EDMUNDS.COM 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Pleasant to drive and ride in, the Grand Caravan finally steps up to the plate with fold-flat rear seating, allowing families to get the most out of its expansive interior. Reliability and resale value are still in question, but this Dodge is worth a test-drive if you''re shopping for a minivan.
Pros
Excellent ride and handling characteristics, good low-end pull from 3.8-liter V6, roomy cabin, nifty fold-flat second- and third-row seats.
Cons
Unimpressive reliability history, low resale value, can''t get stability control.
What''s New for 2005
This year the Grand Caravan receives a styling refresh and a new Stow ''n Go seating and storage system with fold-flat second- and third-row seats, as well as a hefty base price reduction.
Overview
Introduction:
Back in 1984, Dodge''s Caravan introduced America to the modern minivan. Within its relatively compact dimensions, it offered seating for up to seven, and with the second- and third-row seats removed, enough cargo space to handle a kid''s move off to college. Still, some folks wanted more space, so late in 1987, Dodge brought out a stretched-wheelbase version dubbed the Grand Caravan. The Grand Caravan has taken heat since its last full redesign (in 2001) for not having a fold-flat third-row seat, a key feature pioneered by the Honda Odyssey and now found on virtually every competitor. Finally this year, Dodge has bowed to the pressure and introduced its new Stow ''n Go seating and storage system. This system enables owners to quickly and easily fold both the second- and third-row seats into the floor. Also, the third-row split bench may be flipped completely rearward to provide tailgate seating. This new level of flexibility should allow owners to get the most out of what was already the most expansive interior in the minivan segment. Along with the flexibility comes a significant price cut (an average of $3,000 per model) intended to put the Dodge more in line with the value-packed Odyssey. The Grand Caravan has always impressed us with its peppy performance and carlike ride and handling qualities. Along with its Town & Country sibling, it has been Chrysler''s biggest success story of the last two decades and has always been at or near the top on the segment''s sales charts. But these corporate darlings haven''t been without their problems, having been plagued with build quality and mechanical woes as recently as the mid-1990s. Quality has improved greatly in the last five years (making the purchase of a Grand Caravan a less risky proposition than in years past), but these vans still tend to have more repair issues than import rivals. Apart from the new seating system, Dodge''s long-wheelbase minivan has many charms, among them a comfortable interior, good looks and an available power liftgate. Depending on what trim level and options are selected, driver and passengers can be ensconced in soft, gathered-leather seats while triple-zone climate controls keep everyone comfortably cool or warm. Yet in spite of the Grand Caravan''s strengths, Honda''s Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna offer something else that Dodge won''t be able to simply bolt in: a long-standing reputation for exemplary reliability and build quality. Still, we don''t feel sorry for Dodge, as plenty of folks will be won over by its combination of agile handling, comfy ride, spacious interior, stylish looks and iconic presence in the minivan segment.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Grand Caravan is available in three main trim levels -- SE, SE Plus and high-line SXT (there''s also a cargo van version, the CV, that offers options for configuring a Grand Caravan as a work vehicle). The SE comes with 15-inch steel wheels, antilock brakes, a second-row bench seat (for two passengers), a single-piece third-row bench, dual manual-sliding doors, cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. The SE Plus adds the Stow ''n Go fold-flat seating feature, keyless entry, and power windows, mirrors and locks. The top-level SXT features dual power-sliding doors, traction control, a rear heating and air conditioning system, power driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels and a 3.8-liter V6 engine. A variety of options are available on all Grand Caravans, including automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an Infinity sound system and a rear DVD entertainment system.
Powertrains and Performance:
A 180-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 powers SE and SE Plus models. The SXT includes the more powerful 215-hp, 3.8-liter V6. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models. A Grand Caravan with the 3.8-liter V6 is a sprightly performer, with crisp response down low and through the midrange. Towing capacity maxes out at 3,800 pounds with the optional towing package.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are standard across the line, and the SXT includes traction control. Stability control is not available. Side curtain airbags (with coverage for all three rows) are optional across the line. All Grand Caravans include a new driver''s knee airbag. In government crash testing, the Grand Caravan posted four (out of five) stars for frontal impact protection and a perfect five stars for side-impact protection. Frontal offset crash testing produced an overall "Acceptable" rating (the second highest on a scale of four).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The star of the show is definitely the Stow ''n Go fold-flat seating and storage system, but the cabin also sports a number of other neat optional features, such as a movable center console equipped with power points and a power rear liftgate. The seats are generally comfortable, and drivers will find most controls within easy reach. Grand Caravans have 26 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the 60/40-split third-row seat, and a maximum of 168 cubes with all second- and third-row seats folded into the floor.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Grand Caravan''s most endearing qualities continue to be its agile handling and supple ride characteristics. We suspect that these vans will surprise and win over a lot of folks who expect the minivan driving experience to be an exercise in lethargic vehicle dynamics. The 3.3-liter V6 engine provides adequate acceleration, but larger families and those who tow a trailer will prefer the added power of the 3.8-liter V6.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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