yrs., 58,000 miles. Brakes replaced 2x so far. And now I have to replace my timing chain ($2000). All this on a 5 year old, 75,000 mile vehicle. Oh yeah, the transmission is starting to slip a little, that's next! Don't buy this lemon!

Winkel No Ka Oi

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

We purchased a used 2003 Eurovan Weekender in February 2008. What a pure joy as a family of 4 to own and drive. We are consistently complimented on our wagon. It has far exceeded our expectations in roominess, handling and ease of operation. Our kids absolutely love being in it. Go get one today!

2003 Eurovan Review

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Driving this van is like riding on a cloud. Smooth transmission with power to pass as needed. INterior is deceivingly huge (you can easily carry ten 4x8' pieces of drywall in the back!). Seats could be bigger, and if you are over 6' tall, the sun visor limits your sight distance a bit. Rear facing 2nd row limits the recline of the front seats, but makes cargo space a snap.

One problem after another

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

We've had one problem after another with our Eurovan. Great when everything works correctly. The outside door handles have now failed twice (both front doors!). Told by VW that it's not a design flaw, out of warranty and paid nearly $800 to have them fixed only to have the driver's side fail again 6 months later. Now I can't unlock the doors with the keyless entry or hand key without them locking again immediately. Looking for a replacement vehicle now.

Useful space but very poor AC

Performance: 4 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 2

Very spacious inside with a nice feel to it and useful extras such as step lights for safety. However the whole vehicle is sadly spoilt by the awful AC which is totally unable to deal with the climate in the Middle East. Have 2 of these vehicles and we can't use them for 3 months of the year as it's so uncomfortable in the heat. I don't know why VW sell it in hot climates when the AC cannot cope - didn't they uprate it for this market?

Love It!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Just getting into our 2003 Eurovan. It was a VW executive use here in Canada. It only has 12,000 km on it so time will tell. First impressions are, there isn't a vehicle on the market here in Canada that even comes close to this in build quality. Superb!

What A Fun Mini Van

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought the MV Weekender Package. 4 years and 60,000 miles later couldn't be happier with the car. There isn't a more fun minivan out there. Kids just love it. No complaints, holding up well. Premium gas is only negative I can think off.

Awesome Performance

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my second Eurovan and my fifth VW van. This 2003 model has awesome performance compared to other VW vans. The pickup is outstanding and the traction control (ESP) is the best I've ever driven. Braking is excellent. The only complaint is that I’ve had to replace the brake pads at thirty thousand mile intervals (using factory brake parts). It’s a solid vehicle. The VR6 engine is a monster!

2003 EuroVan GLS

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This couldn't have bought a more versatile van. It's roomy and seats seven adults very comfortably.

A Unique Vehicle - What Resale!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 3

I bought this for my wife's business. She hauls a lot of clothes and we equipped with front and back removable hanging rods. She can haul 200 pieces on hangers and the Eurovan has more floor to ceiling hanging height than any van we looked at. This vehicle gets more looks than my Bimmer. The young crowd loves it. We bought the weekender package for the wooden ceiling (to support hanging rods) and occasional getaway fun. It has proven to be very versatile. After pulling all of the seats it can haul a ton. The biggest surprise is resale value. At 3 1/2 years old with 25,000 miles on it, it is still valued at 90% plus of what I paid for it new...wow!

Would never buy a Eurovan again

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

This van has been nothing but trouble. It had brake problems that required towing the first day I bought it. Its air conditioning has malfunctioned twice and the dealer cannot fix it. Its electrical system malfunctioned (no speedometer/odomotor/etc) and it took the dealer a month to fix it. Its windshield is now loose and it turns out it is a PPG windshield not even an original Volkswagen part. A simple recommendation -- do not buy this van!

Exceptional Van

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

The VW Eurovan is the best minivan to hit the USA. Unfortunately it was killed by the high cost of manufacturing it in Germany and the low value of the dollar. The 2003 model was the last one imported here, but it is still available in Europe for the equivalent of about $45,000. It will outperform any other "standard model" minivan on the market. And it is known to outlast them as well. Think of this vehicle as an example of good German engineering and teutonic toughness. We refer to it as our "Fahrfegnugen Schleppenvagon" and enjoy it on trips immensely.

