2001-2004 Dodge Caravan: Road Test

New convenience features account for the most obvious improvements in the 2001 redesign, leaving Caravan's performance upgraded incrementally. That's fine because this was already among the most capable minivans on the road. Acceleration is good--with the right engine, that is. In a vehicle this heavy, the four-cylinder is acceptable only for light-duty, low-speed chores. The 3.3-liter V6 provides good power off-the-line and on the highway, in a regular-length model, but it feels overburdened in a Grand Caravan loaded for a family vacation. That's makes the smooth, strong 3.8 the safest bet in Grands, where it supplies substantial muscle in all conditions. It's the smoothest of these engines as well. While all work nicely with the four-speed automatic, the AutoStick (available with the 3.8) furnishes a sporty dimension that's absent in other minivans. Caravans (and Town & Country) are the few non truck-based minivans with the all-weather security of available AWD. In long-term testing, a 3.8 AWD Grand Caravan averaged 17.1 mpg. A four-cylinder SE returned 19.8 mpg. Grand Caravans smooth out bumps better than the shorter-wheelbase models, but all Dodge minivans ride comfortably. Still, you'll feel most pavement imperfections if the Sport Touring suspension is installed. Steering is nicely weighted, and straight-ahead stability is admirable. Caravans with 15-inch tires are modest but predictable handlers, whereas the 16- and 17-inch setups provide noticeably more grip and sharper response in turns. Stopping power is adequate, but pedal feel and confidence improve with the four-wheel disc brakes on ES and AWD Grands. Heavy crosswinds and 70-mph cruising elevate wind rush. Certain road surfaces bring out marked tire noise. As before, Caravans are roomier and more user-friendly than most minivans. Low step-in height and wide doorways ease entry, and front-seat occupants enjoy plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. All seats are comfortably padded, and Caravans still offer integrated middle-row child safety seats. Grands have generous knee and foot clearance in the second- and third-row seats, making them spacious where regular-length versions can be cramped. The same goes for cargo space behind the third-row seat. The split third-row seats are invitingly simple to fold and remove, but not quite as convenient as a foldaway design. Middle-row bucket seats tip forward, with little effort to provide access to the rear. The ability to easily stop or speed up the power side door by hand is genuinely useful, as is the power liftgate. Both systems respond quickly to obstructions. Movable center consoles with interior lighting and power outlets are a nice innovation. The rear parcel shelf also is handy, though its pop-up dividers seem flimsy. Rear headrests obstruct outward vision slightly. Caravan gauges are unobstructed. Controls are easy to decipher and close to the driver, but cupholders block the in-dash CD changer.

Value for the Money
Caravan's hold on the minivan sales title can only be strengthened by the 2001 redesign, which added desirable innovations to a vehicle that's hard to beat for refinement, utility, and carlike road manners. Don't buy a minivan without checking out Dodge's latest.