2003 Volkswagen EuroVan

Although they may no longer call it a ‘VW bus,’ the Volkswagen EuroVan remains the closest thing we have to a rolling icon of the era of Peace & Love. All I needed to be full-fledged 60s were love beads dangling from the rear view mirror, the scent of patchouli clinging to the upholstery and a bumper sticker that read, “Don’t laugh. Your daughter may be inside.”

The Good News
Well, OK, the engineering is a little more advanced than that of the old VW bus, and the steering wheel is now upright. But the essence of this Volkswagen van remains unscathed by years of automotive frou-frou. It’s basically the same no-frills, solidly constructed, functional and versatile van as its predecessor. That’s good or bad, depending on your tastes.

For starters, the EuroVan thumbs its nose at the industry’s current fascination with sleek aerodynamic design. It defiantly maintains its old-school boxiness, which makes it look like a dinosaur but gives it enviable interior room. The MV model I tested affords 187 cubic feet of passenger volume with 19 cubic feet of luggage space. I’ve seen smaller hotel rooms.

Those passengers, at least the rear ones, sit opposite one another with a three-seat bench and two rear-facing captain’s chairs that back up to the front seats. This unorthodox setup allows great floor space, easy entry/exit and the rear bench to fold down into a bed. Or, conversely, it allows your misbehaving children to kick each other in the shins. The fact you can easily reach around the driver’s seat and pinch at least one of them may remedy this.

Powering the EuroVan is VW’s VR6, a worthy 2.8-liter six-cylinder that produces 201 horses and 181 lb-ft of torque. You no longer have to hold your breath before pulling out into oncoming traffic. For all its lumbering looks and simpler-times demeanor, this EuroVan steps lively.

The same applies to its handling. As the only such vehicle sold in the U.S. to be fully born and bred in Germany, it reflects the stalwart standards of its mother country. Of course, this front-wheel-drive van is no BMW in the corners, nor is it as carlike as most of today’s minivans. But it is more agile and sure-footed than its appearance implies. Also notable is its fully independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and electronic stabilization program (ESP), all as standard equipment. The latter is a system that uses “sophisticated sensors” to detect yaw and position and thus react in your favor under sudden emergency maneuvers.

The Bad News
There is only one sliding door in an era when we’ve become accustomed to two, and it is a rather difficult door to manage, especially now that we’re spoiled by push buttons or electronic assistance.

There are no side airbags or curtain airbags for head protection, and there are only three-point seatbelts for outboard passengers in the back.

Then there is the EuroVan’s stodgy floor-mounted shifter that clunks from gear to gear and its old-fashioned – as opposed to deliberately retro – look. Like orthopedic shoes, it eschews all sense of style for functionality. On the other hand, you can steal unnoticed into flea markets and arts and crafts fairs where it says “vendors parking only.”

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 17 mpg city/20 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $27,700;
Price as tested, $28,660

Is it worth it?
As I mentioned, whether or not you embrace the EuroVan’s no-nonsense philosophy is a matter of personal preference. There is no standard CD player, no cushy seats, no 14 cupholders, navigation system or integrated rear entertainment setup for the kiddies unless you count playing cards on the foldout table. There isn’t even a center console. There are, however, power windows, mirrors and door locks and climate control. This EuroVan definitely has some advantages, though, and I guess its simplicity and tenacity to the original concept represent a worthy protest to today’s slick and gadget-laden family transportation. But safety measures, conveniences, style and performance rule this class, and the EuroVan seems woefully behind the times.

Love-Ins and flower power may have been in vogue when VW’s van first soared to popularity. But these days, it’s luxury and horsepower that sells.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville's daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.