There's so much to like about the Dodge Caravan - sadly, seems like for every positive, there's a negative.
I like the way this van looks - I think the Grand Caravan is the second best looking van out there. Odyssey is first. The Dodge isn't much to look at inside however, the Chrysler version is more attractive - still, they both have the same plasticy materials.
The transmission is pretty good - upshifts are nicely muted but the shift lever itself is cheap feeling. The van's highway ride is nice and cushy but if you even think about braking or turning it feels cumbersome and heavy. Plus, this thing creaks like a listing tanker - sounds cheap all around.
I also like the Sirius Backseat TV/DVD player but that requires a subsription fee of $13 per month and also adds about $2k to the price. Power sliding side doors are nice for when you have to load kids up for school but one door has already needed repair. In the end I just couldn't spend my own money on this van. I think the Kia Sedona and Honda Odyssey are better minivans and the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex do the job with more style.
Brian Moody, Senior Automotive Editor
mopar424 says:
02:37 PM, 01/ 8/09
How many miles on the DGC?
Personally, I think the Caravan hides its size much better than the Odyssey, which looks bulbousy and beheamouth-like. Personal preference I guess.
zoomzoom22 says:
05:07 PM, 01/ 8/09
The Odyssey looked better before its redesign, when it had the wedge shaped look. The most recent refresh is even worse, as it now has the "sad face" wraparound HUGE red taillights that gave the 2004/2005 Accord its ugly rump. Still, it's the best minivan...classy, nimble, everything. The DGC/T&C and the Routan are the best looking current minivans. The Sienna and Sedona are alright looking. The Quest is ugly.
Best looking minivan ever:
http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/mazda_mpv.jpg
Too bad our version tanked, as it was also quite good looking.
hondacura4 says:
05:52 PM, 01/ 8/09
The previous (99-04) Odyssey was ok looking but very stark. I personally like our 2005 Odyssey Tourings design. However, I hate the 08+ Odysseys "updated" grill (looks cheap) and the Buick LeSabre inspire rear lights.
The Caravan looks.... ok and yes, it does hide its visual mass better than the Odyssey. I also like the fact that the sliding door tracks are hidden in the side-rear glass whereas on the Odyssey its clearly evident. The one thing I hate about the Caravan is that damned fix mast antenna. This is 2009 Chrysler not 1999, put the antenna in the glass.
The Sienna is just generic looking, the Quest is a rejected Star Trek space module. The Korean vans are decently styled.
cartester16 says:
10:14 AM, 01/ 9/09
My neighbor JUST bought a new Caravan, and has already had it in for A/C repair, and I also pointed out to keep an eye on the rear bumper warping...which I pointed out has already started, and I warned him if it gets worse, the hatch may not open. He's not a happy camper so far...
cx7lover says:
12:23 PM, 01/ 9/09
IMO the Routan is the best looking Minivan, the Honda isn't that easy on the eyes.
hondacura4 says:
01:02 PM, 01/ 9/09
"IMO the Routan is the best looking Minivan."
Until you get to the interior which one can easily identify which parts are VW and which parts are from Chrysler. Given the Routan is a Caravan with a VW symbol I still classify it as a Caravnan.
bankerdanny says:
03:07 PM, 01/ 9/09
Does the Routan have different suspension and steering tuning? If so I would be interested in a comparison test.
firstwagon says:
10:36 AM, 01/10/09
The biggest problem I see with the Caravan is the trim bits. If VW has improved them (I haven't been in one yet to check it out) then it might be worth a look.
One big advantage VW has is the 4.0 is standard. In the Caravan it's tied into expensive option packages. The cheapest I can get a Caravan (with a 4.0) here in Canada is just over $33K. The Routan starts at $29K and seems to be well equipped.
MS3lvr92 says:
06:13 PM, 01/11/09
2nd best looking van? I think the Quest is the nicest looking (please don't attack me too hard for that one). Then the Routan, Oddysey, DGC & Town&country, Sedona & Entourage, and lastley the Sienna. I might have missed some but, whatever, they're just minivans.