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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Full Review
Date Published: 5/03/08
Also in the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Review:
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Dodge Grand Caravan Full Review
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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should see no major changes following its 2008 redesign. Grand Caravan is built from the same design as Chrysler's Town & Country. It is offered in a single-length Grand Caravan model in SE and SXT trim levels. Grand Caravans are powered by one of three V6 engines. SE models have a 175-hp 3.3-liter. SXTs use a 197-hp 3.8. Optional on SXT is a 251-hp 4.0 V6. The 3.3 teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8 and 4.0 engines use a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. All Caravans seat up to seven. Standard is a 60/40 split 3rd-row bench seat that folds into the floor. A power folding 3rd-row seat is available. The 2nd-row is available as a removable bench with integrated child seats or with bucket seats. The buckets can fold as part of Dodge's Stow 'n Go system. With the seats raised, the floorwells provide storage space. Also available is Dodge's Swivel 'n Go that allows the 2nd-row buckets to turn 180 degrees and face backward. This seating arrangement includes a removable table that mounts between the 2nd and 3rd rows. The swiveling seats can be removed, but not folded into the cargo floor. Other available features include a navigation system, 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files, and dual-screen DVD entertainment. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.
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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (4.0 V6) | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | Interior materials |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Both the 3.8-and 4.0-liter engines offer sufficient power for around town driving, with the 4.0 providing much-needed extra boost for merging and highway passing. With both these V6s, the transmission is quick to shift as needed, but can change gears harshly at low speed. Consumer Guide has not yet tested the 3.3-liter V6, but we predict that it will be overwhelmed by the Caravan's approximately 4500-pound curb weight.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Both the 3.8-and 4.0-liter engines offer sufficient power for around town driving, with the 4.0 providing much-needed extra boost for merging and highway passing. With both these V6s, the transmission is quick to shift as needed, but can change gears harshly at low speed. Consumer Guide has not yet tested the 3.3-liter V6, but we predict that it will be overwhelmed by the Caravan's approximately 4500-pound curb weight.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Town & Country and Grand Caravan models with the 3.8-liter V6 averaged 16.1-17.8 mpg in city/highway driving. Other models averaged 20.8-21.7 mpg with more highway use. The 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines use regular-grade gas. Dodge recommends mid-grade 89-octane gas for the 4.0-liter V6.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Town & Country and Grand Caravan models with the 3.8-liter V6 averaged 16.1-17.8 mpg in city/highway driving. Other models averaged 20.8-21.7 mpg with more highway use. The 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines use regular-grade gas. Dodge recommends mid-grade 89-octane gas for the 4.0-liter V6.
Ride Quality
Impressive road isolation, with even large bumps taken with poise. Caravans with the 4.0-liter V6 include a sport suspension that is not available on other Caravan or Town & Country models. With the sport suspension, impacts are more readily felt and some body quiver is noticeable over broken surfaces.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
Impressive road isolation, with even large bumps taken with poise. Caravans with the 4.0-liter V6 include a sport suspension that is not available on other Caravan or Town & Country models. With the sport suspension, impacts are more readily felt and some body quiver is noticeable over broken surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Despite their overall size, these big vans are little more difficult to drive than a midsize sedan. Impressively tight turning radius a boon to tight quarters maneuverability. Body lean in corners is fairly pronounced, though 4.0-liter models feel less tippy thanks to the sport suspension.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5.3 |
Despite their overall size, these big vans are little more difficult to drive than a midsize sedan. Impressively tight turning radius a boon to tight quarters maneuverability. Body lean in corners is fairly pronounced, though 4.0-liter models feel less tippy thanks to the sport suspension.
Quietness
Grand Caravan and Town & Country are possibly the quietest minivans. Wind noise is impressively muted, with road noise only an issue on 4.0-liter models--due in part to their standard sport suspension. The engines are generally quiet, though noise can intrude during acceleration, with the 4.0-liter V6 sounding especially coarse.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
Grand Caravan and Town & Country are possibly the quietest minivans. Wind noise is impressively muted, with road noise only an issue on 4.0-liter models--due in part to their standard sport suspension. The engines are generally quiet, though noise can intrude during acceleration, with the 4.0-liter V6 sounding especially coarse.
Controls
Large dials and gauges are simple to locate and easy to read. Most controls are plainly marked and work as expected, though audio controls suffer undue complication on models with navigation system or Chrysler's MyGIG media management system. Some testers also found climate controls mounted too low for quick adjustment. For 2008, Dodge moves the shifter to the dashboard, an apparent novelty that quickly becomes second nature to use.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
Large dials and gauges are simple to locate and easy to read. Most controls are plainly marked and work as expected, though audio controls suffer undue complication on models with navigation system or Chrysler's MyGIG media management system. Some testers also found climate controls mounted too low for quick adjustment. For 2008, Dodge moves the shifter to the dashboard, an apparent novelty that quickly becomes second nature to use.
