It makes sense that Volkswagen would bring a van back to U.S. shores, but its partnership with Chrysler seems somewhat of an odd choice.

After all, one of the German automaker’s most popular vehicles was the iconic Microbus, introduced in 1950 and a staple of 1960s flower-power travelers. It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to decorate the 2009 Routan minivan with flowers or anything else.

The Routan is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, and priced between the two. The Chrysler duo was revamped for the 2008 model year with such cool features as the swivel middle-row seats and center table.

Routan, however, choose not to offer that feature or the stow-and-go second row that folds into the floor with deep storage bins. In that and a handful of other ways, the new VW carves its own path in the minivan world.

The sheet metal has been redesigned with a modern Volkswagen face and taillights. The dash is a little different, but still has the shifter placed high to the right of the steering wheel.

The inside is as roomy as you’d expect, with comfortable buckets up front. The second row comes with a bench or similarly comfy buckets with storage tubs underneath. The third-row bench folds flat into the floor and can be ordered with a power option. You also can flip it over for tailgating. However, there is still quite a bit of cargo space with all three seating rows in use.

Although like most Volkswagens, the Routan strives for a more upscale image than some competitors, some of the parts and materials in the new minivan are just not what you’d expect from VW. On the other hand, pricing also is less than you might expect from VW.

Engineers tuned the Routan for a sportier driving experience than other minivans with a stiffer suspension and tighter steering. Of course, it’s still a minivan, which means it’s strictly family-friendly transportation, not a choice for anyone looking for a sporty ride.

There are three models, the base S starting at $25,890, including destination. The S and step-up SE both are matched to a 3.8-liter, 197-horsepower V-6 engine with a six-speed auto with manual mode. While there is plenty of power for both city and highway once it gets going, the engine is a little noisy on acceleration. VW rates zero-to-60 time at a relaxed 10.2 seconds.

The top-end SEL, which starts at $34,450, gets a much better 4.0-liter, 253-hp V-6. Oddly, this engine also does the best on fuel economy at 17 miles per gallon in the city, 25 on the highway.

Standard features on the S include heated power mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote locking, power windows, and CD player with MP3 connector.

Safety features include tire-pressure monitor, side air curtains, antilock brakes, and traction and stability control.

Options include power side doors and rear hatch, DVD entertainment for both middle and rear seats, heated and cooled seats, navigation with 30-gigabyte JoyBox music system, parking assist, and remote starter.

Although the minivan segment is one of the least crowded in the car industry, there are some strong players. Honda Odyssey, for example, is a standout for its superb fit and finish. Kia Sedona appeals with a passel of standard features. The Routan kind of just runs with the pack of family haulers, the only German entry in the group.