Driving Impressions

These are smooth, quiet vehicles, particularly when measured by minivan standards. Under-hood padding helps reduce noise, as do high-quality gaskets between the outside mirrors and the body and around outside and inside door handles. Roof rack crossbows were engineered in a wind tunnel to reduce wind noise, but the design does not eliminate it entirely. For most minivan owners, handling means how well the vehicle maneuvers in a parking lot and tracks down the highway, rather than how fast it can slalom through a line of traffic pylons. Fortunately, the Dodge Grand Caravan has a relatively small turning radius that makes getting into parking spaces easily. As with many of the latest aerodynamic designs, it isn't always easy to tell exactly where the front corners of the van are located. It's easy to tell where the rear is, but the height of the windows blocks the view of low objects, like that expensive sports car you don't want to scratch. The 3.8-liter V6 available for the Grand Caravan delivers strong power. The V6 is quite useful for merging into fast freeway traffic, accelerating from intersections, and passing on two-lane roads. The 3.8-liter engine is rated at 215 horsepower and 245 pounds-feet of torque. Anyone who regularly carries a heavy load of passengers should get this engine. An optional towing package is available with the 3.8-liter engine that raises the Caravan's trailer tow rating to a 3800 pounds. The Caravan SXT and Grand Caravan SE, equipped with the 3.3-liter V6, have enough power to climb hills without breathing hard, and merging onto the freeway doesn't give you visions of your life insurance salesman. Ride quality is supple and well-controlled on the highway, in spite of a relatively simple and basic suspension layout. The rack-and-pinion steering responds nicely and provides feedback through the steering wheel, enhancing confidence on winding roads. The Grand Caravan tracks true at highway speeds, so there's no need for constant, minor steering corrections. Indeed, the Dodge Grand Caravan offers superb driving dynamics. The brakes offer good feel, performance and durability. Standard brakes are discs in front with heavy-duty rotors and drums at the rear. ABS is standard on all Grand Caravans and optional on Caravan SXT; ABS allows the driver to brake and steer in a panic stop. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on Grand Caravan eX and SXT. Disc brakes generally offer more resistance to brake fade (the tendency of the brakes to lose performance when heated by repeated use) than drum brakes.

Final Word

Dodge continues to show why it is the leading brand in minivans. The Dodge Caravan's roomy interior offers convenient, carefree motoring. The driving experience is controlled and enjoyable. And there's lots of V6 power available in the lineup. A wide selection of models means there's a Dodge Caravan or Grand Caravan to fit any minivan budget.