I Love My Eurovan...My Third!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my third Eurovan (two 1993's and this 2003) and I have loved them all, but this 2003 is my favorite. The fit and finish of this vehicle is excellent and exceeds anything else out there. It provides wonderful, balanced power. Its solid feel and excellent road manners make this van a true joy to drive. In all honesty, I looked at all of the new vans available to make sure I wasn't missing anything. True, I don't have in-seat DVD players and I couldn't care less. What I do have is SPACE, huge quantities of it and functionality galore. We have enjoyed many road trips in our Eurovans. It defines Farfegnugen! Everybody who rides in my van loves it! I've gotten 25,000 miles of trouble free operation from this one so far.

All Purpose Hauler

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is our second Eurovan after owning a '93 for almost 100k miles. The VR6 is a wonderful engine, lots of power to tow our 26' Chris Craft, and decent mileage (~18 daily driving). All areas of the car were improved with one exception- the driving position was somehow made uncomfortable, I start to get leg cramps after half an hour. The van is much quieter than the older model, and cruising on the highway is effortless. The Michelin Enegy tires are great for comfort and handling, and they improve the fuel mileage, too. In addition to the better engine, VW added a rear stabiliser bar which improves the handling.

Accessible & Space!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Roomy second- and third-row seats, lots of headroom inside the cabin, responsive steering, capable brakes, only van door that meets ADA standards for door opening to accomodate wheelchair without modification. VW has a real gem of a disabled accessible rear cabin. Add only ramp and hold down and you are good to go with a wheelchair thanks to easy in/out of rear seat! Cons: Handling takes getting used to...especially around corners or parking, wind noise on highway similiar to early Suburbans, no driver-side sliding door or side airbags.

VW Eurovan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I LOVE this van! It has so much room for my family. I couldn't imagine being without it.

euro van

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

this is my second mv.Own the first one 10 years. the new motor is much better and the exterior is good looking.

EVUpdate

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A Very high quality vehicle that is actually fun to drive for a van. Solid feel on the road makes this an excellent long distance cruiser.

4 faults at 3000 miles!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

I wish I could love it. At 3000 miles I have the following problems with my 03 MV: Fuzzy sounding speakers, Heater/AC blower does not work, driver side window washer doesn't work, peeling plastic on the driver side door handle. I actually prefer my 2000 GMC Safari for comfort, but it's near the end of the warranty cycle, so it's for sale. Keeping the VW because of the still-fresh warranty.

Love it!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My 2nd Eurovan....first was the camper, but didn't camp enough. This is much better for us, and really great to drive! Although the family thinks it's a little boxy, they really love the interier and it's comfort. Recently traveled with 5 other adults and all raved about the comfort and how quiet it is. We love it!

fahrfeknugen schleppinvagon

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

With the rear seats facing each other and a fold up table, the kids actually interact on trips. We've camped in it, taken Scouts on trips, and everyone seems to love the space and layout. The VR6 engine is powerful and sounds great, although it drinks Premium fuel to provide such big punch in a small displacement. It takes up less space in the garage than our last mini-van, but it's larger inside. You sit tall, eye to eye with the big SUV drivers, but aren't driving a gas guzzler! Doors close with the assurance of a bank vault. This van is built to last, better get one while you can!

You Will like it

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Its a fun to drive, I like to call it a bus or a truck. I own 7 dogs and they travel with us everywhere. this van is very under rated.

This ain't no minivan!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Just got the van after researching the other minivans. Major "coolness" factor with this vehicle. Had to trade in my Audi A4, but worth it for my wife and growing kids. Plenty of room and utility. Not many bells and whistles, just the basic amenities. Nice feature, we can all sit facing each other and use the built in folding table to eat, play games, family time.

FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We have the Weekender package and have gone on several camping trips from 2 days to 3 weeks. Both of our kids (9&2) love it. Been to St.Augustine, FL and Death Valley, CA and lots in between. Great way to do things as a family. Van drives very well at freeway speeds and is quite stable, more so than it appears since it is tall. After driving a Chrysler van on a business trip, I really appreciate the VW, far better to drive, more room, more responsive. Overall very well built, machinery is very accessible after removing engine pan. (need to do that even for oil change) Tire wear is very good, looks like we'll get 55-60k on original tires.

