2004 Dodge Caravan: Road Test
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2004 Dodge Caravan ▼
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- MSRP: $21,130 -$31,980
- Invoice: $19,843 -$29,132
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Our road test for the 2004 Dodge Caravan includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Dodge Caravan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Dodge Caravan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Dodge Caravan help you decide if a 2004 Dodge Caravan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Good--with the right engine. Weak 4 cyl feels even more lethargic than its 11.3-sec 0-60 mph time suggests. The 3.3 V6 is OK in regular-length model. Grands need the smooth, strong 3.8. Automatic transmission works well with both engines.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Extended-use-test 3.8-liter V6 AWD Grand Caravan averaged 17.1 mpg over 21,115 mi., which included lots of highway travel. Slightly lighter front-drive test version averaged 19.1 mpg. Overburdened 3.3 should average 15-17 mpg in Grand Caravans. Test 4-cyl SE averaged 19.8 in a mix of city/highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Grands smooth out bumps better than regular-length models, but all Caravans ride comfortably. You'll feel most pavement imperfections with the optional Premium Group's touring suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.6 |
Caravans with 15-inch wheels and tires are modest but predictable handlers; models with 16s have more grip and sharper response. Brakes adequate, but pedal feel and stopping power better on models with 4-wheel disc brakes.
QUIETNESS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Heavy crosswinds and 70-mph cruising elevate wind rush, and certain road surfaces bring out marked tire noise, but neither is prominent enough to disturb conversation.
CONTROLS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Gauges unobstructed. Controls are easy to decipher, close to driver, but cupholders block in-dash CD changer. Either 2nd-row passenger can reach the rear climate controls.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Low step-in height, wide doorways. Plenty of head, leg, shoulder room. Rear headrests obstruct outward vision slightly. Power-adjustable pedals allow shorter drivers to sit further from the steering-wheel airbag.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Generous knee, foot clearance in Grands. Regular-length version can be cramped in 2nd and 3rd rows. Override feature allows power side doors to be easily closed or opened by hand. Kudos for available integrated 2nd-row child-safety seats and rear DVD/wireless-headphone entertainment.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.3 |
Regular-length is tight behind 3rd row. Split 3rd-row bench simple to remove, but no substitute for stowable seat. Handy power liftgate responds quickly to obstructions. Movable rear parcel shelf is clever, but has flimsy pop-up dividers.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6.2 |
Caravan is hard to beat for refinement, utility, and carlike road manners. Our extended-use test model did not experience the reliability woes that have nagged previous Dodge and Chrysler minivans. Don't buy a minivan without checking out a Caravan.
Total Score
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand SE | Grand eX | SXT AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 67 | 70 | 70 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 66
Scores for all Minivans
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