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2006 Dodge Caravan Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
2006 Dodge Caravan Review
America's best-selling minivan is built from the same design as Chrysler's Town & Country. Caravan comes as a regular-length model or as the extended-length Grand Caravan. Both offer SE and SXT trim and have seven-passenger seating. The regular-length SE is available with a 150-hp 4-cyl engine or a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6. Regular-length SXT and Grand SE come with the 180-hp V6. Grand SXT has a 205-hp 3.8-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Traction control is standard on Grand SXT, unavailable elsewhere. No antiskid system is offered. ABS is standard on Grands, optional on regular-length SXTs. A driver knee airbag is standard on all, and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are available for all but the 4-cyl SE. 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 storage space. Other available features include power sliding side doors, power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, navigation system, and wireless cell phone link. Newly available is an AM/FM/DVD radio that plays CDs and DVD Audio discs.

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 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended pick is Toyota Sienna.

Kia Sedona is new or significantly redesigned.
News
Chrysler Group is readying new-generation minivans for model-year 2008. Spy photos of test prototypes indicate boxier, more upright styling, perhaps influenced by corporate parent Mercedes-Benz, plus slightly larger dimensions and, in a first for these models, roll-down rear-door windows. Other details are still speculation, but we'd expect a base 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine and V6s in at least three sizes and strengths. Overall, the design appears to mimic the successful Honda Odyssey in several ways, which raises the question of how long Chrysler Group can maintain its minivan sales leadership. Stay tuned.
2006 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 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
2 4 5 4.2

Weak 4-cyl feels even more lethargic than our test model's lengthy 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. Transmission sometimes shifts abruptly at low speeds, is otherwise responsive, unobtrusive.
Fuel Economy

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
5 4 5 4.2

Test Grand Caravan SXT averaged 18.6 mpg (test Town & Country with same engine averaged 18.5 mpg). Experience suggests overburdened 3.3 V6 should average 15-17 mpg in Grands. Test SE regular-length with 4-cyl averaged 19.8 mpg. All Caravans use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
6 7 7 5.8

Grands smooth out bumps better than regular-length models, but all Caravans ride comfortably. However, some testers cite suspension harshness over sharp road irregularities, and complain of float on wavy highways.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
4 5 5 4.7

Feels like a large, tall car in turns, and 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 despite slightly mushy pedal feel on some test examples. Stopping performance best on models with 4-wheel disc brakes.
Quietness

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
5 6 6 5.7

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, gruffer than V6s.
Controls

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
7 7 7 6

Gauges unobstructed. Controls multiply with features such as power side doors and liftgate, but all are relatively easy to decipher, close to driver. Interior materials a mix of sensible, durable materials and attractive surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
7 7 7 6.7

Low step-in height, wide doorways. Seats supportive, though taller drivers may wish for more head, 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 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
7 8 7 6.8

Generous head, knee, and foot clearance, but some testers complain that 2nd-row bucket seats are too thinly padded, and 3rd row is uncomfortable for adults. Override feature allows power side doors to be easily closed or opened by hand, which turns out to be a frequently used convenience.
Cargo Room

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
10 10 10 9.9

Regular-length models have tight cargo space with all seats in place. Grand's cleverly designed Stow 'n Go seats fold easily into floorwells to lay flush with load floor. However, mastering the folding process takes some practice and requires moving the front seats well forward. With seats in place, 2nd-row floorwells provide about 12 cu ft of handy, covered storage. And rear floorwell a boon to cargo space. Available power liftgate useful, reverses direction at slightest obstacle.
Value within Class

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
7 9 10 6.3

Dodge Caravan and its fancier Chrysler Town & Country sibling have laudable road manners and take a back seat to no minivan for convenience and utility. Toyota's Sienna and Honda's Odyssey are their only real rivals for all-around appeal. Those competitors have more-refined powertrains, and are newer designs. But Caravan has lower base prices and deeper discounts. Overall, it's a Best Buy.
Total Score

