2007 Dodge Caravan: Road Test
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2007 Dodge Caravan ▼
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- MSRP: $19,055 -$27,775
- Invoice: $17,955 -$25,390
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Our road test for the 2007 Dodge Caravan includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Dodge Caravan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Dodge Caravan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Dodge Caravan help you decide if a 2007 Dodge Caravan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE 4-cyl | Grand SE | Grand SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 4.8 |
The 3.3-liter V6 provides adequate power in regular-length Caravan and Town & Country, but feels overmatched for anything but light-duty work in Grand Caravan, extended-length T&C. Smooth, strong 3.8 provides plenty of muscle for most any need. The 4-cyl available in Caravan feels even more lethargic than our test model's 11.3-sec 0-60-mph time suggests. With any engine, 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 | 4.1 |
With 3.8 V6, test Grand Caravan SXT, Town & Country averaged 18.5-18.6 mpg. Experience suggests overburdened 3.3 V6 should average 15-17 mpg. Test Caravan SE regular length with 4-cyl averaged 19.8 mpg. All Caravans, Town & Countrys use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE 4-cyl | Grand SE | Grand SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Grand Caravan, extended-length Town & Country smooth out bumps better than regular-length models, but all these minivans ride comfortably. Some testers, however, 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 |
Any version 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 | 5.9 |
Little discernible difference between comparable Caravan, Town & Country models. 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. Caravan 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 | 6.2 |
Caravan, Town & Country share basic dashboard, control layout. Gauges unobstructed. Controls multiply with features such as power side doors and liftgate, but all are relatively easy to decipher, close to driver. Dodge or Chrysler, interior a mix of sensible, durable materials and attractive surfaces. Decor ranges from plain cloth to supple leather, with Town & Country Limited packing wide array of standard amenities that are optional on Grand Caravan.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE 4-cyl | Grand SE | Grand SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
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 | 6.9 |
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. Both Caravan and Town & Country have an override feature that 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 | 10 |
Caravan, regular-length Town & Country have tight cargo space with all seats in place. Cleverly designed Stow 'n Go seats in Grand Caravan and extended-length Town & Country 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 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 top rivals for all-around appeal. Those competitors have more-refined powertrains and are newer designs. Caravan, however, has lower base prices, and like Town & Country, carries deeper discounts. Both are Recommended picks.
Total Score
| SE 4-cyl | Grand SE | Grand SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 66 | 67 | 61.8 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Minivans
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