I have been thinking about this for a while and the current thread about the
new EVs being highly priced has got me thinking about doing a comparison
between the Do*ge minivans and the VW offerings.
1. Price
Yes the CareBear vans look cheaper but when you add all the options to make it
comparable to VWs vans the gap narrows considerably (to only a couple
thousand).
2. Reliability
The cheaper 4 cylinder Do*ge vans have a known problem with the rings going
bad at 100k miles or less (ever sit behind a nice looking CareBear van and
wonder why all this black smoke is billowing out the back?  That's why) which
actually is a bigger problem than the headgasket problem as far as I am
concerned.  The more expensive 6 cylinder van engine is made by Mitsubishi and
is reliable but then so is the VR6.
3. Room/Cargo Capacity
You can't really compare the two at this point.  The Do*ge is basically a
pregnant stationwagon while the Vanagon and EV both have very spacious
interiors.
If you want more room in the Chrysl*r you have to pay extra for it!
4.  Driveability
I don't know about you folks but I have a hard time finding any vehicle that
is more pleasurable to drive long distances with than a Vanagon.  You have
great visibility with the extra height and large windshield.  The last two
trips I have taken in my friend's CareBear van I have gotten car sick (this is
on top of feeling claustraphobic).
So you can make up your minds for yourselves which one of the two is better
but I think there is a stronger case for the VW vans (all of their quirks
included).
Ken Wilford
John 3:16