Routan vs Town & Country: The Strange Tale of Minivan Doppelgängers
2009 Volkswagen Routan
VW's Chrysler-built oddity (2008-2013)
2009 Chrysler Town & Country
America's minivan benchmark
The Partnership That Raised Eyebrows
In 2005, Volkswagen and Chrysler struck an unlikely deal that would produce one of the most fascinating badge-engineering experiments in automotive history. The arrangement:
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Volkswagen's Motivation
- Needed quick entry into US minivan market
- Lacked R&D budget for ground-up design
- Wanted to leverage Chrysler's minivan expertise
- Hoped to attract different buyer demographics
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Chrysler's Calculations
- Excess capacity at Windsor Assembly Plant
- Opportunity to amortize platform costs
- Potential to learn from German engineering
- $700 million contract for 100,000 units
Industry Context
This partnership emerged during Detroit's darkest days, when the Big Three were shedding brands and platforms. The Routan represented a rare example of cross-town collaboration in an industry known for fierce competition.
Mechanical Twins With Personality Differences
| Feature | VW Routan | Chrysler T&C |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Chrysler RT (shared) | |
| Engines | 3.8L V6 (197hp) 4.0L V6 (251hp) |
3.3L V6 (175hp) 3.8L V6 (197hp) 4.0L V6 (251hp) |
| Suspension | European-tuned dampers Stiffer sway bars |
Softer comfort tuning |
| Transmission | 62TE 6-speed automatic | |
| Weight | 4,652 lbs (SEL) | 4,589 lbs (Touring) |
Where They Diverged
- Front fascia: Routan got VW's corporate grille
- Interior materials: Routan had softer-touch plastics
- Seat upholstery: VW used unique fabric patterns
- Suspension tuning: Routan 15% stiffer in front
- Sound deadening: Routan added 12lbs more insulation
Driving Experience: Sibling Rivalry
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Routan's German Flavors
- Firmer suspension reduced body roll
- Heavier steering effort (3.2 vs 2.8 turns lock-to-lock)
- Later throttle mapping for smoother starts
- Transmission tuned for higher shift points
T&C's American Comfort
- Softer ride absorbed bumps better
- Lighter steering for parking ease
- More immediate throttle response
- Earlier upshifts for fuel economy
Real-World Testing Notes
On Michigan's notoriously rough roads, the Routan's stiffer tuning translated to 23% more cabin vibration at highway speeds. However, it demonstrated 0.03g more lateral grip on skidpad tests, with drivers noting better feedback during emergency maneuvers.
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Interior Showdown: Family Hauler Practicality
Seating and Storage
- Stow 'n Go: Both offered Chrysler's innovative system
- Third-row access: Identical 18.5" passage width
- Cargo volume: 143.8 cu-ft with seats folded (both)
- Cup holders: T&C had 15 to Routan's 13
Technology and Features
- Entertainment: Same DVD system, different interfaces
- Climate control: Routan omitted rear-seat controls
- Instrumentation: VW used different gauge graphics
- Storage bins: T&C had two more small compartments
The Market Responds: Sales and Legacy
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Sales Performance
- Routan peak year: 14,600 (2009)
- T&C peak year: 112,000 (2005)
- Price premium: Routan cost $1,200 more
- Discontinuation: Routan axed after 2013
Why It Failed
- Too similar to justify price difference
- Missed VW's quality expectations
- Launched during financial crisis
- Confused brand positioning
Collector's Corner
Today, well-maintained Routans attract niche interest as automotive curiosities. The rarest is the 2013 "Final Edition" with only 347 units produced. Values range $5,000-$12,000 versus $3,500-$8,000 for comparable T&Cs.
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Modern Perspective: Lessons Learned
Industry Impact
- Demonstrated limits of badge engineering
- Showed importance of distinct brand DNA
- Influenced later partnerships (Toyota/BMW, Ford/VW)
Buying One Today
For those considering these minivans on the used market:
- Reliability: 4.0L V6 models most durable
- Watch for: Transmission issues after 80k miles
- Best year: 2011-2013 for updated electronics
- Parts: Mechanical components easy to source
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MotorVero's Verdict
The Routan/Town & Country experiment remains a fascinating case study in automotive platform sharing. While the Routan failed commercially, it demonstrated how subtle tuning changes can create distinct personalities from the same mechanical foundation. Today, these minivans offer budget-friendly family transportation, with the Routan's rarity giving it slight collector appeal as an oddball chapter in Volkswagen's American journey.
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