I tested both the base and high-end 4.0-liter V-6s. While both the 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines offer a highly competent six-speed automatic, the base model engines get a low-tech four-speed automatic that struggles to find the right gear while laboring under the more than 4,000 pounds of weight.
My 4.0-liter tester was the superior engine that delivered good acceleration and lively performance around town and on the highway, though the 17/25 mpg was hard to swallow each trip to the gas station. Considering I drove the minivan with light loads all week, I was surprised I barely got to the average mpg. Problem is, for the space and utility of this big vehicle, the competition has the same struggles and this is normal mileage until you move to the hybrid minivan.
The base model Grand Caravan is $28,325. Add on the essential engine upgrade of either 3.8-liter or 4.0-liter V-6 and you can add on another $530. After the rear-view camera and the $2,200 dual-DVD screen system that is a no-brainer if you have kids (why else do you get a minivan?), the engine upgrade will more than pay for itself in drive comfort and better performance.
When my tester finished adding on the Swivel seats, power shades and a huge power moonroof that really opened up the interior to feel much bigger, the final price settled in at about $42,000. Loaded minivans are gently settling into these price ranges, though some competitors are doing it cheaper, even while offering leather and high-end tech features, for less than $36,000.
Safety reigns supreme in the this monster family hauler. Dual-front airbags, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, tire-pressure monitoring, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control are all standard on the Dodge Grand Caravan.
Criticisms still fall to previous areas of focus such as cheap-feeling, hard, plastic surfaces and average fit and finish. As far as function goes, I like everything about this domestic bar-setter, and the function and utility it continues to provide at a time when minivans are waning in popularity. |