For the 22nd year in a row, the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan was the U.S. minivan market segment sales leader. With innovations like the industry's only fold-in-the-floor second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seating and storage system, and a five-star front and side-impact rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it should be no surprise as to why the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan is the top selling minivan.
I'm a huge fan of Stow 'n Go. I believe that feature alone is what makes the Chrysler Group minivans so desirable. What I like about Stow 'n Go is the versatility it provides for the cabin.
With the second-row seats in use, huge in floor storage bins (where the seats fold into) hide your valuables and keep them from sliding around when driving.
Also, the third-row seat can be flipped into a rear-facing position that's perfect for tailgating. Of course, Stow 'n Go is only offered on the long wheelbase version called Grand Caravan.
At 200.5-inches in length (119.3-inch wheelbase), the Grand Caravan is still easily garage-able. For those that don't require the benefits of Stow 'n Go, or don't need a long wheelbase, Dodge offers the Caravan (113.3-inch wheelbase), a standard wheelbase model, which is 11.2-inches shorter in length than the Grand Caravan.
Obviously, there are more takers of the Grand Caravan than the Caravan. The 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan is mainly available in two trim levels: SE or SXT. There's also a cargo van version known as the CV.
The SE comes standard with many amenities. The SXT adds Stow 'n Go seating, three-zone manual climate control, keyless entry, roof rack, and more.
Popular optional features include a DVD entertainment system, leather seats, a power liftgate, Park Sense rear back up system, and upgrading audio systems. Many of these options can be ordered separately, or as part of a package.
Grand Caravan SE models are powered by a 170-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine. SXT models are fitted with a 200-horsepower 3.8-liter engine. Both engines are mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission.
Critics have suggested that these engines are underpowered when compared to the competition, and I agree.
My tester was a Grand Caravan SXT with the larger V6 engine. The 3.8-liter V6 delivers acceptable acceleration, but isn't nearly as athletic as the 3.5-liter V6 in the Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna.
Also, I was much less impressed with the 4-speed automatic transmission in my Grand Caravan SXT tester. When driving in stop-and-go traffic, the transmission exhibited quite a bit of harshness upshifting from 1st to 2nd and downshifting from 2nd to 1st.
But, what makes the Dodge Grand Caravan such a popular choice are nifty interior elements like Stow 'n Go and excellent safety features. Antilock brakes and a driver-side knee-blocker airbag are standard equipment. Supplemental three-row side curtain airbags are optional.
2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
Engine 3.8-liter (205 hp) V6
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Drive Type FWD
Fuel Economy 18 city/25 highway
Base Price $27,425
As Tested $35,975 (includes $730 for destination)
Website http://www.dodge.com |