Volkswagen minivan was introduced in 1960 because it was durable and cheap to run. Many Americans loved this type of vehicle. Volkswagen Mini van was invented in 1950 or some 33 years before Chrysler Corporation introduced its first minivan and took credit for creating this type of vehicle. Volkswagen started selling minivans in America in 1950. The first model was called the transporter. The Euro van is a far cry from the 1960’s models, which were roomy but had sorely underpowered engines and really skinny tires. As with the 1960’s, the transporter used reliable Volkswagen Beetle auto components such as a rear mounted air cooled engine and four-speed manual transmission. Early 1950’s transporter had bright two-tone colors and hauled up to nine persons in its brick-shaped body. It only had 30-horsepower engine. During early 1950, American cars weren’t fast, and many publications recognized the practicality of the strange new Volkswagen. Volkswagen steadily improved its minivan.
The fourth generation Volkswagen minivan was named as Euro van in 1993. Euro van was the first minivan with the engine up front. But it just had 109-horsepower five-cylinder engine. Due to low engine capacity, sales went down drastically. Euro van was again revised in 1999 with an engine capacity of 140-horsepower V6. But 2001 model got a new 201 horsepower V6, making it seem almost like a hot rod. Other new features that 2001 model had was Electronic stability control system, slightly larger wheels, single seats for second-row seating, new premium stereo and integrated fog lights.
Euro van is a 7 passenger vehicle. GLS has two forward facing second row seats, while MV has two rear facing second row seats positioned back-to-back with the front seats. Other features of MV model are it has a folding table with side curtain windows and a rear bench seat. Euro van cruises at 75-80 mph all day with pretty good 65-75 mph passing times. It has a 21.1 gallon fuel tank. Euro van can fit easily in most of the garages. Steering is decent and handling is good for such a tall vehicle. Ride is generally well controlled and brake pedal is soft. This mini van is ideal for those looking for a reasonably priced, well-equipped, high quality minivan that is an alternative to the large number of mainstream minivans. Some major competitors of 2001 Volkswagen Euro van are Chevrolet Astro, Mazda MPV, Chrysler Voyager, Honda Odyssey, Ford Wind star, Toyota Sienna etc.
Brayan Peter is an expert author for Eurovan. He has written many articles like Eurovan Camper, VW Vanagons, Camper Van, Honda Elements, Used Roadtrek. For more information visit our site Eurovan Weekender. Contact me at info.poptopheaven@gmail.com