Details
Interior assembly is mostly top notch. Hard plastic surfaces and low-grade materials dominate the cabin and disappoint at these prices. One test Caravan suffered from several minor interior rattles.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Interior assembly is mostly top notch. Hard plastic surfaces and low-grade materials dominate the cabin and disappoint at these prices. One test Caravan suffered from several minor interior rattles.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Wide, comfortable chairs contribute to long-haul comfort--though it's disappointing that a telescopic steering wheel is not offered. Dodge widened the upper portion of Caravan's cabin for 2008, and the interior has a roomier, more airy feel as a result. Visibility is very good in all directions, though rear view is seriously compromised when both screens of the dual DVD entertainment system are in use.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Wide, comfortable chairs contribute to long-haul comfort--though it's disappointing that a telescopic steering wheel is not offered. Dodge widened the upper portion of Caravan's cabin for 2008, and the interior has a roomier, more airy feel as a result. Visibility is very good in all directions, though rear view is seriously compromised when both screens of the dual DVD entertainment system are in use.
Room/Comfort (rear)
No opportunity to test model without Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go seating. On models with optional seating, 2nd-row passengers enjoy roomy, supportive buckets, though larger Swivel 'n Go seats offer more comfort and back support than Stow 'n Go units. The 3rd-row bench is plenty roomy for two passengers, but three-abreast seating is cramped for adults. Novel Swivel 'n Go seats work as advertised, allowing easy interaction between 2nd and 3rd-row riders. Available table a great idea, but it's fairly small, and difficult for 3rd-row passengers to reach once buckled.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
No opportunity to test model without Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go seating. On models with optional seating, 2nd-row passengers enjoy roomy, supportive buckets, though larger Swivel 'n Go seats offer more comfort and back support than Stow 'n Go units. The 3rd-row bench is plenty roomy for two passengers, but three-abreast seating is cramped for adults. Novel Swivel 'n Go seats work as advertised, allowing easy interaction between 2nd and 3rd-row riders. Available table a great idea, but it's fairly small, and difficult for 3rd-row passengers to reach once buckled.
Cargo Room
Vast space available, though different seating configurations offer varying challenges to accessing that volume. Stow 'n Go second-row seating disappears into van floor as advertised, but process of folding the seat into the floor is more complicated and clumsy than it should be--though it is a welcome convenience not offered on rival minivans. Ditto Swivel 'n Go seats, which rotate easily enough but are complicated to remove and extremely heavy. Available power-folding 3rd-row a marvel of convenience, however. Seat folds flat into floor or rolls to face rearward providing comfortable tailgate seating. Note the rear-facing seating position is not intended for use while van is in motion.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 |
Vast space available, though different seating configurations offer varying challenges to accessing that volume. Stow 'n Go second-row seating disappears into van floor as advertised, but process of folding the seat into the floor is more complicated and clumsy than it should be--though it is a welcome convenience not offered on rival minivans. Ditto Swivel 'n Go seats, which rotate easily enough but are complicated to remove and extremely heavy. Available power-folding 3rd-row a marvel of convenience, however. Seat folds flat into floor or rolls to face rearward providing comfortable tailgate seating. Note the rear-facing seating position is not intended for use while van is in motion.
Value within Class
With 4-cylinder and short-wheelbase models gone, Dodge focuses its attention on the heart of the minivan market, families with a need for space and a desire for comfort. Along with Town & Country from sister division Chrysler, these new vans hit the 2008 Best Buy bull's eye. While the Honda Odyssey may be sportier, and the interior of the Toyota Sienna more refined, neither matches the T&C's and Caravan's blend of room, functionality, and dollar value.
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 8 | 9 | 8.5 |
With 4-cylinder and short-wheelbase models gone, Dodge focuses its attention on the heart of the minivan market, families with a need for space and a desire for comfort. Along with Town & Country from sister division Chrysler, these new vans hit the 2008 Best Buy bull's eye. While the Honda Odyssey may be sportier, and the interior of the Toyota Sienna more refined, neither matches the T&C's and Caravan's blend of room, functionality, and dollar value.
Total Score
| SXT, 3.8 V6 | SXT, 4.0 V6 | Class Average |
| 75 | 77 | 77.1 |
Scores for all Minivans
| Low Score | 75 | |
| Average Score | 77 | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Caravan 4-door van |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 202.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4321 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 144.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | ohv V6 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.3 /202 | 3.8 /231 | 4.0 /241 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 175 @ 5000 | 197 @ 5200 | 251 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 205 @ 4000 | 230 @ 4000 | 259 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 4-speed automatic | 17/24 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 16/23 | 16/23 |
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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dodge Grand Caravan Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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