2005 Dodge Caravan Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

First-time availability of curtain side airbags and fold-away 2nd- and 3rd-row seats highlight 2005 changes to Dodge's popular minivan. Caravan is built from the same design as Chrysler's Town & Country. It comes in regular- or extended-length body styles and in SE and SXT trim. All have 7-passenger seating. The regular-length SE has a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. Regular-length SXT and Grand SE have a 3.3-liter V6. Grand SXT gets a 3.8-liter V6. All come with automatic transmission. Traction control is standard on Grand SXT, but all-wheel drive is no longer offered. ABS is standard on Grands, optional on SXT regular. Newly standard on all is a driver knee airbag. Newly available are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows; they replace front side airbags. Also available is a tire-inflation monitor.

Standard on the Grand SXT is Dodge's Stow 'n Go 2nd- and 3rd-row seats that fold into floorwells. With the seats raised, the wells provide covered storage space. Other available features include power sliding side doors, power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, rear DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Newly available are Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free wireless link to cell phones, and ceiling tracks that allow moving and removing such items as storage bins, a CD holder, and a first-aid kit.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.

News

Our moles see some sort of makeover for all Chrysler/Dodge minivans come 2007 or '08. This could amount to a clean-sheet redo, which would be in line with Chrysler's reported goal of improving its minivans' crash-test performance. More immediately, the powertrain warranty for '06 minivans reverts from 7 years/70,000 mi to 3/36,000. The same goes for other Chrysler Group products. Chrysler says the longer coverage wasn't a deal-maker for most buyers, and that the shorter warranty will save some company cash.

2005 Dodge Caravan Road Test

Pros	Cons

Entry/exit	Fuel economy

Interior storage space	Acceleration (4 cylinder)

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
2	4	5	4.2

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 Caravan. Grands need the smooth, strong 3.8. Automatic transmission works well with all engines.

Fuel Economy

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
5	4	5	4

Test Town & Country with 3.8 V6 averaged 18.5 mpg; expect about the same for similar Grand Caravan. Overburdened 3.3 should average 15-17 mpg in Grands. Test regular-length 4-cyl averaged 19.8 in city/highway mix. All use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
6	7	7	5.5

Grands smooth out bumps better than regular-length models, but all Caravans ride comfortably.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
4	5	5	4.4

Near-carlike stability in turns, though models with 16-inch tires have more grip and sharper responses than those with 15s. Fine around-town maneuverability and steering feel. Noticeable nosedive in sudden stops, but good braking power and pedal modulation, though both are better on models with 4-wheel disc brakes.

Quietness

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
5	6	6	5.4

Heavy crosswinds and highway-speed cruising elevate wind rush, and certain road surfaces bring out marked tire noise, but neither is prominent enough to disturb conversation. SE has less sound insulation than other models, and its 4-cyl engine is louder, more gruff than V6s.

Controls

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
7	7	7	6.1

Gauges unobstructed. Controls generally easy to decipher, close to driver. Interior materials a sensible example of durable, attractive surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Low step-in height, wide doorways. Fine head, shoulder room. Seats supportive, though taller drivers may wish for more leg room. Rear headrests can obstruct outward vision slightly. Power-adjustable pedals allow shorter drivers to sit farther from the steering-wheel airbag.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
6	8	7	6.7

Generous head, knee, and foot clearance in Grand SE. Grand SXT with the stowable seats has somewhat less leg room and skimpy toe room. Regular-length versions also tighter in 2nd and 3rd rows. Override feature allows power side doors to be easily closed or opened by hand.

Cargo Room

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
9	10	10	9.4

Regular-length models have tight cargo space with all seats in place. Extended's available Stow 'n Go seats fold easily into front and rear floorwells to lay flush with floor, though front seats must first be moved forward to fold 2nd row. With seats in place, 2nd-row floorwells provide about 12 cu ft of handy, covered storage. Rear well a boon to cargo space with 3rd row raised. Available power liftgate useful, reverses direction at slightest obstacle.

Value within Class

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
7	9	10	5.8

The 2005 updates keep these Dodge and related Chrysler minivans among the class leaders for available convenience and safety features. Toyota's Sienna and Honda's Odyssey are their only real rivals for all-around appeal, and, in many respects, Grand Caravan blends Sienna's comfort-oriented approach with Odyssey's performance slant to create a tempting Best Buy mix of its own.

Total Score

SE	Grand SE	Grand SXT	Class Average
58	67	69	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2005 Dodge Caravan Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/06/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE regular length 4-door van	$18,380	$17,341	$715

SXT regular length 4-door van	$22,225	$20,395	$715

Grand SE 4-door van	$22,920	$21,527	$730

Grand SXT 4-door van	$26,995	$24,696	$730

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

SE regular length

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, driver-side knee airbag.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, 2nd- and 3rd-row bench seats, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, intermittent rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

215/70R15 tires, wheel covers.

