Eurovan Years - uneven distribution?

[xEVC]

Reading these forums, and other sources, it seems like people commonly post about Eurovans from 1995, 2000, 2001 or 2003.

But we rarely see posts about vans from other years (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002)

Why is this?

* Population bias: Eurovan sales were sporadic - many more 1995s were sold than 1996s, for example?

* Selection bias: Certain Eurovan years have problems - Forums naturally see posts from people who need help, and if your van is fine, you don't post much?

Curious if others see this pattern...
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2000 Eurovan Camper (Winnebago)
Upgraded with 16" wheels

[camcrobe]

Following
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1995 EuroVan Camper. 2.5L
manual trans

[02Berry]

Fascinating.

My quick search of the forum for the four-digit year numbers finds the following:

[Abscate]

Less DIY on computer module type cars. Internet mechanic strategy without solid diagnostic skills fails, do you don’t get the traffic.
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🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🍊 🍊 🍊

[HeyCrutch]

If I understand what I've read thru the years, you really shouldn't see 1994, 1996, or 1998 model year vans in the U.S., unless they are imports (w/ some exceptions I suppose??).

I think this is mostly correct:

After the 1993 model year, VW stopped selling the Eurovan in the U.S .

Beginning in 1995, I think the only Eurovans available were the Winnebagos (made from Panel Van shells & drivetrains -- but eventually sold back thru VW dealers). Maybe they sold a few in very late 1994?. The 1995 model was sold thru 1996 (as "1995" models).

Then in 1997 there was a full refresh using VW's Long Nose design with the VR6 engine (12v), that premiered in 1996 elsewhere around the world sometimes in 1996-1997. The 1997 Winnebago was sold through 1998 (again, as "1997" models), then got a partial refresh in 1999 with different VW dash/lighting and different Winnebago upholstery etc. There was a 2000 Winnebago model that was the last of the 12v VR6 engines that might have had larger wheels and brakes?

Beginning in 1999, VW re-introduced the factory-appointed MV Weekender and GLS vans back to the U.S. market (maybe b/c of Winnebago's "successs"??). Winnebago used that new platform for the campers for 2001, 2002, and 2003 model years, then VW got out of the game in the U.S, again.
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-2003 EV MV Wk - Forest - 51k
-2002 EV Camper - Ghost - 82k
-2003 EV GLS - Fluffhead - 176k

-1997 EVC - 12vVR6 (SOLD 5/2025)

[xEVC]

Fascinating!

[HeyCrutch]

[xEVC]

[trunnion]

Model year 2000 also introduced the engine immobilizer and chipped key. Prior years only needed a metal key to start.

[Saturn]

From Wikipedia:
"In the United States, the short wheelbase EuroVan 5-cylinder passenger models (CL, GL, GLS, and MV) were only sold for model year 1993. Smaller than a standard American delivery van, but larger than an American or Japanese passenger minivan, Volkswagen played up its size with the slogan, "EuroVan: There's nothing mini about it". Volkswagen only imported them to the U.S. market for one year because sales in the United States were disappointing, but sales continued in Canada and Mexico. Volkswagen reintroduced the EuroVan passenger models in the United States for model year 1999 with a VR6 engine as standard, but discontinued the T4 worldwide after 2003."


Eurovans were sold in Canada Starting in 1991 (Model Year 1992?) including one which is hybrid camper models of a Weekender (short wheelbase) while having the EVC type cabinetry and appliances. These are Westfalia models and not Winnebago conversions like the EVC. Wikipedia again:
"Volkswagen imported the short wheelbase EuroVan 5-cylinder petrol engine passenger models (CL, GL, GLS, MV Weekender and Westfalia Camperised) to Canada from 1991 to 1996. The 77 hp 2.4 litre diesel engine was optional in Canada between 1993 and 1996. The long wheelbase version was also on offer in 1992 only as a 10 seaters CL or GL model trim. Kombi and crewcab pickup versions (sold as Transporter) were also available in 1992. A panel version (LWB only) was sold from 1993 to 1997."

Some speculation here, wonder if some of this also has to do with US Federal Regulations carmakers needed to adhere to for a given model year. This would be like like mandatory driver side airbags instituted starting with Model Year 1999. Trucks and vans had different safety requirements than passenger cars and so that maybe another aspect as well.

.

[Endopotential]

I've got a 2002 Weekender, and same joys and headaches as the rest of the fine folk here
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2002 Eurovan Weekender