Dodge Grand Caravan impresses with ride quality, handling and features
Carlsbad, California - It's not easy to keep children contentedly entertained on long trips. As evidenced by two little monsters behind me on a recent plane ride, it can take only minutes before boredom sets in and results in bickering, shouting and kicking of seats.
Any much more of that abuse, and I'd have happily departed, mid-flight.
It's a simple concept, really--keep them entertained, comfortable and happy, and the trip will go smoothly.
Not that I was much better. We didn't do any flying when I was little, but the old Dodge Caravans my family loyally used through three iterations never managed to keep me occupied for long. This was in the days before rear-seat DVD players and wireless headsets, satellite radio and Swivel-n-Go seating. These now-available options grant Caravan the ability to keep your kids blissfully preoccupied on the road.
One in about ten vehicles sold in Canada is of the minivan species--a creature unmatched for its versatility, value and convenience. This year, its creators have revamped the machine that started it all, and are more than slightly determined to maintain its position as a best-seller.
It starts off with a new look--both inside and outside. Lead designer Ralph Gilles says that the Grand Caravan and Town & Country have been "boldified" with the trademark Dodge furrowed-brow and Chrysler winged-logo grille, and a set of shorter windows which create a more proportionate look. The new generation is wider (read: more stable), and longer too.
Only the Grand Caravan designation is available now, and gone is the short wheelbase model and available all wheel drive system. The latter was evicted by the floor-pan hogging storage compartments required to stow the various tumbling, twirling acrobatic seats.
Some new styling elements look unique but serve a real purpose too. For instance, a lip around the rear windows creates an interesting style cue while serving to reduce rearward wind turbulence which adds to noise and takes away from mileage. The mirrors do a similar trick--larger now but shaped to direct air away from the windows, reducing noise.
Carlsbad, California - It's not easy to keep children contentedly entertained on long trips. As evidenced by two little monsters behind me on a recent plane ride, it can take only minutes before boredom sets in and results in bickering, shouting and kicking of seats.
Any much more of that abuse, and I'd have happily departed, mid-flight.
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| Would they be the perfect family hauler? |
It's a simple concept, really--keep them entertained, comfortable and happy, and the trip will go smoothly.
Not that I was much better. We didn't do any flying when I was little, but the old Dodge Caravans my family loyally used through three iterations never managed to keep me occupied for long. This was in the days before rear-seat DVD players and wireless headsets, satellite radio and Swivel-n-Go seating. These now-available options grant Caravan the ability to keep your kids blissfully preoccupied on the road.
One in about ten vehicles sold in Canada is of the minivan species--a creature unmatched for its versatility, value and convenience. This year, its creators have revamped the machine that started it all, and are more than slightly determined to maintain its position as a best-seller.
It starts off with a new look--both inside and outside. Lead designer Ralph Gilles says that the Grand Caravan and Town & Country have been "boldified" with the trademark Dodge furrowed-brow and Chrysler winged-logo grille, and a set of shorter windows which create a more proportionate look. The new generation is wider (read: more stable), and longer too.
Only the Grand Caravan designation is available now, and gone is the short wheelbase model and available all wheel drive system. The latter was evicted by the floor-pan hogging storage compartments required to stow the various tumbling, twirling acrobatic seats.
Some new styling elements look unique but serve a real purpose too. For instance, a lip around the rear windows creates an interesting style cue while serving to reduce rearward wind turbulence which adds to noise and takes away from mileage. The mirrors do a similar trick--larger now but shaped to direct air away from the windows, reducing noise.
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| The Caravan is no more - long live the Grand Caravan. |