2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, always the same
My wife and I are the kind of folks that recoil at the thought of having a minivan parked in the driveway. It’s not the vehicle’s image that turns me off; it’s the absence of any semblance of driving pleasure or style. While some people have created a false necessity out of the minivan, I maintain that you can get by with a small sedan, even if you have two kids. In fact, our young family of four gets by just fine in a Mini Cooper.
Last year, while attending the launch of the Grand Caravan/Town & Country duo, I had the chance to check out the improvements made to this new generation of minivans. However, a road test on our usual routes and in our usual weather was required to evaluate the vehicle properly. So, I spent a little more than a week behind the wheel of a Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, and now I have to give Caesar what he deserves! This vehicle is surprisingly practical! At least, that’s what our family concluded. Now, will that be enough to convince us that we should make the switch to this kind of vehicle? Probably not, but it’s easy to understand why so many people are sold on this vehicle. If versatility, spaciousness and functionality top your list of criteria, consider the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT first.
Still a strong market
Despite a significant decline in sales in the last few years, the minivan market is still sizeable in Canada. And with some manufacturers backing out of this field, Chrysler is getting a wider share of the market. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this manufacturer is still holding on to this segment, especially when you consider the minimal production costs of these two vehicles (the Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country). The platform and components have been paid off for ages already. Plus, in the current economic climate, you can get a good deal if you’re in the market for this kind of vehicle.
Dodge offers this minivan in three versions. The first is the Grand Caravan SE Canadian Value, a more affordable option destined to replace the short wheelbase Caravan that was offered in the past. Then you have the higher-end SE and SXT versions. The main difference between these two is the equipment level, as they share the same six-cylinder 3.3-litre engine that produces 175 hp at 5,000 rt./min. and 205 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rt./min. This engine is offered with a four-speed automatic transmission. If you want a little extra oomph, opt for the Grand Caravan SXT with a six-cylinder 4.0-litre engine that produces 251 hp. The latter comes with an automatic six-speed transmission, which is what gives this model its principal advantage.
On the Chrysler side, the Town & Country remains true to the previous model by positioning itself a little higher. Offered in two models, the Touring and the Limited, the Town & Country boasts a good list of standard equipment, much of which is to ensure passenger safety. It comes with a six-cylinder 4.0-litre engine producing 251 hp and an automatic six-speed transmission. In fact, this is the same engine you’ll find in the Dodge Nitro.
On the outside, the latest generation of the Grand Caravan has been decked out in a new outfit. With more angular lines, you could say that it’s got a look we’re getting used to, even though many people are still saying that they’re less than sold on this appearance, which seems like a flash from the past. I guess that’s proof that you don’t buy this vehicle for love at first sight! It’s less about emotion and more about reason.
Functional and practical!
And speaking of reason, you’ll find most of this vehicle’s practical features inside. The dashboard has been modernized, while the instrumentation has been conferred a more sporty look. And even though the seats have not much lateral support (which can cause the driver to slide around somewhat), they’re still comfortable and facilitate entry. The Grand Caravan grabs our attention above all for its functionalities. To keep the whole family happy, an entertainment system with two screens plays DVDs or connects to your gaming console for rear passengers. Meanwhile, front passengers can enjoy the multimedia MyGig system, which allows you to store your favorite music (including MP3s) and offers excellent sound quality.
In the back, the Stow ‘n Go system lets you fold down the second- and third-row seats, while the Swivel 'n Go system lets you turn the second-row seats around, facilitating conversation and games. You can also set up a table between the seats to play games or work – even while the vehicle is moving. However, you should know that opting for Swivel 'n Go seats means you can’t fold the second-row seats into the floor. Finally, one of the best features is probably the remote operated side and rear doors, which open automatically with the push of a button or with the remote. This is incredibly handy when it comes to getting your kids or groceries into the car when your hands are full.
And what about the road performance? Well, I have to admit that I enjoyed the model I tested. Sure, the optional 4.0-litre engine offers a more dynamic drive, but the steering and suspension have been fine-tuned for better handling overall. While it still doesn’t compare to driving a sport sedan, the compromise is nonetheless far less than it was a few years ago.
Despite all the criticism we could dish on the Grand Caravan, this vehicle has continued to improve over the years and does a more than adequate job doing what it sets out to do. And for those who think they’ve seen it all when it comes to minivans, you should know that there is now a wide range of multifunction vehicles for all tastes.