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2007 Dodge Caravan Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
2007 Dodge Caravan Review
America's best-selling minivan is built from the same design as Chrysler's Town & Country. Caravan is unchanged for 2007 and 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 170-hp 3.3-liter V6. Regular-length SXT and Grand SE come with the 170-hp V6. Grand SXT has a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Traction control is standard on Grand SXT, unavailable otherwise. No antiskid system is offered. ABS is standard on Grands, optional on regular-length SXTs. A driver knee airbag is standard on all Caravans. Curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are optional. 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, integrated child seats, and wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as a 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 Buy is the Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Entourage and Nissan Quest.
News
Chrysler Group minivans go bold and boxy with an expected 2008 makeover. Sources say Caravans draw on the burly look of Dodge's Charger/Magnum, while Chrysler will give its Town & Countrys some 300 sedan visuals. All models will offer roll-down rear-door windows for the first time, plus restyled Stow 'n Go interiors. This updating may enlarge some dimensions, but probably not too much, as the basic platform is reportedly unchanged. That, in turn, suggests engines could be carryover too, though perhaps mated to a new 5- or 6-speed automatic transmission. Short- and long-body models will continue.
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2007 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 4.8

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
Scores for all Minivans

Low Score
56
Average Score
61
High Score
71
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2007 Dodge Caravan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/22/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE regular length 4-door van $19,055 $17,955 $715
SXT regular length 4-door van $22,995 $21,081 $715
Grand SE 4-door van $23,690 $22,228 $730
Grand SXT 4-door van $27,775 $25,390 $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, cupholders, 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, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, 2nd-row bucket seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, tachometer, rear defogger, 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, 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, 3rd-row split folding seat, overhead console, trip computer, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, additional interior lighting, roof rack.
Quick Order Pkg. 28L
Grand SE
$1,090
$959
Heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Popular Equipment Group II
Grand SE
$1,295
$1,140
Tri-zone manual climate controls, rear air conditioning and heater, tachometer, deluxe insulation group, rear privacy glass. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 28L.
Spring Special Quick Order Pkg. 29P
Grand SXT
$3,580
$3,150
Tri-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, DVD entertainment system, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer, vehicle information center, trip computer, universal garage door opener, removable center console, power liftgate, floormats.
Leather Interior Group
Grand SXT
$2,995
$2,636
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, power liftgate.
Premium Group
Grand SXT
$1,795
$1,580
Grand SXT w/ Spring Special Pkg. 29S
$1,020
$898
Rear-obstacle-detection system, 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, alarm, touring suspension.
Entertainment Group
SXT reg. length
$900
$792
SE
$950
$836
DVD entertainment system. Includes AM/FM/CD/DVD 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
Flex-fuel 3.3-liter V6 engine
SE reg. length
$970
$854
Grand SE
$0
$0
Non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.
Safety
Antilock brakes
SXT regular length
$565
$497
Curtain side airbags
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length
$595
$524
Grand SXT w/ Pkg. 29P (credit)
$-10
$-9
Grand SE requires Popular Equipment Group or tri-zone manual climate controls. Regular-length SXT requires power sliding passenger-side rear door when ordered w/Popular Equipment Group. Grand SXT requires power liftgate release. 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
$1,495
$1,316
Includes in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer.
DVD entertainment system
Grand SXT
$1,395
$1,228
Grand SXT w/Premium Group
$1,185
$1,043
Includes satellite radio. Requires 6-disc CD/DVD changer or navigation system.
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
Grand SE
$300
$264
Grand SXT w/Spring Special Pkg. 29S (credit)
$-965
$-1,316
6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer
Grand SXT
$555
$488
Satellite radio
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length
$195
$172
UConnect
SXT
$360
$317
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror. NA w/satellite radio.
Tri-zone manual climate controls
Grand SE
$705
$620
Includes rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls.
Power-adjustable pedals
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length
$195
$172
CYC 7-passenger seating
Grand SE
$795
$700
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
$180
$158
Quad bucket seats w/integrated child seat, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding bench seat.
CYR 7-passenger seating
SE regular length
$245
$216
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
$295
$260
Front bucket seats, 2nd-row 2-passenger bench seat w/dual integrated child seats, 3rd-row 3-passenger split folding bench seat.
Rear defogger
SE regular length
$195
$172
Remote keyless entry
SE
$300
$264
Includes automatic-off headlights, theft-deterrent system. 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
Floormats
Grand SE, Grand SXT, SE regular length, SXT regular length
$30
$26
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
SE
$250
$220
Rear privacy glass
SE
$450
$396
Regular length requires rear defogger. Grand requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 28L.
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
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2007 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 @ 5100 170 @ 5000 200 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 165 @ 4000 200 @ 4000 235 @ 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 4 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 None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
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
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