Date:         Wed, 6 Jan 1999 12:20:20 -0800
Reply-To:     Ari Ollikainen <Ari@OLTECO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ari Ollikainen <Ari@OLTECO.COM>
Subject:      Unflattering '99 EuroVan review in Detroit News
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

        The authors are opinionated...

        From http://detnews.com/AUTOS/9901/06/drove/drove.htm

[...descriptive part deleted...]

She: Well, I know why I gave the VW only two stars - lack of side airbags
and lack of a fourth door, not even a power option for the one sliding
door. And it's grossly overpriced at $30,000 for the GLS. Sure, you get
standard features such as power windows, air conditioning,power door locks,
lighted vanity mirrors and an AM/FM stereo cassette. You also get standard
anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights. But you said you enjoyed
driving the VW, yet only gave it one star. Why?

He: In nearly every quantifiable measurement, the EuroVan is inferior to
the long-wheelbase domestic vans. For many minivan shoppers, that means the
Volkswagen is sub-par. Having said that, you still have to take into
account the intangibles - the EuroVan's quirkiness and its decidedly German
flavor. This sounds silly, but I really liked the seat fabric. I know you
really liked the floor mats. And, yes, it was fun to drive, but I'd sure
hate to live in one for more than a week.

She: You've just put your finger on why I wouldn't buy one either -
livability. I'm like a lot of moms - I've been spoiled by the competition,
some of which has been finessed by engineers who are moms. The VW's cabin
seems like it was designed by someone who never had to lug a diaper bag
around. Few amenities such as cargo nets or cupholders to hold juice boxes.
Just too industrial for people like me. Plus I got whacked in the head by a
driver's side door that seemed to have a mind of its own. Ouch.

He: I was shocked to come out last week and find the sliding side door
frozen shut when the temperature was about 20 degrees. And this was with no
precipitation. That doesn't bode well for folks who have to weather a long,
harsh winter like we do here in Michigan.

She: I want so badly to like the EuroVan as much as I liked the New Beetle.
But there's no comparison - no gushy feelings with this VW. Now maybe if
they worked in a bud vase on the dashboard ...

[Anita and Paul Lienert are partners in Automotive Intelligence Reports, a
Detroit-based automotive information services company. ]