SXT regular length adds to SE regular length:

Powertrain

3.3-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate controls, 2nd-row bucket seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear defogger, floormats, automatic-off headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Grand SE adds to SE regular length:

Powertrain

3.3-liter V6 engine.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 3rd-row split folding rear seat, rear defogger, floormats.

Grand SXT adds to SXT regular length:

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), rear air conditioning and heater, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, 2nd-row stowable bucket seats, 3rd-row stowable split folding seat, power sliding rear doors, tachometer, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack, fog lights.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Popular Equipment Group
SXT reg. length	$1,400	$1,232
Eight-way power driver seat, overhead console, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, additional interior lighting, roof rack.

Popular Equipment Group I
Grand SE	$2,000	$1,760
Tri-zone manual climate controls, rear air conditioning and heater, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, illuminated visor mirrors, tachometer, deluxe insulation group, rear privacy glass.

Leather Interior Group
Grand SXT	$2,930	$2,578
Leather upholstery, heated power front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, tri-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, Infinity sound system, removable center console, vehicle information center, overhead console, trip computer.

Premium Group
Grand SXT	$1,795	$1,580
Grand SXT w/Leather Group	$1,020	$898
Grand SXT w/sunroof	$1,635	$1,439
Grand SXT w/Leather Group and sunroof	$860	$757
Tri-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power-adjustable pedals, power liftgate, overhead console and rail system (NA w/power sunroof), trip computer, vehicle information center, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, touring suspension.

Entertainment Group
SXT reg. length	$900	$792
SE	$950	$836
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Regular length NA w/curtain side airbags.

Trailer Tow Prep Group
Grand SXT	$600	$528
Heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, heavy-duty alternator and battery, load-leveling height-control suspension, trailer-wiring harness.

Safety
Antilock brakes
SXT regular length	$565	$497


Curtain side airbags
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length	$595	$524
SE requires Popular Equipment Group. SXT regular length requires power sliding passenger-side door. Grand SXT requires power liftgate. Regular length NA w/rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Tire-pressure monitor
Grand SXT	$70	$62


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Grand SXT	$895	$788
Grand SXT w/Premium Group or DVD system	$770	$678


Navigation system
Grand SXT	$1,430	$1,258


Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Grand SXT	$1,150	$1,012
Grand SXT w/Premium Group	$990	$871
Requires 6-disc CD/DVD player.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SE	$150	$132
SE w/Entertainment Group	$100	$88


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SXT	$200	$176


6-disc CD/DVD changer
Grand SXT	$555	$488


Satellite radio
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length	$195	$172
Includes one-year service.

UConnect
SXT	$360	$317
Hands-free cellular telephone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Power-adjustable pedals
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length	$195	$172


CYC 7-passenger seating
Grand SE	$745	$656
Front bucket seats, 2nd-row stowable bucket seats, 3rd-row stowable split folding bench seat.

CYL 7-passenger seating
SXT regular length	$325	$286
SXT regular length w/Popular Equipment Group	$125	$110
Quad bucket seats w/integrated child seat, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding bench seat.

CYR 7-passenger seating
SE regular length	$225	$198
Front bucket seats, 2nd-row 2-passenger bench seat w/dual integrated child seats, 3rd-row 3-passenger bench seat.

CYV 7-passenger seating
Grand SE	$225	$198
Front bucket seats, 2nd-row 2-passenger bench seat w/dual integrated child seats, 3rd-row 3-passenger stowable split folding bench seat.

8-way power driver seat
Grand SE	$625	$550


Driver-seat lumbar adjustment
regular length, Grand SE	$35	$31
SXT requires Popular Equipment Group I.

Rear defogger
SE regular length	$195	$172


Remote keyless entry
SE	$300	$264
Includes automatic-off headlights. Requires Popular Equipment Group.

Power sliding passenger-side rear door
SXT regular length	$400	$352
Requires Popular Equipment Group.

Power liftgate
Grand SXT	$400	$352


Removable console
SXT	$195	$172


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
SE	$250	$220


Engine-block heater
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SE regular length, SXT regular length	$35	$31


Rear privacy glass
SE reg. length	$450	$396
Requires rear defogger.

Metallic paint
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length	$150	$132


Pearl-coat paint
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length	$225	$198

2005 Dodge Caravan Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Dodge Caravan 4-door van	Dodge Grand Caravan 4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	113.3	119.3

Overall Length, in.	189.1	200.5

Overall Width, in.	78.6	78.6

Overall Height, in.	68.9	68.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3908	3960

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	146.7	167.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	20.0

Seating Capacity	7	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.6	40.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.9	39.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.5	39.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	ohv V6	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /148	3.3 /202	3.8 /231

Horsepower @ rpm.	150 @ 5200	180 @ 5000	207 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	165 @ 4000	210 @ 4000	238 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	20/26	19/26	18/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Dodge Caravan 4-door van	Dodge Grand Caravan 4-door van

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	NA	4

Side Impact, Driver	4	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	7/70,000	$100 deductible per visit.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA, Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Dodge Caravan Photos

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