Overview:
This week I tested the Dodge Grand Caravan ES minivan. Can you believe these things have only been on the market since 1984? Well, as minivans, that is. I remember back in the early 1960’s going to the mountains or the beach in a van, but there were no windows and you usually would sit on rug-covered floors. In the late sixties they made window vans and I bought one in 1970 to tote the family and the Ossa Stiletto dirt bike for those wild and crazy days at Saddleback Park. Later I would find more enjoyment of street riding on my Harley’s with other aging urban cowboys. But when helmets came in, I went out in anger for our continual loss of freedoms. On this memorial day I am encouraged by the resilience of freedom loving American’s who have gotten the helmet laws repealed in all but a dozen or so stubborn states. When California joins in the reversal I’ll buy another Harley.
And speaking of the Spirit of Americans, we all owe a big thanks to Lee Iococca who made it possible for Chrysler to emerge from what seemed to be certain death of a car company to a real “Contender” today. This Dodge Caravan is a very capable and competitive family mini van. Listen up kids, this is a great option to those major gas guzzling SUV’s you and too many others have fallen in love with.
Handling & Performance:
There is no question vans have come a long way since the early days. This test vehicle was equipped with the 215 horsepower V6 so I didn’t experience power problems reported with the 4 cylinder powered models. The ride was smooth and comfortable and of course the vans have lots of room to move around.
Styling:
Vans used to be very boxy and anything but stylish. Today’s minivans are as aerodynamic and wind resistant as most sedans. They are all nice looking in my opinion.
Fit and Finish:
Thanks to the Japanese, America has become better in many ways. They forced us to get mobilized to fight back in both wars. The first started in 1941 and the next was an economic war that began in 1961 when we started importing their cars. That pushed us to be better carmakers. Japan set the bar higher on standards of quality and we had to follow suit. It reminds me of Ralph’s quote, “There they go, and I must hasten after them, for I am their leader”. America certainly led the way in the beginning, but once Japan got going they leaped out in front with us hastening after them. Today I find equality between the two country’s automotive products. We’ve arrived America, thanks to Japan.
Conveniences:
With the MSRP noted below this van is loaded for bear or a bunch of kids. I don’t know which are more dangerous. These mini vans are Great Catholic Carriers or Mormon Mobiles. My kids were raised Catholic like most Italian families, but son Mike thought Mormons were cool so it was off to Brazil for a mission. It’s said you can tell kids, but you can’t tell them much. Mikes on number 3. Daughter Jen called it quits at two. No judgments. You gotta love ‘em.
Cost:
Not bad in today’s world, especially for the great utility provided to large families. The entertainment center includes a complementary DVD player as a promotion.
Consumer Recommendation:
In spite of the fact that I love the long history of American cars I have to tell you I would surely ask you to test-drive the Kia Sedona. I suspect you’ll have the same reservations I do, in that they are the new kids on the block. You have to ask how well they will hold up? In 1961 when I bought a Datsun station wagon I had more reason to ask that question than you do in 2003. Technology has changed dramatically as has the sophistication of foreign countries doing business here in the US. That’s why I recommend you consider the Kia from Korea.
The Competition:
Dodge Caravan $20-35,000, Chevrolet Venture $21-34,000, Chrysler Voyager $21-24,000, Ford Windstar $21-35,000, Honda Odyssey $24-30,000, Kia Sedona $20-22,000, Mazda MPV $22-26,000, Oldsmobile Silhouette $28-36,000, Pontiac Montana $24-34,000, Toyota Sienna $23-37,000.
Good News:
Made in USA (not Usa Japan), conveniences to suit big families, great option to the SUV with close to double the mpg, it’s versatile and attractive, roomy with a comfortable and stable ride.
Bad News:
Spongy brakes requiring more pressure to stop, rear seat is awkward to move (Honda Odyssey rear seat tucks away much better, for example).
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter 215 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, leather bucket seats front 8-way driver power and manual second row with rear bench seat, manual driver lumber adjustment, dual front air bags, power sliding doors and lift gate, traction control, 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, child anchor system, rear wiper and defroster, air conditioning front and rear with heater, power windows and rear quarter vents, power door locks, cruise control, tilt column, overhead console with trip computer, center floor removable console, lighter vanity mirrors, 12V DC power outlets front and rear and auxiliary 12 V outlet, radio with Cassette and CD players, keyless entry, roof rack, auto headlights and fog lights, power mirrors, 16 inch Aluminum chrome wheels, DVD player with wireless headphones.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 25 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $34,585.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2003 – An Automotive Love Affair
