The driving cockpit of this family hauler is very ergonomic when it comes to limiting distractions and helping drivers settle any dispute in the back. There's so much room inside that Dodge should include an optional PA system to facilitate communication between first- and third-row passengers. Cargo room is reduced when all the seats are occupied but it transforms into a real cavern as you fold or remove the rear seats.
The "little" engine that could
My SXT tester was motivated by a 251-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 producing a comfortable 259 pounds-feet of torque. This mill is quite pleasant to work with and it proves fairly fuel-efficient on the highway, but less in the city, averaging 12.4 L/100 km while on my watch.
From a technical standpoint, however, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is lagging behind. Torque steer is abundantly felt through the steering wheel, making the driving experience hard to enjoy. More importantly, don't try to reach the limits of the machine because they are lower than expected. In addition, the numbness of the steering kills every opportunity to have fun on the road. At least handling is decent by minivan standards and the large greenhouse allows excellent visibility.
The 6-speed automatic transmission deserves a lot of credit for the engine's performance and efficiency. Meanwhile, braking power is adequate, although the pedal is spongy and little responsive. On the other hand, ride comfort is always part of the equation. The well-mannered Grand Caravan swallows miles and miles of road in almost graceful fashion.
Competition
What's really amazing is that none of the following vehicles would even exist had the Dodge Grand Caravan not pioneered the minivan segment in the 1980s:
Chevrolet Uplander LT1 ($28,775)
Chrysler Town & Country Touring ($37,345)
Honda Odyssey EX ($36,990)
Hyundai Entourage GLS ($37,495)
Kia Sedona EX Power ($35,295)
Nissan Quest 3.5 SL ($37,398)
Toyota Sienna LE ($33,380)
Volkswagen Routan Comfortline ($33,975).
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT starts at $31,745.
Wrap-up
The Grand Caravan minivan from Dodge is loaded with family-friendly features. Pricing is significantly lower than the competition; yet, no major sacrifices were made. The extreme flexibility and generous room of the interior make it a smart choice for drivers with a large family and travel on their mind.
photo:Bertrand Godin
The "little" engine that could
My SXT tester was motivated by a 251-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 producing a comfortable 259 pounds-feet of torque. This mill is quite pleasant to work with and it proves fairly fuel-efficient on the highway, but less in the city, averaging 12.4 L/100 km while on my watch.
From a technical standpoint, however, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is lagging behind. Torque steer is abundantly felt through the steering wheel, making the driving experience hard to enjoy. More importantly, don't try to reach the limits of the machine because they are lower than expected. In addition, the numbness of the steering kills every opportunity to have fun on the road. At least handling is decent by minivan standards and the large greenhouse allows excellent visibility.
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| The driving cockpit of this family hauler is very ergonomic when it comes to limiting distractions and helping drivers |
The 6-speed automatic transmission deserves a lot of credit for the engine's performance and efficiency. Meanwhile, braking power is adequate, although the pedal is spongy and little responsive. On the other hand, ride comfort is always part of the equation. The well-mannered Grand Caravan swallows miles and miles of road in almost graceful fashion.
Competition
What's really amazing is that none of the following vehicles would even exist had the Dodge Grand Caravan not pioneered the minivan segment in the 1980s:
Chevrolet Uplander LT1 ($28,775)
Chrysler Town & Country Touring ($37,345)
Honda Odyssey EX ($36,990)
Hyundai Entourage GLS ($37,495)
Kia Sedona EX Power ($35,295)
Nissan Quest 3.5 SL ($37,398)
Toyota Sienna LE ($33,380)
Volkswagen Routan Comfortline ($33,975).
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT starts at $31,745.
Wrap-up
The Grand Caravan minivan from Dodge is loaded with family-friendly features. Pricing is significantly lower than the competition; yet, no major sacrifices were made. The extreme flexibility and generous room of the interior make it a smart choice for drivers with a large family and travel on their mind.
photo:Bertrand Godin
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