SE 4-cyl Grand SE Grand SXT Class Average
60 67 69 60.3
Scores for all Minivans

Low Score
56
Average Score
60
High Score
71
2006 Dodge Caravan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE regular length 4-door van $18,630 $17,568 $715
SXT regular length 4-door van $22,520 $20,658 $715
Grand SE 4-door van $23,265 $21,841 $730
Grand SXT 4-door van $27,300 $24,967 $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 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, map lights, 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, tachometer, 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 stowable split folding rear seat, rear defogger.
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, trip computer, 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
8-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, 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.
Spring Special Quick Order Group
Grand SXT
$4,380
$3,854
Leather Interior Group plus power sunroof, DVD entertainment system, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer, universal garage door opener, power liftgate. NA w/Premium Group.
Entertainment Group
SXT reg. length
$900
$792
SE
$950
$836
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Includes AM/FM/CD/DVD Audio player. 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 suspension, trailer-wiring harness.
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine
SE reg. length
$970
$859
Safety
Antilock brakes
SXT regular length
$565
$497
Curtain side airbags
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length
$595
$524
SE regular length requires 3.3-liter V6 engine. Grand SE requires Popular Equipment Group. SXT requires power sliding passenger-side door. SXT regular length requires Popular Equipment Group. Regular length NA w/DVD entertainment system.
Tire-pressure monitor
Grand SXT
$70
$62
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Grand SXT
$895
$788
Requires power liftgate.
Navigation system
Grand SXT
$1,430
$1,258
Grand SXT w/Special Edition Group
$875
$770
Includes in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer.
DVD entertainment system
Grand SXT
$1,150
$1,012
Grand SXT w/Premium Group
$990
$871
Requires 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer.
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 Audio changer
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
Wireless cell phone link. NA w/satellite radio.
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.
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
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
Engine-block heater
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SE regular length, SXT regular length
$35
$31
2006 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. 189.3 200.5
Overall Width, in. 78.6 78.6
Overall Height, in. 68.9 68.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3763 4183
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 142.3 160.7
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. 40.8 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.2 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.6 34.7
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 205 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 165 @ 4000 210 @ 4000 240 @ 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 3/36,000 $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
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
Trim Level:  Grand SXT
Arrival Date:  03/30/2006
Engine:  ohv V6
Bodystyle:  4-door van
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $27,100
Price as Tested:  $35,500
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  5799
Mileage at End of Test:  6463
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  35.625 gals.
 

Major Options:  Linen Gold Metallic Pearl Coat Paint. Leather Interior Group (power liftgate, Infinity speakers, leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats, power 8-way driver 6-way passenger seats, manual driver lumbar adjust, A/C w/3 zone automatic temperature control, air filtering, vehicle information center, removable center front seat console, non-locking underseat storage drawer.) Premium Group (power adjustable pedals, ParkSense rear park assist system, security alarm, 3 overhead storage bins, touring suspension.) Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags for all rows, AM/FM Radio w/CD Player and GPS Navigation, 6-Disc CD/DVD Changer required with rear video. SIRIUS Satellite Digital Radio (1 year service provided by SIRIUS), UConnect Hands-Free Communication, Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror, Rear Seat Entertainment Video System, 2nd-Row Overhead 7" Video Screen, Wireless Headphones, Video Remote Control.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  18.64 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta A grand machine. A Grand Caravan with Stow 'n Go is arguably, one of the best all-around vehicles of any type, from any manufacturer, at any price.

Mark Bilek Though Dodge has kept Caravan current with the addition of Stow 'n Go and curtain side airbags and thrown in modern conveniences like satellite radio and rear entertainment I can't help but feel that this minivan is starting to get long in the tooth. The suspension is woeful at times and the engine archaic by today's standards. If Dodge wants to keep Caravan at the top of shoppers lists, a new model better be in the works.

Tom Appel As useful as they are, I think Caravan and Town & Country have gotten pretty old. Great deals can be had on them, bolstering their appeal, but for ride, handling, and interior appointments, I'm thinking Odyssey.

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