Eurovan Weekender

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Although it doesn't have some of the convenience items the others have, I am very happy with it. It is a very functional vehicle, the gas mileage is better than I expected and the kids love it. It has a drum-tight quality feel to it. I've gotten many inquisitive/positive comments strangers. It is a very unique vehicle that I'm excited to own.

Unique and spacious

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This van is unique. You won't see yourself coming dowm the road every few minutes. It is very spacious and has surprisingly good pickup on the highway. The seating is upright, giving you a commanding view of the road, yet it has a very comfortable ride, unlike the SUVs with similar seating positions. It also handles amazing well for a tall vehicle.

Make Road Trippen Enjoyable

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Picked up our '03 MV a few months ago and love the car. I had owned a Vanagon for several years so I was already biased to the EV. Came from a Subaru Outback and needed a hauler to replace it and balance out the sport factor in our household auto collection ('00 Boxster). Honestly, some day I prefer rolling out of the house in the EV over the Boxster. It's a fantastic car even though, arguable over priced with what one would buy alternative manufacturers. Then again, I didn't want a mini van, baby hauler, etc!

The last sensible VAN on this planet

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The following made me choose this old discontinued beast over the Toyota Sienna: Toyota has shiny plastic in the instrumentational which causes specular highlight before 10 AM and after 3PM. EuroVan doesn't hat that stupid decorative panel. four-wheel disc brakes (Toyota only available in XLE: $32,000) third-row EDGE-to-EDGE seating. Not even Suburban has this. Easy (easiest) to get in and out of the passenger compartment.

Huge and easy to handle

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This minvan has more room than any others. It is great and handles really well for such a big vehicle. The engine is a little noisy in low gears but is great at high speed. The interior finition could be a little better. We like it!

driver found

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have always loved the design of the current body. It is so european. The design fulls you, as being a mini van, but it is by no way tiny inside like the rest. My first week I took a drive to Yosemite. It handles like a tight sport car, on the winding roads, not top heavy at all. If more people only knew, and only $25,000.00. Take a test drive soon and you"ll see.

Won't Be Any More - T5 Unlikely Here

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Photos of VW's new T5 abound on the net, but I doubt you'll see one in the US. With VW bringing the MicroBus, you'll have to decide whether the last Eurovan is for you We purchased a 2003 GLS (built in April 2002) & the Eurovan's overall utility is setting in. The Eurovan has certainly made errands & family trips much easier. It rides & handles much better than its height suggests, & build quality is high. We are impressed with its ease around town: power to accelerate/pass, no harder to park/backup than our 4Runner, & right size for a family of 5. All of this could be said about the vanilla minivans. But, the Eurovan has a niche & one you'll recognize

Eurovan is fabulous for family of 5

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I can not imagine why VW does not sell more Eurovans. As configured with the 201 hp VR6 and the lower price it is less expensive and more usefully equiped than any true minivans. At the same time it is big enough to handle every need without having to endure a Econline-type full size van. As a 40 year old father of three I have to admit I get a kick out of the fact that the young VW crowd thinks my family hauler is cool. I've received accepting nods and other positive gestures from 20 year olds driving Golfs and Passats. Not too many minivans owners can claim they get positive gestures from these younger drivers.

Quirky with a Great View

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

You'll ride high in the saddle with a Eurovan in your corral. Takes premium gas, entry/exit is a bit awkward, only has one slider but oh, the view. We love the German fit and finish and the caverous space, especially without the rear facing seat in our MV Weekender model. If you're looking for a top handling model pass on this one, but if you have touring and camping in mind this is one of a kind.

Think of it more as a Euro truck

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

No, it’s not a "minivan", where that term is currently defined as an overgrown passenger sedan. It is almost the size of a full size van on the outside and inside, but it is so much more driveable than any other full size van. The driving position is the popular "very high" - I can see over all other minivans and even most SUVs on the road. On separate occasions, I've hauled 1) 7 adults very comfortably, 2) a large roll-top desk, and 3) several pieces of 12-foot long 2x6 lumber. It all fits. We also used it on our family vacation last summer with great success. Too bad 2002 is the last production year.