>>O the horror of it all. I'd almost lay money that what we're going to end up
>>with is this-- <http://www.dodge.com/caravan/> with a VW logo, an
>>unpronounceable VW-chosen name, and an unnreasonably high price tag. What
>>happened to the VW I remember as a kid?

I use a Caravan for work. (they bought it not me) and it is OK.  The body style shown on the above link has been around for a long time so I would guess that it will be updated soon.  They will probably wait for the new version to put the VW badges on.  Others have talked about VW putting their badges on a Plymouth Voyager (this was the same car as a Caravan except for the trim)  As far as I know they have not used the Plymouth name on vans for a few years.
I am sure the VW Caravan will be OK, but it will not be nearly as versatile as a Vanagon.
George
'85 Westfalia